With the departure of my co-worker to greener pastures, I have been saddled with some duties and paperwork. This isn't all bad, I like new stuff and projects! However, since I work in a library with no off-desk time, getting this stuff done has been a huge problem for me in the last few weeks. (It also didn't help that Holly made it look easy!) Throw into the mix training a new person, jury service that never ended (or so it seemed!) and my extra job at a small college, I was a ticking time bomb of stress! (The dam broke when someone asked me what was wrong and I ended up answering this question in great detail for over an hour! Pro tip: don't ask a question if you don't want the answer!)
Now that jury service has concluded and I am more sane (a couple of days off helped!) I had a few revelations about change and time management.
Assume a worst case scenario for planning purposes. My mistake was in assuming I wouldn't actually go into a trial (court said 80% are settled and I probably wouldn't have to serve) and wouldn't need any help. WRONG!
Detail work needs uninterrupted time, especially if you are new at this task! Find time where no phones or people bother you so you can learn a task. Stick to the task you are learning-- not other chores that have been bugging you!
Never ever underestimate the impact of even minor changes in schedules or staffing to your sanity and routine! Holly's departure dramatically changed my schedule and my work routine! I underestimated that even changes that we have prepared and planned can throw us a curve. I couldn't just go on autopilot in many situations.
Embrace folders, sticky notes, calendars and chocolate. Take breaks and remember to breathe!
The point is this: Even though to the outside world nothing is really different and you are at the same job, things in fact ARE different. Treat as such. Allow extra time in your schedule. Say NO to "extras" until you get a routine down pat. (This is for my friends that always volunteer to bake something, make phone calls or organize a school function!)
Regardless of managers, directors and the like, I know that my priority is customer service and if I can keep my head on that fact, I should be fine.
Mary
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