Uprooted: A chance to grow on new soil

This morning we had a section assembly to formally announce the new Table of Organization for our group, particularly for our section. It was by no means an extraordinary affair, but was a big event for me. You see, part of the change is my transfer to another section.

There have been hints and rumors going around for quite some time that there would be a reshuffling of engineers from different sections, just like with the operators’ multi-skilling in different processes. I had an idea that I might get cross-trained to another process, and though the thought made me uneasy, there was no confirmation just yet so I was not really affected. But when the managers called a meeting last week to announce that there would indeed be changes–and that I was not just being cross-trained but transferred to another section–it was like the rug under my feet was suddenly pulled away leaving my stunned on my backside.

The turnover this morning just cemented my fate. And when my turn for speaking up came, (to my utter horror, mortification and total humiliation) I started crying. Yes, it hurt. Truth was, I felt like a happy and healthy plant being uprooted from my home soil. The rapport and camaraderie I share with my people are things which I truly treasure at work, sometimes the only things that keep me going when stress, boredom, pressure, politics and other what-have-you make me want to just up and quit the whole she-bang. Even though I would just be at the next building, I know things would not be the same. And so the tears flowed out of their own accord, despite my best efforts to reign them in.

But enough of the angst. Despite the initial loneliness, I know that this change is a chance for me to improve myself too. I would be learning new (and some not-so-new) stuff and getting to really know people I used to just exchange brief greetings and jokes with. Hopefully the change of environment would awaken my sleeping sense of wonderment at the intricacies of my work. Hopefully it would make me a better person too.

It is high time I finally apply one of my most favorite song lyrics ever: “Whatever tomorrow brings, I’ll be there with open arms and open eyes, yeah..”