4/03/2017

i'm moving!

This is the week I move! I decided to take the townhouse, mainly because it ended up being the only choice. Luckily, it is walkable to downtown and I really like the location.

 For fun, here are the pros and cons:

Pros
  1. It is walkable to downtown! And to a park and all kinds of restaurants and a river path, etc. 
  2. Has two bedrooms that have pretty nice views. 
  3. Has a back patio, that while not big, has a dirt strip in the back which is key for livability with a dog. The original unit I looked at didn't have this, so I'm so glad I didn't end up taking out one.
  4. Has nice countertops, a dishwasher and garbage disposal. Again, the kitchen is small, but it will work for me.
  5. Has a washer and dryer in an enclosed structure on the back patio. 
  6. This unit is second from the end, so it's close to the pretty, well landscaped street the complex is located on. 
Cons
  1. Bathroom is OK but not quite as nice as I would like or as nice as one of the other units I viewed. 
  2. Not much storage space. For now I may use storage shelving on the patio, and eventually I may get an enclosed storage unit. I could pay $200 for a garage eventually, as well, but am definitely not going to do that right now. I can't help but think of the two small houses I looked at that had backyards and garages for the amount of money I would pay if I added the garage payment to this unit. Not equitable! 
  3. It's not particularly special or unique – a pretty standard townhouse  
  4. The living room window looks out onto the driveway/parking area of the complex, though as mentioned it's also near the end and I can see the street and some nice trees as well.
In other news, I had my first review at the nonprofit, and I admit it hurt my feelings. I think I've shared that I struggle with reviews in general. This review was more personal than any I've had in the past, however, in the sense that I feel like I'm friends with my supervisor. I care what she thinks and in many ways have worked to make her happy in ways that feel go above and beyond at times. I have generally felt comfortable and accepted working there, and like we're part of a family in many ways. 

As an example of going the extra mile, the last couple months, after I got my other job, it's been tough to come there two days a week after a full day at the college. But I continued doing that because I know she preferred that, and I wanted to stay connected and do right by the nonprofit. I work hard there, and while it's not a perfect fit, I feel I am overqualified for the job and excel at the main tasks, i.e. serving the clients and assuring they get the resources they need and are brought into our programs in a timely way.  

So in a long list of 1-4 ratings on various aspects of the job, getting mostly threes, some twos, and ONE four felt surprising and painful. I've tried to justify it in the sense that she is a hard grader, which she basically admitted. In talking some of the ratings through with her, the way she was interpreting things was in some cases inaccurate (e.g. she took resourceful to mean what brain injury resources I know on my own, versus the resourcefulness to find the information I need) and often based on where she was thinking I could grow, versus actual performance. She foresees a lot of growth in my future. LOL.  

The thing is, this job, as mentioned, does not pay well, and I'm overqualified. I really do work my butt off trying to serve the clients well and in a timely way.  I don't feel adequately appreciated or recognized for this, after this review.  And honestly, it makes me feel just a little less loyal and I think it will make it easier to quit in the near future when I get a placement. 

6 comments:

  1. That's great about the new place! It sounds like the pros outweigh the cons. I hope it works well for you.

    So sorry about the disappointing review. I would feel upset with it, too, if I were in your shoes. :(

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    1. Thanks, Jen! Yes, we talked it through and I feel a bit better, but it was disappointing.

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  2. Congrats on your new home!!! You'll add your own special touches in no time! I'm sorry about the non-profit job review, did you talk to her about your point of view? I hate performance reviews personally. If someone has an issue with my work they should tell me at the time and either coach me or listen to why I'm working the way I am. I just prefer to handle things as they come up, not all at once at the end of the year or mid year... I know I'm weird.

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    1. I don't think you're weird – I think that would be a lot better. I did talk to her further and feel a bit better. Thanks for the good wishes on the house; this is the big weekend! :-)

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  3. Congrats on the move. The townhouse sounds nice and with 2 bedrooms will be great for the adoption. Sorry about the review :-(

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    1. Thanks, Sunflower! I talked a bit more with my supervisor and feel a little better about it, though it was definitely disappointing.

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