I've taken some time to reflect on the last year. It's been a year since I joined Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. It was with some trepidation that I left an organisation that I had worked for, for 17 years. I worked across different services and had worked my way up through the organisation. However, the opportunity was right for me and at the right time. The first six months were difficult, acclimatising to new working practices, integrating into a new team and a whole new environment. In the following six months, I began to find my feet and take the lead on aspects of projects. I have been supported by colleagues and managers. I have received praise and thanks from Senior Management and CEO something I had never received in the previous organisation. I feel that you get so ingrained in an organisation, that it is only when you step away you realise that things weren't all good. Did I make the right choice, for me 'Yes', Would I go back 'No' on two fronts, it's not a healthy environment, we have to move forward not back. Would I change anything 'Yes' I should have moved on earlier. Why didn't I, I knew a lot of people in different services, I knew who to speak about different aspects oy my role, I had developed good working relationships across the organisation. I tried to ensure that taxpayers money was well spent (wisely and cost effectively). I was happy to challenge the process to get best value for money. In essence I felt 'important' with a small I. That was what held me back from leaving. As outlined it's time to reflect. I don't know as much, I don't as many people across the new company, I don't have the financial responsibility. However working for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board I don't feel less 'important' (this was personal value, and something I had completely wrong). I feel valued and that is the big difference and something I should have focussed on. Looking ahead, my aim - to continue to grow personally, to work with as many people as possible to enable me to learn (and grow). To continue to reflect on what is important to me and why (challenge those thoughts/values).
Helen Britton
8mo
It's great working with you Jason !!
good reflection. It is really hard to join a new company and the learning curve is slow and steep but it makes it so much smoother if the culture/people are right. It is great to enjoy the spoils of what you built but its even more rewarding for some to build and build again. As someone who did a recent career U-turn, Thankyou for sharing!