As many of you know, my family is getting bigger as we welcome a new addition to our family. This little one (called Little Bean for now) is arriving on Feb 27th. There is a lot of prep work and getting things in order and the parental leave is coming up…from Feb 11th to April 16th. I am going to be away for two months and there is a replacement, Rosanne Ng, coming in to fill my place.
This is going to be more difficult than I thought. I have worked in this student engagement role for almost 8 years with a great team of staff, faculty, alumni and of course students. I have poured much into this position and engaged with many students/alumni. By taking this position on, it was never about having a career in student engagement, but rather finding my calling…to share my experiences and stories with as many young people as possible so they have a solid base to work from. This is part of my life but there is a very important need for me to step back and let Rosanne do the job that she is required to do. On the one hand, passion is wanting to keep me in the game and wanting to step in but the reality is, I need to step aside so capable people are able to carry on the work. The realization I need to consider is that I am not bigger than the position and that the best thing for me is to step back. That is where the crux of the issue is…stepping back. I know things will be fine and by me walking away, the business school, Rosanne and the programs will all carry forward and be fine. You sometimes think that you are the program and that is not the right way to look at it. I have spent 8 amazing and glorious years getting to work with dynamic and engaged people…I see greatness every day!
I now need to step back and look at it for the program that it is and appreciate the work that has gone in. I know this will not be easy because I know me…I like to roll up my sleeves and dive in to do work. I need to be reminded that I have to stay at home for two months and be the family and father role. If someone asks me what one of my weakness are…this is one of them folks…I care too much. Now that is a good thing for sure because then you know you get all of me; however, there is the balance that is required and will be followed. This whole experience has been an ‘eye’ opener to say the least…I need an intervention ?