Almost Official

Well, it finally happened. Governor Schwarzenegger has ordered an immediate hiring freeze. Can't say I'm surprised. With the economy in its current state, it was inevitable. How does this affect me? Well, I am a state worker. In California. But besides that, I have accepted a position with another local law enforcement state agency . Contingent upon that offer was a full scale background investigation. My investigation is completed (yes, I believe I passed!), however I am still waiting for 'the powers that be' to approve my recommendation. I'm fairly certain the freeze won't effect my new employment since I'm so far into the process (going on three months). But you just never know.

While I am not too worried, the thought of remaining in my current position much longer might drive me to the brink of insanity. It's not that I hate my job. I don't. The people are great, the hours are good, the content is interesting. I'm just BURNED OUT. And three years in this job is about the norm for people in my line of work.

I'm looking forward to travelling a new career path. And I think I have finally found the path I'm most passionate about. I feel like I have spent years searching for my 'niche.' For a long time, I thought it was the corporate arena and while I was in the middle of it, I enjoyed it thoroughly. However, it wasn't meant to be.

State civil service has been interesting, and the polar opposite of Corporate America. The shift in mentality was immediately apparent. State workers are stereotyped for a reason. No late hours, no overtime, no working even a minute past your scheduled shift end. I found it incredible that 'mediocre effort' was not only acceptable, but encouraged.

My new path, while still in state service, will put me in a brand new world. The work, while highly confidential, will hopefully be the most rewarding journey to date.