Value of Time

Even though I had said earlier that my 30th birthday seemed to have come and gone without much impact, I'm starting to think of the value of time with slightly more seriousness.

Previously, given my current transfer situation, I knew I was committed to working in the company for another year, and after that, it's not much of a stretch to be around for two more years to hit my 10 year mark and enjoy the fruits of my labours. But suddenly I'm thinking that there could be other options and those extra two years seems like a long commitment.

Now don't get me wrong, I think the company is great, and the people there are wonderful, the question nowadays is "where next"? Staying a bit longer, there should be a managerial spot for me. Is this what I want? Can I see myself being the nurturing type for my minion employees? I think I've said before that my strengths seem to be on focusing on a deliverable and hitting the target ie project management. Trouble is, will there be many more interesting projects to deliver in the next few years, with the financial climate as it is?

Perhaps extra schooling might be the answer? Funny thing is the first question they ask on those MBA forms is "what position do you seek after graduation?", and I'm already stuck! I need more thoughts on the matter...

Deep

"Fountainhead" by Ayn Rand is about celebrating what the author sees as the epitomy of man, a person who is "utterly selfish" and selfish in that every motive is internally driven.
Rand slams the concept of selflessness, claiming that if selflessness (or the sacrifice of oneself for others) was the best virtue, then we would necessarily need another's suffering to heighten our sense of selflessness. If everyone was selfish, everyone would be able to treat each other as equals, as two parties in a trade.

Of the characters, there is on by the name of Peter Keating. Peter is shown to be someone who finds their values based on the judgements of others and who does not have the ability to make it on his own, relying on another's skill to make him famous. He reflects other people's opinions and concepts, to a point where he has none of his own.

Disturbingly, or perhaps with clarity, I feel that I have a lot in common with Peter Keating. I think I am easily persuaded of an idea, and whilst I don't take on other people's ideas as my own, I would reflect their thoughts.
I remember a phrase that a project manager is a "conduit of other people's dreams" and I may have taken that to an extreme level (which may be why I am good at PM'ing!).

I did one of those personality analysis tests and from the strengths they listed I see myself as someone who tries to bring in others to the group and "win them over". The fact that I tried so hard to please would logically not make me as forthright in my own judgement and opinions.
However, there is a fear in me that I may look inside one day and come to the realisation that there isn't much underneath the surface...

So is this what the word "shallow" means? Do opinions make the man? Or is it something else that makes a person "deep"?

Should I balance myself out and start sprouting some more opinions? Or should I focus on my strengths and realise that this is who I am, and find what is best for me? Or maybe I should just think things through and whilst I don't have to sprout the opinion, know in my heart what I feel?

Yay for Go-Live!

I like when projects go-live.
There is a certain satisfaction to be had when all the hard work comes together and a product is rolled out to the users.

Of course there are issues, I don't think any project goes to the users without something that someone would complain about. However, as long as the issues are not too many, or too severe, I would consider it a success. The comms out to the business was terrible (side note: I really do think that people in the business do not understand change management) but the usability of the system was enough that most people were up and away.
Funniest part: an email from one of the business units that said "Tomorrow is the dawning of a new era in internal communications" when in fact the system was already live today.

There is some really bad statistic that says that 40% (or is it even more?) of ICT projects don't see the light of day. So I have to make sure that the team celebrates. Think I might have to buy some thank you items!

Let's kick back, relax for a bit and savour the moment.