Monday, June 07, 2004

Another Day in Paradise

For those of you who may not know, I have what could be argued as the lamest job on the face of the earth. I work for my friendly neighborhood electric utility. I’d rather not name names, but I’m sure if you google electric company new haven, ct and look at the second result, you may be able to figure it out.

Anyways… I’ve been here about two and a half years and it’s a DEAD END. I can honestly say that I’ve never been so held back professionally in my life. This place is your typical utility monopoly. There is a glass ceiling for us women and just forget it if you're young (and in my case, look way younger than your age). Most people here have been employed for at least 15 or 20 years. I went to a breakfast for someone who just reached her 35 year anniversary, and she’s nowhere near retiring! I’m pretty sure that she makes less than I do. I can’t even wrap my mind around that concept. That would mean she started at practically minimum wage. Was the law mandating minimum wage even in effect then?

Okay… Catching my breath. I came here to work on a cool technology project. We were installing SAP’s Customer Information System (CIS). Basically it’s the big database that houses all information for customers, meters, you name it, as well as the front end that allows the phone reps to pull your account information up when you call in to say your lights are out. What a bear of the project, and I learned a lot. The cool thing is that I was involved on the Project Management team and got to attend meetings at all levels and have the inside scoop on most things. The not-so-cool thing is that I was allowed to do that because I was there as their SCRIBE!! Luckily, I didn’t totally snap because I also managed the $25 million budget, which took a little doing.

Now I come from a background where I have run smaller projects and managed teams of my own. I’ve even been referred to as a really good leader. These people just plain refuse to see it. They look at me, assume I’m 21 and shoo me off to a meeting to take notes. I wonder if anyone ever makes the connection between my salary (or maybe even my resume??) and the work that they’re making me do.

About Me

I'm completely adventurous, passionate and neurotic...I have been accused of preferring the company of animals to people...I am a newlywed, married to the most wonderful boy in the world who loves me for who I am...I'm adjusting to my new last name...I cannot take a compliment very well...I worry, and I'm good at it...I love the way snow packs down under your feet when you step on it...

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