Today I had my annual review. It didn't mean much, since I haven't worked here a year yet... but it's a formality, and everyone around here is reviewed in April, whether they have worked here 5 years or 2 days. If you've ever worked with the government, you will understand what this means. Anyway, the one negative thing they said about me at my review is that I have a "tendency to overcommit" myself. As if I didn't already know that! On the one hand, I'm flattered that they have gotten to know me so well that they know my biggest and most annoying personal flaw. It's nice to have coworkers and bosses who not only notice my existence, but pay enough attention to really get to know me as a person through this experience. On the other hand, I'm a little frustrated that I have been aware of my overcommitment problem practically my entire adult life, and still haven't really gotten a handle on it. I guess part of the way I was raised is that if something needs to be done, I should take responsibility for it and see it through. I don't like to see tasks sitting on the table, with no one willing to take the initiative. It makes me uncomfortable, because I feel I'm not contributing all I could. My boss didn't really consider this a flaw, but my coworkers think I'm nuts, and I should be more careful about taking on too much work. Bah. I shouldn't be so irritated about all of this. Altogether, it was a very nice review. They said I have a lot of potential, and that I've been performing well, and exceeded their expectations of me. That makes me feel really good! They were supportive of my educational goals (they are going to help me get my MSCE, and want me to finish my BA) and encouraged me to consider the next step up in my career. I have a career now. Wow. I honestly wasn't sure I would ever get one of those.
