I'm Still Amazed

…at being recognized at work for simply doing my job.

This tells me two things: people like how I do my job, and that I've obviously replaced some real losers.

Last Thursday one of the claims processors was having an issue that was obvious from the get-go that it was not going to be a quick fix. She had an older machine that was loaded with one of my predecessor's images, so based on previous experience trying to troubleshoot one of those messes, I told her that instead of wasting time trying to find the underlaying cause of her problem on her current machine it would be easier for everyone involved if I just swapped it out with a clean build. She was fine with that, so I told her it would be about half an hour and I'd return with the replacement.

"I'm not going to lose anything, am I?"

"No," I said.  "I'm not [insert name of previous tech]."

Immediately her face lit up and she said, "Oh, thank GOD."

(This is not the first time I've heard that.)

I got her existing machine back up and running well enough that she could perform her basic job functions and then went back to my desk and fired up one of my already-imaged spares, created her profile, and then transferred all her data and settings behind the scenes.  There were a few minor glitches after I delivered the new box, but I got them sorted.  She was missing a couple personal mail folders that hadn't been stored in the normal locations, some font-specific settings that needed to be recreated in Procomm (yes, we're still using Procomm), and some shared mailboxes had to be reconnected, but she was patient with me while I made things right, and I was more than happy to help her get everything back up and running to her satisfaction.

Hey, it's my job, right? I just try to give these folks the kind of service I would want to receive from I.T. if I was in their shoes—and not simply because I would like to get hired on at the place. Apparently that kind of attitude is uncommon in my field.

Anyhow,  on Friday I received an email from that particular user.  It was copied to her boss, my boss, the head of HR and the COO:

My name is: [user's name]

I would like to recognize: Alexander for the following: Teamwork and Promoting a Positive Workplace

Alexander displayed this in the following manner:

I needed a new computer and Alexander was so nice and patient with me in getting everything set up just how I had it on my old computer. He wanted to make sure I was happy and settled and was also very gracious and helpful with all my questions!

This isn't the first time I've received praise from the people I support. I routinely received accolades at my last job for what I viewed as simply doing my job, and have received several emails at my current position from upper management over the past couple months telling me what a great job I'm doing and how everyone in the company is delighted with my dedication, but this was different.  This was also a nomination for very public internal recognition and award program.

About a half hour after I received the email, I got a call from my boss and the head of HR to tell me that the opening for my permanent position was (finally) going to be posted this coming Monday. That was great news!

Yeah, I'll have to go through the motions and formally apply, but that's only because rules preclude them from just hiring me outright; something I find odd, considering getting hired on directly without the company first posting the position is exactly how it's worked at every other job where I've transitioned from a contract worker to permanent employee. Whatever. It's still good. Benefits start immediately (no waiting period) so I'll be permanently employed and have health insurance again by January 1st.