Like most other folks, I won’t be blogging on Christmas Eve and probably not New Year’s Eve. I am putting balance or family back into my life by attending parties, both holiday and birthday. It seems that there is an unusual number of people in my immediate family who have birthdays between Thanksgiving and the second week of January. No matter how important my job is my family still comes first, and they must be celebrated. I cannot say that I have always had my priorities straight.
There were years, as I was beginning my career in the information management field that I was hungry for knowledge about everything. I took on projects to learn more about the rules, the requirements, the business value, and the new and emerging technologies. I would not pass up an opportunity to participate on a committee or a team when a new system was being designed, selected and installed. I had to know how these tools made a difference to the business and how the affected the principles of Records and Information Management (RIM). I needed to know so that I could answer the questions that are always asked. I wanted to be good at my career. My ambition took precedent often over family events or needs. I don’t think my family would feel like they missed much or were scarred in any way, but I feel the need to reprioritize my family back to first.
After over 20 years in this profession, I have achieved a certain level of knowledge and credibility. Now I want to make sure that I am shifting the balance back to my family as they are young adults and help them reach for those same career goals. They need to try and reach for goals and build up their level of expertise in their careers. And may I say, neither of my children has chosen to pursue careers in the information management field. I am okay with that.
This field has been good to me and my family. For those who have aided, advised, helped or encouraged me in my career, I thank you. For those who gave me opportunities, who accepted my help, I thank you. For those who have walked beside me as teammates, partners and colleagues, I thank you. May 2011 be a happy and prosperous new year for all in the information management profession.
Happy Holidays!
Helen
#ElectronicRecordsManagement