Diary of an interim
After working in a permanent role in the pharmaceutical industry for eight years, Jane has decided to change her lifestyle - to become an interim manager undertaking specific assignments in a bid to achieve a better work/life balance.
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Episode Twelve - From bad to worse and an unforeseen scenario
"Cappuccino as usual?" asks James as we find a table in Starbucks. This is all getting a bit familiar I think as he heads off to the counter, but I need support with this internal QA audit looming. I can't afford to be super-sensitive with five days to go before our trial is turned inside out.
James' knight in shining armour role is highly appealing but I remind myself that I must keep my gratitude under control. Life is proving a challenge at the moment what with the audit, the new permanent role in general and David's career in the balance. And that doesn't include the day-to-day stress of the children, childcare arrangements (since in my new permanent role I can no longer choose my own hours) and running the house.
Coffee purchased, we both look over the documents I have brought with me. James is a huge help I must say. He produces a checklist of corporate SOPs for running trials. Where the **** was this when we were scrambling to hit the trial deadlines?
Not only does James highlight potentially problematic areas, he also comes up with some solutions which are practical in the timeframe we are working to. I am heartily relieved and have to keep stopping myself from giving him a huge thankful hug. Fortunately the Starbucks environment prevents this...
We decide to consider some of the issues overnight and meet the next day. Feeling slightly lighter in spirit than of late, I head home and unusually find David's car on the drive. My heart lurches. Is this bad news?
My worst fears are confirmed as soon as I see him. He looks pale and drawn and judging by the open bottle of red and the amount consumed, he is already on his third glass of wine. "It's happened", is all he can say, "I'm so sorry". As we begin to talk, it emerges that not getting the Government contract has meant five immediate redundancies including two senior ones, David being one. He has cleared his desk and left: just like that. He's unemployed! Although there is some redundancy package, its not going to amount to much as David is relatively new to the company.
Suddenly I feel overwhelmed. I try to say the right words but feel completely at sea. What with this news, my audit and new job, my stress levels have gone into overdrive. I can't afford in monetary or emotional terms for this audit to reveal any major problems and the finger be pointed at me. We both have a sleepless night which is not the best way to keep a clear head for what is to come.
James and I meet again the next morning to pore over more of the trial documents. He has some serious concerns over the team's trial documentation, particularly the missing Informed Consent forms from major sites. He seems a little 'distracted' this morning and is on a tight timescale. He keeps looking at his watch as he mentions a meeting and conference call at eleven o'clock.
I repair to my office and consult with the team on the forthcoming audit. Veronica pops in my new friend in Regulatory who is on secondment from the US office. She can see I'm under pressure and offers some sympathy and practical help.
"I see James is back again", she comments at one point. "I wonder why he is spending so much time over here?" Veronica used to work in the same New Jersey office as James and although she doesn't know him well, they share mutual colleagues. "He probably doesn't mind travelling since his divorce", she continues. "I don't know why those two ever got together. It was never going to work. They were too competitive a couple". I am just getting into this story - and want to ask a few more questions - when there is a knock on the door and the departmental secretary reminds us about the regular monthly staff briefing, about to start.
Tom, our VP gives us the regular update on what's happening in our division. I allow my mind to wander over the last 24 hours' events but am suddenly brought back to the moment as he concludes the meeting with the announcement that with effect from next month, James (who is standing at the back of the room) is to take over as VP! Tom is being seconded to New Jersey for a year. As I look round, James catches my eye and smiles. I don't know how to react. James - my new boss?
How will Jane handle this? What will happen with the audit? Can she work for James and keep their personal relationship a professional one? Just how is she going to manage all the different elements of her life?
See Jane's next diary entry soon...
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Previous episodes
Episode Eleven - A new door opens but what's inside?
Episode Ten - Tony disappears and another problem looms
Episode Nine - A new role and a personal dilemma
Episode Eight - Corporate emergency and old flames reflicker
Episode Seven - Stressful situations and sleepless night
Episode Six - New experience and an old face
Episode Five - What's a work/life balance?
Episode Four - Making a real contribution and changing projects
Episode Three - The First Assignment
Episode One - Initial Euphoria