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.
Episode Three - The First Assignment
Feel really positive today. Had a great meeting with the agency. Very friendly and helpful meeting at the end of which I signed up! Some paperwork to complete but from today I am on their network.
Surprised that I feel excited... and a touch anxious... waiting for the phone to ring. Try to take my mind off it by doing other things... still lots to do in terms of setting up my own office.
Eight days later and I get a call. The agency has put me forward for an assignment as a Medical Affairs Manager with a leading pharmaceutical company. When can I go for an interview?
First feel exhilarated, then nerves set in. I haven't had a proper interview for a number of years. Will I perform?
However no need to worry. The interview is good with surprisingly friendly people and the project sounds really interesting but with tight timescales. Looks achievable - just. Then, the question I have been waiting for. Can I start immediately?
Day one and I am shown to a desk. It won't be mine for the duration of the assignment which feels slightly odd. Meet the other members of the project team who seem really nice and pleased to be having interim support.
First day flies by and all is going well. I am amazed how much I manage to achieve with being able to focus totally on the job in hand. Other permanent staff disappear for an internal meeting for a couple of hours but I crack on. At the end of two weeks, I realise I have done the same amount of work as in a month in my previous job, as a result of not having to get involved in all the daily admin and office politics.
Also find that I am able to work from home a couple of days each week which means I can do the school run and then work on in the evening.
After the fortnight, relax with glass of wine and feel slightly smug. Getting this work/life balance is easy really...
So how does it go from here? How long will the honeymoon last? What challenges lie ahead for Jane?
Next entry - Making a real contribution and changing projects
Previous episodes
Episode One - Initial Euphoria