Find my footing
This week has been very weird, and not just because the temperatures ranged from 50-80 degrees. I also, um, got a new job!
I’ll still be a medical writer, doing much of the same things I do now — writing scientific articles, abstracts, and posters — but I’m moving to a position at a pharmaceutical company. The job is a huge improvement in terms of pay, roles and responsibilities, and work/life balance. Plus, there are perks like an on-site gym and stock options. The only immediate down sides are that I will have a slightly longer commute (45 minutes instead of 30), and I will have to scrimp my vacation time, but that comes with any new job. Even though I know that the learning curve will be steep, I’m really looking forward to this next step, and it’s the right decision to move on.
I got the job offer on Tuesday, and I gave notice of my resignation on Wednesday. When I told one of my references that I accepted the offer, she asked, “Do you kind of feel like you want to throw up now?” And I really did. Between waiting anxiously for the call, telling my supervisor I was leaving, and spreading the news throughout the company, it was just one nauseating step after another. It has been helpful and encouraging that everyone I’ve talked to has been happy for me, although they are all quick to mention that they will miss the flow of baked goods. Ha. It’s always good to know what one’s real contributions are to a workplace, am I right?
My last day will be May 2, and then I’m taking the next week and a half to get my life in order before I start my new job on May 14. I have so many thoughts about what I’ll miss about my current job, the long interview process, my career in general, and my hopes and expectations for my new gig, and I’d like to write them all out while I have the time. Until then, I am wrapping up projects as best I can, including my scheduled baking commitments. I mean, I can’t very well deprive the winner of the baby pool or the next birthday girl.
In the back of my mind, I’m afraid that I will go through another blog valley when I start this job and adjust to the new schedule, environment, and people. I hated that making the transition to my current job took such a toll on my blogging life, and I always felt guilty about not writing more. It wasn’t just to keep up my numbers or stats or whatever, but for my own thought process and sense of community. You were all there for me then, and I was and am so grateful for your understanding. I’m nervous and excited about what’s ahead of me, but it’s so good to know that my little blog circle will prop me up as I find my footing. Thanks, guys.
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Congrats from a fellow technical writer in the medical field!
Congrats! So exciting! (and nervewracking, stressful, scary…) You’ll be great–you always are.
Oh my goodness! Congratulations! How exciting! I can’t wait to hear all about the new job, even if it takes a little while before you’re in a good enough groove to spare the time to blog about it.
xox
Congratulations! What an excellent opportunity!
Congratulations! Sounds like a fantastic move!
Hooray! Congratulations!
Whoops! I didn’t think my first congrats comment worked and now there it is. Double the congrats!
Wow, congratulations!! That’s hilarious that they’ll miss your baking…it’s nice to know they appreciate you
Congratulations on the new job and I hope the transition period is nice and smooth!
Yay!! I’m so happy for you. I hope it is an awesome move for you!!
Congrats!!!
Also, I have a friend who is thinking of trying to get into the medical writing field – so if you have any tips you want to pass on?
My biggest tip is to join the nearest chapter of the American Medical Writers Association. They put out a very good (and cheap, all things considered) conference with educational and networking opportunities. I’ve gone twice, and it’s been a really good experience. There are also local networking things and resources galore.
Congratulations! And we’ll still be here even if you have to take some time off.
Congratulations!! So, I have to ask….do you have any qualms about working for a pharmaceutical company? (My dad is a doctor, so I might have some bias in that regard.
) Regardless of the sterotypes, I really hope that it is an awesome situtation for you.
Very good news! Congratulations!
Hooray! That seemed… kinda quick? As it always does to someone not in the thick of the job search? Super duper congrats! But how will you concentrate without good old you-know-who loudly talking to herself all day?
Exciting to be moving on…although I totally know what you mean about it causing serious nausea. Good luck over these next few weeks!
It has been a little while since I visited your site (I don’t know why because I really enjoy your blog) and I’m so glad I visited today because I am so happy to hear of your exciting news! Congrats on your new job, I look forward to hearing all about it.
Oh my goodness!!! Congratulations!! You’re going to be awesome – I know it.
I also hate the toll that Big Life Changes take on my blogging/internet life, but I know that when the time is right I will return (and my head will undoubtedly become a less foggy place). Plus, isn’t this what Google Reader is for?
Ew. I hate how WordPress changes that emoticon. Apologies.
Congratulations, RA! That sounds like a great move!
Very excited for you. As someone in the same area and in the pharmaceutical industry, I’m curious as to where you are going. Good luck at the new job!
Late to the party, but congratulations! You are clearly highly talented and in demand – they will be lucky to have you. Now I’m left speculating as to *which* pharm company it is.