Old but New!

As mentioned in a previous post, I have returned to my substantive position as Document Delivery Assistant at QUT Gardens Point Library. I have not been in this position since May 2004, so it is almost like starting over again.

In my conference paper I presented at the 2005 ALIA Library & Information Technicians Conference neXt - Multi-Skill Me: Secondment Opportunities and Challenges at QUT Library , I mentioned that one of the challenges of secondments is returning to your substantive position, as sometimes the secondment position is much better than your original one. This is the case for me returning to document delivery. This is not to say that I don't enjoy document delivery, it is just that during my secondments I was continually learning new things and working at a higher level. I suppose the challenge is gone - although I am re-learning my document delivery tasks, it is like "been there done that."

However, I am not looking at this as all being negative. Yes I am re-learning old tasks (which makes it somewhat new); yes I'm working at a lower level - but I am looking at an old job with new, more experienced and knowledgable eyes. Hence, I'm in a position to suggest changes or question why things are being done certain ways. Although if someone can tell me an easy way of doing this without upsetting the apple cart - I'd be much appreciative.

So although I return to document delivery with some disappointment, I am still grateful for having had the opportunities that I've had over the last 1 and half years. I've grown as a person and an employee. And in reality, lets face it, with 4 weeks to go until I'm on maternity leave, could I have learnt another position??!! Or should I be thankful that I've come home to document delivery and can concentrate on what motherhood will bring - another secondment 8-) Although with this one I can't return to childless state - and at this stage, nor would I want to.