“What? You mean I’m assigned to run the project on client site as soon as I finish my 1-week bootcamp? All alone?” 😱
I had just moved from Microsoft to the BMC world of helpdesk software, and had just started with a Partner.
“Yep, you’ll be ok. Not only that, but our projects are really short – only 5 days. So you’ll be onsite with different clients 3 weeks straight, and then 1 week you’ll be on the support desk, supporting all our live customers. Alone.”
This was how the professional services team rotated work.
There was no real onboarding of any kind for the projects I had to work on, or the clients that I had to support.
PLUS, I had to travel out of a suitcase every week, which left me barely any time to do my laundry and errands over the weekend before it began again.
With a different client.
Where the definition of a ‘briefing handover’ was a short email.
Ugh. 😖
—
I’ve worked with so many different software partners throughout the last 25 years that the horror stories I hear nowadays doesn’t surprise me anymore. 😐
Situations like the above that can make or break a person, where the “Trial by fire” or “Drop Indedeepend” test that is totally unnecessary.
It’s well known that while the world of software consulting can sound glamorous and sexy (Ooh so much travelling! Eating out every night! Staying in lavish hotels!)
Err – not really.
Maybe.
Sometimes.
Hearsay! 😁
It really depends on the partner you work for and the projects that come by.
However, it is also a not-so-secret fact that burnout rate is very high, and many leave the profession due to mental health issues.
It is my mission to try and tackle this issue and eat this elephant! 🐘🐘
… one bite at a time.
That’s why I started Zenhao Academy.
I wanted to coach, train, mentor, guide and nurture young talent to become amazing Consultants by focusing on Leadership centred around #Empathy, #ActiveListening and the human connection.
Membership registration is now open for the week ending at midnight this Friday (Hawaii time!)
Join us if you want to embark on a journey of continuous learning on how to become a great consultant.
More details in the comments below 👇🏻
I’ll let Bryan Bemis share his experience.
And no, I didn’t pay him… although one of these days, I might get some first class donuts shipped to him!
😁😋🍩