I worked...
- jelilatadesiyan
- Jun 5, 2019
- 3 min read
I had some trepidation about coming to work today. I've never really worked without a manager before. If you've never done that before, then you probably can imagine the fear of wasting time, doing inconsequential things, getting distracted, accomplishing nothing, and letting yourself and everyone down.
I was proud of myself today. I guess I'm growing up. We're never quite done doing that. Change is a beautiful thing. Mostly. Today, I was on task. Hallelujah!
It's a party! Have some virtual cake!
Today's Goal
My goal was to edit one of the web pages on my list. Now, this sounds like an easy task, presumably, but it turned out to be more herculean than I imagined. It was certainly a learning process. It was also a culmination of the many things I've learned. It was surreal to work with and apply a database of knowledge that often popped into my head randomly. I was quite intrigued by that, so much so that I conducted some reflections on my choices as I went along. Metacognition = reflection by learner on learner's work and thought processes. I have to write a reflective memo sometime in the future anyway. Getting ahead of the game (score!). As a teacher, I often tell my students to write their reflections as they go along, and I can finally say I do as I say. As I wrote, I was forced to justify why I made the choices I did. I do plan to test those choices in the future — conduct some usability testing. However, as I reflected on my choices, I was forced to think of the user and not myself . I'll find out what the user has to say, sometime soon.
I started the day with the idea that I would dedicate myself to using my very short hours (4) to work non-stop. As I thought that, the sidling thought that I would probably take many a break popped in for a second and a half. I was optimistic however (hmmm, was I though?). I was quite surprised when I looked up from my work and had worked two straight hours. I went on to work the next two with nary a distractions. Now, if you're like "that's nothing! I do that everyday at work", I submit to you that you probably have a job that has a list of daily tasks, and probably someone to report to quite frequently. Or, you're a grownup :D . Well, I'm not quite there yet. Plus, did I mention I have to figure how what to do on the daily? (I'm making the Home Alone face right now). The internship ad said "self-directed"!
Self-directed!
And I was like, "yes I'll take it!" That Jelilat was crazy. Yeesh!
Tips for using your time to the fullest (As I found out today)
Have a concrete plan - You can make this at the beginning of the week and go over it everyday. You can see mine on yesterday's post.
Leave room for flexibility - If you don't finish everything on your list, that's fine. You still made progress.
Jam to some music if that helps keep things interesting - in my case, it does! Music leaves me feeling like I'm on a perpetual break.
Sing aloud - not too loudly though.
Start a master document listing questions, needs and resources acquired during research/ work.
Definitely start that master document— to document your processes.
Work in short busts of time.
Have snacks around if you're the type. And water. Lots of that~
That being said, know where the bathroom is so you don't have to ask your nice co-worker to take you to the nice restroom.
Tips for proving your value (As I found out today)
Take notes about your processes has you go. Even if you don't have results, your reflective notes can help you and your boss justify your time. See mine.
That being said, have results~ (I completed one of my web pages- mostly. I can't move on until after the meeting with the boss lady as I referenced yesterday). No pressure though. Those reflective notes can cover your bum.
Ask questions (and for help) from your colleagues and people who have been around for a while, as long as they seem open to those kinds of questions.
I was quite proud that I made good use of my time and accomplished my goals. Good job today's Jelilat!
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