Hello admin pros! I’ve started and revised this post several times over the past couple of weeks. I’ve been with my new team, at the Seattle office, for 5 weeks. This post chronicles my job transfer within the US and preparation for relocation to Canada.
On Feb 6, my work assignment changed to my new teams. These teams don’t overlap, so I have to learn two business units. They are similar in that they internal network resources for Amazonians, but that’s where the similarly ends. I’m enjoying getting to know my new leaders, teams and EA peers.
Both teams are pushing hard on goals due in Q3, so the pace is already fast. Contrasted to my previous team, Q1 and Q2 were generally slower following the fevered pace of peak holiday shopping.
In terms of moving to Canada, I was offered two relocation options:
- a cash payout where the employee is responsible for everything: applying for and obtaining the work permit, finding housing, managing tax returns, and arranging for the household move.
- Relocation support, where a team is assigned to manage the move: secure a move company, arrange for temp and permanent housing; tax return support; and legal support to manage the work permit applications.
After talking it over with my husband, I chose the second option; it was going to be hard enough adapting to new leaders. We didn’t need to spend every non-work, waking moment on organizing all aspects of moving to another country.
First lesson: know your limits and ask for help.
On top of moving, we had the Noir City Film Festival, Emerald City Comic Con and scheduling time with family and friends to talk about the move. All the running around resulted in a lot of stress and restaurant eating.
I gave myself grace for a couple of weeks then dusted off my scale for weekly weigh-ins, adjusting my food intake and adding in some low-key movement. Extra stretching, stopping to close my eyes and take deep breaths and eat more mindfully. Purposefully slowing down was a way to take control where possible in a whirlwind of a lot of Things That Are Out Of My Hands.
Second lesson: manage the stress eating.
The movers show up on the day this post publishes; we drive to Canada on Friday. Our home of 22 years goes on sale the following Wednesday. I’ve had to give away houseplants I’ve had for decades because I don’t know their countries of origin.
It’s a lot of a lot and all doable. Everyone has been wonderful and supportive. The Mister and I have treated this like a project, making shared task lists, setting timelines and helping each other through this upheaval.
At the end of the day, we’re moving 3.5 hours north of Seattle. I’ll be back in town regularly to support team events and visit Seattle friends.
The next two months are going to be a whirlwind.
Expect a new post when you see it.