2025 - Year of Learning Review

If you want to look back and what I set out to accomplish this year read the original post.

How did it really go?

Its that time of the year when you can sit back, reflect on the things you accomplished and wonder…what did I actually do? Where the f&ck did the year go?!?!?

If you look back at what I was hoping to do there was a heavy theme about spending more time in the shop creating and making things. IF anything this year, I spent noticeably LESS time in the shop. This is a failure on many levels. My stress increased and more time was spent sitting in front of a computer working.

There is a silver lining to all of this. While I didn’t learn new skills in the shop. I did learn a new role at the company. This came with many challenges. First there was getting through the interview loop which required me to brush up on some skills that I hadn’t used in 12+ years. This required extra reading, studying, watching YouTube tutorials, practicing on my own, practicing with others. While I’m not great at some of the skills I brushed up on, I’m a heck of a lot better than I was at the start of the year.

Learning a new role also required learning a new org, new people, new working styles. I had to adapt what I had been doing almost in cruise control for many years. I think I did OK, but I’m far from where I need to be in this new role. I’m seeing the light on where there is space to play and make impact which is exciting for me and for the new year.

Other things I learned along the way…

  • If your manager keeps saying maybe a promo next cycle for multiple performance cycles… Believe them. It will always be “next cycle”. Find something new or be fine never getting the promotion.
    • This is why I’m in a new role now. No I did not get a promotion, but the benefits are better and there is more opportunity here.
  • Sometimes new tools are better. Replacing a 50 year old chainsaw with a new one is amazing. Starts right away and cuts like a hot knife through butter.
  • Change is never easy, but in the hard things is where you will learn the most about yourself.
  • I thought working at home would allow me to lose weight easier. I learned this is false.

Do you consider it a success?

Overall, yes. One of the biggest stressors that I had at work was never being able to break through with leaders that I was at the next level. They were happy with me being a doer. I have a fresh start in an org that I believe truly values people that get shit done. I feel more at home in this new org which is a breath of fresh air and has me revitalized for what is ahead.

Life isn’t all about work, but the stress there often can carry over to the ones that you love. Here is hoping I learn better work life balance in the new year and can find time to disconnect.

Happy New Year to us all!