Since I last wrote to you all in May, I have assumed a new role at Bethany – as Vice President, Special Projects – and transferred my old responsibilities as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer to Spencer Harmer. This transition is a big change for me, because I was in my former role for thirteen years, since joining Bethany in 2005.
When I was thinking of this change in my work life, I began to notice some of the other transitions that are happening around us at this time of year. Transitions can take many forms and impact us in different ways. For example:
- During the past few years, many staff at Bethany played various roles in the planning for and construction of the new Bethany Riverview building. We are now at the time in this project when the building is transferred from being under the control of the construction manager to Bethany’s own staff. There is excitement all around as the intensity grows of the work associated with furnishing the rooms and offices, hiring and orienting staff to the new building and to their work responsibilities, preparing for the move of the current to the new Corporate Office in August, and being well prepared to accept the first residents to Bethany Riverview in September.
- A number of my colleagues have recently taken time off work to attend their children’s graduation ceremonies and to celebrate their completion of high school, college diplomas or university degrees. Those young people are embarking on new beginnings in their lives and careers which will see many interesting times for them.
- For those of us living in the northern hemisphere, spring turned into summer. For most people this is viewed as a very positive event as we start to enjoy the warmer weather and are able to walk outside without thinking about adding extra layers of clothing. Many of us, as well, will be able to enjoy a summer vacation as we head off to new places or take advantage of spending a relaxing time at home.
Although all of these changes in people’s work and lives bring the excitement of new opportunities and challenges, we also need to recognize and understand that, for those involved, they also come with some degree of apprehension and an in-bred fear of the unknown. For those changing jobs or a work location, there may be a fear of fitting into a new team; for new graduates, it may be a worry about finding a job in their chosen field or in being able to further their education; and for those of us on vacation, it could be a worry about who is looking after their house or the pet they left behind.
I believe the most important way to conquer our fears is by remembering that we are not alone. Being part of a family or a group of friends or as a member of our large team at Bethany, we have the collective strength and resources to overcome any of the fears we might imagine. It is important therefore to draw on the experience and help of those connections – at work the People of Bethany – to help us through any challenges we may have.
As always, I welcome ideas, suggestions and any questions that you may have. Please feel free to send them to me at alasdair.smith@bethanyseniors.com
Take care,
Alasdair
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