One Job, Ten Years

This morning I walked through the courtyard outside my office, as I did a decade ago. The building hasn’t change, nor has the offices inside much, or the mission of my department for that matter. While its easy to dismiss that not a lot has change in the last ten years and that it was just like yesterday that I started at San Mateo County, this morning I take notice as the person I am today in 2016 that evolved from the day walking in having no clue what to really expect on January 3, 2006.

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First day “swag”, 3 January 2006[/caption]

Over the course of the last ten years, some of my duties have changed, many have not. I’ve taken on additional responsibilities and seized opportunities to learn and grow, with a promotion halfway through. A few people have come and gone, but a vast majority of my work family have stuck around. It’s really difficult to articulate what I’m initial thoughts, as this by far has been the longest I’ve been employed at one place. Shortly after graduating and getting into the work force in 2004, I was sure certain I’d my life would eventually lead me down other roads such as going back to school or branch out to other opportunities in a few years. But as I continued on a path here and felt like this where I needed to be, I find myself today celebrating ten years of service to an organization that, like myself, has evolved since 2006 and is a place I’m proud to be associated with.

Sometimes it’s easy to overlook what you’ve accomplished over the years and maybe even dismiss what feels like being a small part of the bigger picture. But in taking a moment to reflect on where I started and where I am now, I can’t deny being an important part of something big, and having great appreciation for the opportunities to build a skill set that really epitomizes the diversity that makes up the planning profession. I can honestly say its with a sense of pride and accomplishment is where I really find myself today on this ten year work anniversary. I still continue to love being a planner, and don’t see that changing any time soon. I’m not sure where I’ll be in another ten years, but I feel pretty confident it’ll be honor and a privilege to practice what I love right here.