This month, I wrapped up another chapter in the life of my business. AlphaBest's largest client decided to take the account from four vendors and use only one vendor. MT has become a really tough market the last couple years; unable to replace the account with anything that would allow me to keep paying great MTs what I think they ought to be paid (much less what I feel my time is worth), I sadly called all the MTs and let them know we'd be shutting it down in mid-October.
I have been humbled by the response and struck by the realization that we never know how we touch other people's lives.
See, I thought I was hiring MTs and servicing an account.
It turns out something else entirely was going on in the background. The e-mails I've received from the MTs have been full of emotion: thankful - fearful - sad - hopeful - bittersweet.
There has been an outpouring of life stories that reveal just how human we are, how fragile relationships can be, how tenuous a grasp we have on our confidence and our self esteem, and what a thin line there is that separates "us" from "them," the "haves" from the "have-nots," the "making it okay" from the "just barely getting by."
See, I thought I was hiring MTs and servicing an account.
I didn't know how many MTs would think this job was the best thing that ever happened to them.
And they have saved me, as well. I have treasured the rare moments when everyone has a minute - maybe two! - to stop and chit chat, possibly while waiting for jobs or an answer. I even enjoyed the rare midnight messaging conversations while I was virtually kicking the server back into action. This is the virtual life, a network of "invisible friends."
I have had a great privilege these past couple of years to work with the best damn team of managers and MTs I think anyone has ever assembled. I hope they are proud to have been part of the one in ten (possibly less!) who made it through the QA process and earned their rightful place on the team. I think the companies they went to work for are the luckiest TSOs on the planet and I sure hope they appreciate what they have.
To any of you who sat down in front of a computer to work for AlphaBest: if you still aren't sure your skills are up to par, please message me immediately so I can knock you over the head!
This week, I feel like a mother who yearns for her children to JUST LEAVE HOME - but misses them terribly when they do.
I thought I was hiring MTs and servicing an account. Really, that's all I meant to do.
Is it too late to third this message?
I'm a little slow on the uptake, but I'm also one who got to enjoy some time working with Julie and her team on this account. As someone fairly new to the industry when Julie and I came together almost 2 years ago, this was certainly a wonderful opportunity for me. She took me under her wing and I was able to glean a lot of very useful information from her in that time. We've also shared many a cyber-margarita after a few long, hard days. I was also able to take on one of her MTs and have been so grateful for her exemplary work. Julie has a way of finding the most extraordinary people to work with and I'm just lucky enough to have had a chance for one to hop over to my playground.
So, this is likely just an end to one chapter and the beginning of another. I love change, but as mentioned previously, it is hard. Now that the holidays are over, I welcome Julie back to work and will likely continue to learn as much from her valuable experience as I can.
Just a clarification
I've received e-mail from people who took all this to mean AlphaBest is closing.
It's not.
It's been a really busy week as we realign and retrain some people. I plan on taking it kind of easy through the end of the year. I kind of hope I still feel like working come January.
Then I plan on hitting the consulting site of the business, along with some other things I've been trying to get off the ground.
RE: Your clarification...
I was glad to see your clarification, Julie. When I read your blog, I thought, "Oh my gosh, Julie is closing." It really struck me hard. I've never worked for you, but have had such wonderful dealings with you. You're delightful and all that I have ever heard about AlphaBest has always been great! So, here's to your future and continued success.
It's too early
It's just too damned early in the morning for tears.
I've wanted to blog about my last few months for a while. Somehow there is never enough time.
However, I'm one of the lucky MTs to have worked with Julie, Cindy, and Donna over the last 2 years. What first comes to mind is that you treated us (me) like adults. Sadly, that seems to be lacking in this business. I have made some great friendships that I certainly hope will continue over the years.
Change is hard.
Certainly I'm one that doesn't do change well. Never in my life has a job hunt been so difficult as it has in the last few weeks. Perhaps it's because in the past, I've always been willing and ready to leave a job when searching for another one. Not so this time. When MTs are searching for jobs, typically you hear them ask what the pay is, what the benefits are, what the accounts are like. For me, the big question is more along the lines of what are the people you work with like? Do you even know? This is such an isolating job. The fact that I have had not only a constant, unchanging team of people to work with but the best team has made a huge impact in my life and how I view my job.
Cindy can tell you that I'm one of those with confidence issues. Sigh. Three days into my new job, and I can "hear" her in my head! LOL! This is good. I've become a far better MT in the past 2 years, and I'm am grateful to all of you as you all had a part in that.
Change is hard.
Thank you all for the wonderful opportunity you gave me and for the fun I've had! I will miss you.
Now, off to refill my coffee, find some tissue, and start work. Sigh.
I second that emotion
I'm not the owner, but I, too, have had the pleasure of working with some interesting, humorous, educated, well rounded, sometimes over the top, but always on the ball people who I will dearly miss communicating with on a daily basis.
And Julie, you already know how I feel about working with you and Cindy, so won't get all teary-eyed here, but it's been a marvelous ride.
AlphaBest rocks!