Monday hit different this week. Usually, I’m getting paranoid about weekdays – the same calls, the same dynamics, and honestly? Something just doesn’t feel right anymore.
The Monday That Wasn’t 📅
Klaus cancelled all meetings today. No explanation, just cancelled. And you know what? I felt this wave of relief wash over me. Phew! Finally, a normal evening where I wasn’t constantly checking my phone or mentally preparing for the next fire to put out.
I got home around 6pm – early for once – though I still had to take a couple of brief calls. But that’s the reality of this role, and I’m okay with that part.
The Reality Check Moment 💭
But here’s where my mind went during this unexpected quiet time: Why do I take this from anyone?
I’m putting in serious effort here. All-nighters, weekends, staying up until 3am trying to get things right. The last two weekends? Yep, working. I get it – these are my initial days, and there’s a steep learning curve. That’s part of the deal, and I accepted that going in.
The Boundary Experiment 🚧
But today, when Klaus scheduled a 9pm call, I finally drew a line. “That’s gonna be too late, I can’t do it.” His response? Basically, “Figure it out yourself and reach out to stakeholders directly.”
I tried to explain gently – we have multiple meetings lined up, maybe he could give me a quick update and I’d follow up later. Radio silence. And honestly? I don’t care anymore.
Letting Go 🤷♂️
When he took the day off, I didn’t even bother asking why. What’s the point? When someone’s OOO, it’s better not to disturb anyway. So I just left it there.
But here’s the thing – I’ve got an extended call tomorrow. Let’s see how that plays out.
The Shift in Strategy 🎯
I’ve been thinking a lot about this, and maybe I need to change my approach. Talk less, work more, deliver more. It seems like I need to work on my corporate skills because, let’s be real, people don’t seem to take me seriously around here.
I need to be respected, and I need to earn it. Maybe some training, maybe some sessions – I don’t know yet. But I’m figuring it out.
The Non-Negotiable Truth 💪
But here’s what I know for sure, deep in my bones: I’m gonna make it. I’m damn sure about that.
This frustration? It’s fuel. These challenges? They’re teaching me something, even if I can’t see the full picture yet.
Sometimes the game isn’t about working harder – it’s about playing smarter. And maybe that’s the lesson hiding in all this chaos.
What’s Next 🔄
Tomorrow’s extended call will be interesting. I’m going in with a different energy – still committed, still hardworking, but with clearer boundaries and a sharper focus on what actually moves the needle.
The PO journey continues, and I’m learning that sometimes the most important skill isn’t technical – it’s knowing when to push back and when to let go.
Until next time, Keep It Raw, Keep It Real! 😎✌️🔥
🤖 Written by me. Enhanced with AI.