Life is a rollercoaster

Hi, I’m Jess, the HR assistant at AJB HR Consultancy Services, and this is my blog all about my journey working here, as I celebrate my two-year anniversary.

The kickstart I needed

I joined via the government’s Kickstart Scheme which I think was a fantastic thing. I hope they do this again as it opened doors for me and many others who were struggling to find work. I wish they had more opportunities to help people get into work and get into new job roles that they perhaps didn’t ever imagine doing.

A lot of places look for experience (which is understandable) but to gain experience you need a business who is willing to give you a chance which is extremely hard to find, so I was so grateful that I met Andrew at a jobs fair in Rugby and that he was happy to give me a chance.

I was extremely nervous and worried about taking the job but knew that, if I didn’t try and didn’t take the opportunity, I would regret it in the long run - I’m so glad I pushed through my self-doubt and took the position. Don’t get me wrong, it took some time for the nerves to ease, but I eventually got there!

HR is a rollercoaster

With HR, I find it can be a bit of a rollercoaster for many reasons- this could be due to the volume of work as it can fluctuate (at set times of the year, it tends to get busier, like many other industries).  Planning and managing your workload are key so you don’t miss anything, but also so it doesn’t become overwhelming. Everyone has their own way of managing and planning their workday - I have tried many ways in the two years I have been here with Andrew.

Being a HR Assistant, I find you can have some stress-free days but also it can be a very intense job at times. Each day, you face different tasks that clients require to be completed, and different amounts of workflow.  I almost always have more than one task on the go at any one time with a few deadlines to meet.

Best clients ever

I have got fed up with hearing “your job must be easy, you are just sat on your bum all day”. Yes, I work from the comfort of my own home; and yes, I have a desk job so it’s not as physically straining; but it is mentally draining and, if not managed well, can cause burnout.

Being a HR Assistant, not only am I representing the company I work for, I am also representing the clients’ businesses.  Sometimes this can be a lot of pressure because, if you make an error, it could be detrimental to both the company or to the employees. Here at AJB, we have the best clients ever - not just because they are lovely people, but they have good morals and align with our values.

It is all about teamwork

Your people are you biggest asset - I strongly believe in that and have always had a high opinion and standards when it comes to being a team. Without your people and without have a good team working with you, you’re trying to win a losing battle, and everything becomes a lot harder.

In July 2023, I officially become a permanent employee here at AJB HR. I love being a part of the team. However, I was very nervous when Andrew informed me that he was looking at taking on another member of staff. I was not a fan due to not knowing how the dynamics would change, and whether this would cause issues.

However, after Shona started, I was so relieved that she was a team player and was more than happy to get stuck right in. She has been a huge help and a great asset to the team and I have truly enjoyed working alongside her over the past few months.

In addition, there is Andrew’s VA Louise who I can’t thank enough for all the support and guidance and knowledge she has taught me. Louise and Andrew have been so patient and understanding, and have adapted ways of doing things to best suite my learning type.

Overcoming barriers

I have learned so much in the time I have been at AJB HR so far, and it is surprising how much I have picked up along the way without me even realising. When I first started, I was a complete novice - I had zero knowledge around HR or what was expected from a HR assistant.  My previous jobs have always been more hands-on and more physical, so this was a huge change and a massive step for me to take. I had never imagined I would end up having the opportunity to work in an industry where I would be creating contracts and writing letters (due to my learning difficulties – I have dyslexia).

I can honestly say that being a HR Assistant can be extremely rewarding and also challenging at time. Whether it’s learning general knowledge that helps with my daily tasks and the job itself; or whether it’s learning new strategies to make life that bit easier – we all have our own way of processing and organising our workload and tasks.

Thank you

I would truly like to thank those that have worked with Andrew along the way – team members and clients – that have been so willing, understanding, patient and supportive with me – and thank you for all the knowledge you have provided along the way (and this thank you extends to Andrew himself too).

Having a great boss makes all the difference. I can honestly say that this is the longest I have worked for a business, and that’s all because of how fantastic Andrew and Louise (and now Shona) have been with me.

Having a good team around you makes all the difference. Andrew has the best values and is massively supportive, which is something that is rare these days. For example, I found myself in one of the most challenging, overwhelming and out-of-my-comfort-zone scenarios, and I had to speak up and tell Andrew that I was really struggling – he was fantastic about the situation and so supportive, and he did everything he could to resolve the situation – I was blown away by the speed of how quickly he resolved the situation with solutions for me.

Time flies

Two years have flown by. Don’t get me wrong, I still have a lot of learning to do and will continue to keep growing and further my knowledge and skills as I continue here at AJB HR. The business has grown so much in the time I have been here, and I’m intrigued to see what the future lies for the company. I really enjoy seeing the changes in the business and feel extremely proud of the company, my boss and the team.

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