My First Decade On Duty

My First Decade On Duty

As we approach Thanksgiving
I’m taking time to reflect
On all the progress that I’ve made
Since I collected my first check.

Retail first taught me lessons
About how to work with pace,
And the skills to resolve conflict
With a smile on my face.

My time tutoring students
Built my patience, poise, and wit.
My first tastes of manufacturing
Forged technical skills and grit.

My time in startup tech
Let my creative prowess show,
And consulting zoomed the lens out
So my business sense could grow.

Now back in manufacturing
I face customers again,
But this time with skills and knowledge
Far exceeding way back when.

I’m grateful for each experience,
And wouldn’t change a thing.
All facets of my background
Yield the value that I bring.

Some days I yearn for simpler times;
My daily stakes were small.
But today I just appreciate
I made it here at all.

See, woven in the growth I’ve felt
In roles detailed before,
Have been crises, trips, and obstacles
That left me less than sure.

I’ve questioned my direction
Far more times than I can count,
I’ve wrestled with my progress
An unfortunate amount.

My first decade on duty
Hasn’t been a linear path,
But I’m fortunate to say
I’m better in the aftermath.

My first decade on duty
Sometimes was a bumpy ride,
But still, I’m being honest
Saying I look back with pride.

My first decade on duty
Left me with some scars, it’s true,
But I am myself because of them.
Now onto decade two.

By Kanan R Wanha
Written 2023-11-05