Six weeks into my role as Test and Quality Assurance Manager at a pet insurance company, and I'm still processing the magnitude of the culture shift I've experienced.
**The Change:**
I've moved from a global IT services provider serving enterprise clients – with American culture, timezone gymnastics, and the challenges of being the service provider – to a medium-sized British company where we're the customer. The contrast couldn't be starker.
**What's Different:**
This company doesn't just talk about work-life balance; they insist on it. Blocking out lunch isn't optional – it's expected. Finishing at 17:00 isn't frowned upon – it's encouraged.
But the biggest shift? I'm treated as a valued member of the firm, not a resource to be deployed. They hired me for my expertise and actually let me lead with it, rather than employing me only to redirect my every move.
**Lessons Learned:**
These six weeks have reinforced some fundamental truths:
*"Anyone can test"* – well, yes, that's technically true. But not everyone is a tester. There's a distinction, and it matters. My mission now is to prove that with proper training and support, anyone can become a tester. There's a difference between doing and mastering.
I've also been humbled by the realization that my knowledge isn't universal. What feels like common sense to me is actually tacit expertise built over years of doing and learning. It's a good reminder to never assume shared understanding.
And perhaps most practically: product demos are curated performances. They'll show you what works beautifully in perfect conditions. The real learning happens when you test out of context, in the messy reality where customers actually live.
**Looking Ahead:**
I'm energized by the challenge of building something meaningful here, in an environment that values both the work and the person doing it.
Here's to the next six weeks, and beyond.
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#QualityAssurance #SoftwareTesting #CareerChange #WorkLifeBalance #PetInsurance #TestingCommunity
