Let's Get Brainwashed.

The end of this week will mark my one-month anniversary at the new company. What a strange place. My first weeks I was exhausted, not because of too much work, but information and sensory overload - figuring out which elevator to take, trying to decode conversations in meetings where people only spoke their special investment language, and more. Actually, most days were slow in terms of week. I'd have about 2 meetings a week.

This week, things have finally ramped up. Today I had 6 meetings. Tomorrow I have 4. I'm interacting with people more, and I don't like being the one who makes mistakes.

Yesterday, my manager gave me some "feedback" on a presentation I did last week. It was my first one, and I was nervous, and couldn't read the audience (i.e., my manager's manager, one of the big wigs in the office). Apparently, he did not like that I looked down at my paper so much. So he told my boss that. And now he was telling me to try to look at people directly more. Did I need to explain my situation to him? I was new (I still "am" new), nervous, etc....I didn't say anything, though.

Today I worked with a project manager on writing a procedure that is needed by tomorrow. I wrote it in 30 minutes. Then he asked me to write a presentation slide. I did that in about 10 minutes. He rewrote the whole thing (by hand) and gave that to me. And I typed it up. Is that really efficient? Then, he gave me some example forms that needed to have some system codes written next to the line items. I felt like I was given summer intern work. And he gave me 5 copies, so I thought he wanted yellow highlighting on all 5. Oops. He said no when I gave them back - he gave me 5 copies in case I made mistakes.

Oh, so strange. When I looked out the window from my floor, 27 floors up, I could see something riding a bicycle up the steep street. I was so envious.

There are so many things - too many things - to write about. I have a lot of paperwork to fill out over these next couple of days. I was tired last night just thinking about it.

I really like this place! It's so different from my other job. One aspect is how clean everything is. At my old place, people had stacks of files on their desks, along with boxes in the aisles and lots of personal stuff all over their desks. Here, no one has a lot of stuff out. Yes, they have pictures of their kids, and some paperwork, but nothing major. The walls are very sleek wood panels that discretely open as cabinets. I love my desk. I have 2 large monitors, a very comfortable chair, and some cool phone features. For example, my phone is connected to my computer. So if I want to call someone, I type their name in a little search bar at the bottom of the screen, then click Dial. And it calls them! If I have a voicemail, it will show up in my email inbox.

I'm also proud of myself because of this: an HR girl asked to see me in a conference room. She had my paper of emergency contacts. She said she noticed I had listed my domestic partner, and wanted to let me know that all emergency contacts are listed on people's Blackberries, so was I okay with that? At first I said no, because I felt awkward having that information out there, but when she asked what would I like it to say (Friend? Roommate?), I changed my mind and said go ahead and list it as DP. I realized how silly I was being.

I have a new look for work - I wear ties now, I am also wearing contacts instead of glasses, and I have nice new dress pants and shirts. I still need to find some new shoes. I was unsuccessful this last weekend in finding any.

I had 1 meeting yesterday, and I got an introduction to what the company does. Today I have another meeting, and they would like me to discuss my recommendations on a template to use for standardizing procedures. I get a little nervous sometimes because they are looking to me to have great ideas, and I get afraid that won't be impressed with my suggestions. So today I'm supposed to bring in an example from my previous job, and looking through them last night, I couldn't find a really good one. I felt all of them could be better. I'm bringing copies today to work and will have to decide before 11 what to show them.

I still can't believe this is going to be my new workplace. I feel like I'm on a temporary vacation or something.

Labels: new job

I have a new job. I start today. A little over a year ago, I started up this blog to capture my thoughts on corporate training and travel, but now I think I will use it to capture my observations on starting at a new company. It's a strange time to get a new job. I feel very lucky.

It was sad to leave my other job. One year ago, during some of my low moments in Arizona, I had fantasies of getting another job and saying how I really felt about certain co-workers before I left. I would send them emails on my last day and say, By the way, I thought you should know I never liked working with you. You were so difficult to work with. I hope our paths never cross. Who doesn't think this at one point? Well, now that I actually have a new job, I was sad about leaving. Everyone seemed shocked, a couple of people actually cried, and they gave me a nice going-away party and gifts. I really do appreciate the experiences I've had there.

And now - the future is here! I will report back shortly.

Labels: new job