Let's Get Brainwashed.

I was told my bonus and raise today. In my previous job, I was given a sheet of paper with the details of all this. It said the percentage of salary increase, and the breakdown of the bonus (how much was for individual performance and how much was for company performance). Here, I was told orally the dollar amounts. And that's it. It was so odd. I was very thankful, but just felt weird about the whole thing. I really don't deserve to be making this much money. It's a bit ridiculous to get paid for the little amount of work I do. I'm actually embarrassed to write this because I feel like I don't work hard enough like others do, and they don't get paid very much. And here I am complaining about how boring my job is. At least I have a job, and at least I make decent money.

I can only imagine what the others got in the office, the ones who actually did some significant things.

Labels: bonus, new job, secrets

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