My first week at work

Photo by The Pretenda on Flickr

I successfully finished my first week of work. A few of my co-workers asked if I would be returning to work now that I put in a full week with them. And yes, I’ll be getting up at 7am and headed right back to it.

I think the last time I worked a 40-hour week for someone else doing the 8-5 thing was the summer of 2004, that’s five years ago! But the transition has been great so far. Monday was a big adjustment, I was overdressed (yes, even I dress up once in a while), didn’t know where anything was, and was concentrating on just being able to remember everyone’s name.

Remembering Names
As a side note… this is one of the skills I’m most thankful for obtaining on my trip. Before my trip I had a much more difficult time remembering a person’s name when I first met them. That is one small thing that my trip solved. I had to meet so many people that I just found a way to better remember everyone’s name from the start. It’s very helpful.

Anyways… what a great first week of work. My desk had a basket full of various Post-It Note products and I’m very happy to have a sticky note for every purpose. I had my first meeting. I had my first day of travel where I went to Detroit to learn about the digital transformation the Detroit newspapers are making. I had my first co-worker birthday party, we went to P.F. Changs for lunch (I went with the chicken lo mein). And today I had my first BBQ with co-workers including the owner.

A good week.

Learning My Boundaries

The biggest challenge for me at the moment is not the work itself. I understand the work, am confident with my abilities, know what needs to be done, etc. But what’s new to me is the work environment. It’s been nearly three years since I’ve had an employer that wasn’t myself.

I’m a little cautious and uptight perhaps. Being careful not to overstep any boundaries, step on anyone toes, etc. And I’m busy stressing about what’s appropriate to wear to work, because anyone who knows me well knows that I’m a very casual guy, though not without a keen eye for fashion.

And in reference to the photo, yes, I am happy to say I have been having a little fun as well.