Today was the first day of my next career. I have to admit, it was a strange feeling that I haven’t had in a long time. Everyone knows those first day jitters, be it in a new school or job. Just those butterflies about what’s new and different.
New faces, new places.
But everyone I met was exceptionally friendly. I think I will fit in just fine. I did bring 4 dozen Krispy Kremes to bribe my way to a leg up in people’s minds. You gotta do what ya gotta do.
Of course, my first day didn’t exactly come off without a hitch due to a combination of issues.
Apparently a developer left the company yesterday, and he had a desk by the windows. Thus, there was a seniority rule in effect for anyone who wanted to sit there.  All this shifting could cause a cascade of desk moves, so exactly where I would sit was up in the air.
But the bigger issue was that the PC they ordered for me was on backorder. It was supposed to arrive today, but somehow got delayed until tomorrow.  So, I had nothing to work on, nor anywhere to do it… but everything should come together tomorrow.
Basically, my day went like this. I got there about 8:45 after making the Krispy Kreme run and after a quick loop around the office, it was time to get down to all the paperwork. Who doesn’t love paperwork anyway? After getting that all finished, I met with some of the tech people for a bit. Then, Mike, the tech manager, pretty much said that I could bug out if I wanted to, since there wasn’t much for me to do. I figured I might as well, since I didn’t want to keep anyone else from their work by entertaining me. So, I left about 10:30 with plans to return at 3pm for the tech team meeting.
That meeting took all of 30 minutes, so all in all I “worked” just over 2 hours today… and that was STILL more than I had to do at HP.
Tomorrow, I’m heading in at noon (as they need to have time to receive and setup my PC).  Whew… all this work is really taxing!
A few more post HP thoughts.
I have to say, it is now quite strange to drive past HP and realize that I no longer work there. Just a very odd feeling. Also, another odd feeling was to be technically unemployed for an entire weekend. I mean, the last time that happened was in 1994 when I was laid off from the law firm runner position before I started delivering pizzas for Pizza Hut. Thats a long time. I suppose, technically it is only the second time since I started working at the age of 16 to not currently be employed, and that was when I quit Nu Look Car Wash in the last few months of my senior year to be able to enjoy those festivities. Of course, I started working immediately after graduation.
I have to admit, I feel a bit odd about not working today or tomorrow morning, despite the fact that this is no fault of my own. Damn this pesky work ethic!
Anyway, I’m off and running in Wirestone’s corral. Granted, I didn’t exactly shoot from the gates at top speed, but I will get there soon enough.
Well if you showed up at my place of work with 4 dozen krispy kremes you’d sure as hell fit in. Food can make the best first impression… Hope you still love it once the real work starts.
Jason,
It was great to meet you in person today! I can tell already that you are going to fit in so well with the group.
I should have warned you beforehand about a typical Wirestone first day. My first couple days were exactly like that too. It is totally expected that you’ll have a pretty low key & relaxing week while ramping up. I know it feels weird, and isn’t exactly settling…but you’ll be all settled in soon. And noone expects anything other than you just get comfortable this week 🙂
I think the desk arrangment has been worked out today. I don’t know for sure, but I think the move only bumped one person, Preston. It should be all sorted out when you get there tomorrow.
Anyway, I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh and if there is ever anything at all that you need, don’t hesitate to ask.
Candace
If it helps J…I STILL don’t have my phone after 4.5 weeks in my new position, and haven’t even heard one word as to when I’m going to get it! Being that half of my position involves relationship management with our global partners, it’s kinda hard to do without a phone…one can only email so much. But then again, you remember the games.
Gotta love those low pressure starts. Not quite like education–where you sink or swim from day one for 9 consecutive months….and often for 2-3 consecutive years. Enjoy it while you can! 🙂