The new job: Post 1

Let’s talk about the new job. Yes, lets. Much different than I expected. I thought it would be more creative and interpersonal-schmoozy. Turns out it’s mostly collecting and altering data, dealing w/ databases, and being interpersonal-patient/crazy. It’s a challenge, though. And I do appreciate a challenge.

My first impressions of people suck. And then turn out to be right. And then suck again. I think I fail to see others in a multi-faceted light, especially when I need them to be in a category, if only to make communication with them easier. This is not working for me. Especially with the coworkers.

Phasing into the new position has proven difficult. Allow me to list my phases thus far.

Phase one: new and completely bewildered. I can’t remember anyone’s name, and I have no idea what I’m doing. But at this point, no one expects me to, so it’s all good.

Phase two: still new and completely bewildered. I know everyone’s name, but now I have to learn new phrases like “file transfer protocol” and “retainer fees,” and no, we’re not talking about braces, my friends.

Phase three: dare I speak up? I feel like I’m figuring things out. I’ve made a list of confusing phrases for reference, and I think I know what’s going on. Then I take a conference call on behalf of the company and get slammed back down into the land of nincompoops. I suck, and not in a good way.

Phase four: I am clueless. No matter what I think I know, everyone else knows more. And no matter what I think I can handle, somebody throws a wrench in the works that makes me feel completely unprepared and incapable.

Phase five: a new hope. I begin to bond with coworkers. They want to help me. Some of them know what they’re doing, and they want to show ME how to do it, too. God love em! And those very same people – the down-to-earth smarties who actually get work accomplished – are the ones telling me I’m picking things up quickly and doing a good job. I want to French kiss them for their kind words and encouragement. (I don’t do it, but I want to.)

So that’s where we are right now, my little cactus flowers. Phase five, and loving it. Not just fake loving it like those sheisty McDonald’s commercials, but really appreciating the current goings-on. Loving it.