So How’s the New Job?

Last week was my first week at my new job, and I know everyone wants details about how it went.  (Because you are fascinated by me and my life, right?  No?  Well, I’m gonna tell you anyway.)

Basically the new job is awesome.  I really like the people, and I feel like I’m respected and my ideas are valued, even though I’m brand new.  From day one, my supervisor and her supervisor were both asking my opinion on things and talking about the new perspective I can bring, how my skills will be such a benefit to the department, and so on.  So, this is new.

Also, I really think I’ll enjoy the actual duties.  I used to enjoy my duties at my previous job, but those had changed completely over the past few years, and it got to where I didn’t enjoy my major tasks at all.  The first two things I was asked to do this week were to work on the department’s monthly newsletter and to search for a great promotional bag for an upcoming conference.  So, writing/editing and shopping.  Win!

Some random things I’m finding to be fabulous:

• Expense checks are direct deposited within a couple days of submitting the report.  I once waited more than two months at my previous job.
• They dump my trash every night.  It was weekly at my last office, assuming they actually did it at all.  It stunk yo.
• Jeans on Fridays.  ‘Nuff said.
• If I have a computer issue, I call IT.  They fix it.  No middle man.  No being treated like I’m an idiot who clearly was downloading porn, or else this wouldn’t have happened.
• There is an ice machine.  Free ice.  All day.  Every day.
• Vision and dental insurance.  I’m very nearsighted.  My glasses and contacts are expensive.  This vision insurance thing is an amazing new development in my life.
• Under my new health insurance, my surgery fiasco would have cost me out of pocket about 1/4 what it did under my previous plan.
• All those state paid holidays.  Columbus Day.  Veterans Day.  I’ve never had these days off before in my life.
• Men.  Dude.  There are actual men in the building.  And in the other buildings around my building.  It’s been…ummm…25 years?  Since I worked in a place with actual testosterone.
• In general, people are happy.  I’m sure they all have their moments, but basically everybody I’ve worked with is in a good mood and happy to be there.
• Also, I’m happy.  I wake up in the morning and I don’t dread going to work.  In fact, for the first couple mornings, my thoughts upon waking were along the lines of, “Oh god.  No.  I can’t.  Wait…  WAIT!  I have a new job.  Yes!  YES!”

So, are there any downsides?  Well, just one mostly.  The drive.  I mean, I moved here about two years ago for a job, to find myself now driving 45 minutes to a job in yet another place.  It could be worse.  I know a lot of people drive more every day.  It’s a decent drive most days, though there was one day it rained and there were wrecks, and my exit was closed, and I was in a bit of a panic and late to work.  But nobody cared.  They all get it.  All you gotta say is, “Bridge,” and you’re off the hook.

I figure down the road, once I’ve sold a house or two, I could look into moving, assuming I love the job and want to stay and don’t like the drive.  For now, I love my town, and the drive isn’t awful.

Also right now, the earlier hours are rough on me.  I’m not a morning person anyway, and it’s going to take some time for me to get used to getting up earlier.  I’ve been pretty tired each day, but I know I’ll adjust and get in the swing of earlier to bed, earlier to rise soon.

Another potential downside could actually be viewed as a plus, depending upon your perspective.  I have to park in a garage and walk a couple blocks.  And there are hills.  Major hills.  I figure the extra steps are good for me though, and I’ll get used to the hills soon.  I could see that being bad when the weather is bad, but so far it’s okay.

So that’s it, in a nutshell.  99% good, and the 1% isn’t really that bad.  Best.  Decision.  Ever.