Week 28 July 8-14

Starting a New Job

As far as career changes go, I don't think that I have had very many changes in my career path.  My last employer, I was with for 11 years.  I started this week with Taylor & Parrish Construction, Inc. in Richmond VA. 

Starting a new job is like starting the first day of school.  There are a number of things that you don't know and for the most part, they are the minor things.  The cultural things, that from a career standpoint don't mean much, but from a personal standpoint are very important. 

When I took this position, I thought, or at least have an idea, of what I would be doing.  It would not be much different from my past experiences, but it seems that the other personal things seem to be the cause of the most wonder.  Will I like my coworkers?  Will they like me?  Will it be fun, rewarding, challenging?  All of these things, that I know I will not have a feel for for a few months, if not longer. 

When I look back on my career at Granger, I remember that for at least the first 4-6 months, I really didn't like it.  During my time there, I had the opportunity to work in different offices as well as on differnt project long term assignments.  Each time was like starting a new job, and each time, I really didn't like it for the first few months.  Each time, however, when faced with a change, I know I was enjoying my current "job" and not eager to change.

This feeling out period is something that I know is a process that needs to happen, but it is what I hate the most.  Not having a clear picture of your current situation is frustrating, even though you may never have a clear picture of your current situation, at least with time, you have expectations. 

So far so good though.  I hope I start to fit in soon.  I hope this process is fast and this is the right spot for me.  It is pretty overwelming when you not only start a new job, but also live in a new area.  There is absolutely no comfort place.

I talked to a friend on the phone the other day and he said,"You hit the reset button on your life."  I never thought of it like that, but he was right.  I just try to think of it as exciting rather than scary.