I am just ending my first full month on my new job after more than a year of unemployment. I think I've settled back in to the work-a-day routine pretty well, all things considered. So has Matt, who has had to step it up in the domestic area recently, particularly in the morning. Coordinating shower times and the sharing of the bathroom mirror, getting the dogs fed and pottied, breakfasts made, dishes done, lunches packed and house secured, all by 6:55AM takes great teamwork, let me tell you. Still, we've managed it pretty successfully and carpooling has really worked out well for us.
A lot of people have asked me, "how's your new job?" and although they would probably be happy with a generic response, I find myself searching for an answer to that question in spite of the fact. I know that I was dealing with some depression and self worth issues due to losing my job and being constantly rejected during my many months of searching. Also, financial anxiety was eating away at me a little bit every day in a way that I hadn't experienced in a long time so I am definitely relieved to find work, finally. Unfortunately, I had to take a major pay cut from my last position and the job itself is not very challenging. Since this feels like such a step backwards, it's hard to get excited when people ask me about it. Added to that the strain of working for someone with whom I've had a mixed history at my previous job, I am realizing that I am more anxious and apprehensive than I would like. It hasn't been bad so far but it is hard to feel all that good about it right now - only time will tell, I guess.
Still, I am glad not to be searching and worrying anymore and have really tried to focus on the positive aspects of this job. One thing I've found is that I love the work environment. The atmosphere here is great - I love the building, the people the dresscode and the general niceness of everything: all the computers, phones, desks and cubicles are new and in good order. We have a kickass coffee machine (or cafe droid, as I like to call it) and I couldn't ask for a more entertaining neighbor than a gay Republican from Brooklyn.
Additionally, working downtown is such an improvement over the barren wastelands of the industrial district where Ferguson was located. There is so much awesomeness within walking distance - Stumptown, sushi, shopping... I could go on but I'd rather show you the pictures I've snapped on my phone:
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| This was the view on my way to work on Cinco De Mayo. NICE OUT! |
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| View from the lunchroom - sometimes you can see Mt. Hood |
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| It speaks 150 different languages... of coffee. |
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Waiting for my ride home - this is my corner |
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| 400 SW 6th in all its glory |
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| Just your average rainy day in the city |
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| I love how sometimes you get a little art in the city. Free concert! |
5 comments:
You said everything that Eric is feeling right now too. He is happy to have a job, but it is a major step down also. It is a massive adjustment. Im really glad to hear that you working, and in such a beautiful area ;) Congrats on that. And I WANT that coffee maker!
You, Jeri's Eric, and my brother, all employed within the last 2 months and all more apathetic about the job than enthusiastic, for a variety of reasons. But I think those who persevere will reap the rewards. Until the office politics become bearable and the salary and challenges come your way, take comfort in knowing you'll likely climb the promotion ladder very quickly at UTi!
I think you really highlight here part of what I love about "snapping on foot"...taking random pix of what you happen to encounter during your daily grind kind of makes you realize some of the beauty and interesting things around.
I think your feelings are completely understandable, and hopefully, even if it's not fulfilling now, it either becomes so by way of promotion (as Nik mentioned) or it acts as that stopgap and/or stepping stone to you finding the job that is. But hugs for getting through the months preceding...I know it wasn't easy.
And I have to agree, that even though it took some getting used to, the morning seems to be going smoother and smoother with time. Those extra few minutes in the car together are sometimes the best moments of my day.
Aww, that's my sweet guy :) They're mine, too.
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