September 11, 2012

  • First Day

    Some people say the first day of work is like entering into a new relationship without knowing much about your partner (actually, I just made that up ;) ). But to a certain extent I think this is the case for every new job because although you've done your part of the research about the company and position, you've never actually entered into the company and with that comes and excitement and fear. Excitement for the things you'll learn and fear for the things unknown (including failure). To me, today was that border date.

    I originally intended to wake up at 6:30am but after a hard knock and "WAKE UP" call from mom at 6:15, I couldn't sleep anymore so I decided to take a shower. Had a brief 2 min conversation over the phone with Calvin afterwards, ate my breakfast milk shake, and then headed out the door at 7:15. Believe me my mood wasn't exactly in good shape by then. For one thing, I was extremely tired and for another I hated the long drive. 1 arrived an hour later at the Aquarium. 8:15. Work starts at 9. So for the next 30 min I tried phoning Calvin again and talked with him for another 10 min, and then read my bible for 15 min. Entered into the reception area at around 8:45, got my parking pass and asked the reception for Nicole, and settled into my seat at 9am sharp. Orientation went from 9-12, followed by lunch with Nicole and Siu, and another orientation from 1:30-2. Read the employee policies for 2 hours and then got an early dismissal at 4.

    So my first day was really really slack.

    But I found my first fault at work already. It's hard to make new friends without being initiative. And quite frankly, it's hard when you're in a cubicle setting and everyone is already working over the phone or occupied with their work when you enter in. Maybe I'm having the first day "newbie" freak out but I hope tomorrow and the remainder of this week will be better as I familiarize myself with the work environment and people. I can't imagine myself working in the HR department if I'm not even people-oriented enough in my workplace.

    But a few happy things for today:

    1. I got a new Vancouver aquarium mug and two coffee vouchers
    2. I saw the Belugas and sea otters again :) . I also saw the penguins for the first time!
    3. I got a tour around the 4 levels of Aquarium and it is amazing. They have a library with books dating back to the 1800s! Imagine touching a book 100+ years older than you!
    4. I read the perks that I get to receive
    5. I drove home safely without crashing into anything :)

    Tomorrow I shall bring a few more things to work that will help decorate my beautiful cubicle. Though a little on the loud side, I'm sure I'll be able to cope with it.