I Ache All Over
Probably the most difficult thing about the first day on a new job is all of the physical aches and pains. New chair. New desk. New phone. New computer. And all of these items makes one’s body and joints move just slightly different than they are used to.
I got the hour tour and introductions, then shown to my office. Then that was it. I was introduced to two of my “assistants” and I’m not sure what they really do. I’m just supposed to boss them around and was promised they would love it. Assistant one couldn’t answer one question about the company or supplies or my email address. Assistant two did get my computer up and running. Mostly. Then he spent the afternoon trying to make me pick out a new chair.
“The chair I have is fine.” But he kept insisting that he was given a command to get me an executive chair. He had his catalog open to the leather chairs. I looked for the cheapest one with a tall back and picked it.
And then I started working. Nobody seemed to be around who tried to start any internet marketing projects, and I am there to put together an integrated, comprehensive internet marketing strategy and plan for the company.
Everybody is Mormon. Everybody is Republican. Everybody is an avid BYU fan…even if they didn’t attend BYU. There isn’t even a coffee machine. Or a diet Coke machine. I didn’t hear one swear word all day, not even from me.
Half the people work part time, including my boss. Everyone else, hours 8-5 with 30 minutes for lunch (no, that will be an hour thank you). Christmas, New Year, Independence Day, and Thanksgiving are the only holidays. No paid vacation or sick leave for a year. Maybe I should have asked a few more questions, but I did keep asking for the offer in writing, which they never quite got to me. After a year, I get a free company paid vacation (not just the time off, the actual vacation…air, hotel, etc.) every year.
I’ll do my best to do a great job for the company. My goal is to get everything for me out of this as I can (selfish?), still hoping the rich brother project comes to fruition.
My saving grace? I kept thinking of my daughter all day and couldn’t wait to get home and see her.
Filed under: Mormon, Politics, Place d'employ, Marketing
I hope you at least accrue vacation and sick leave during your year of probation. That’s an awful long time to not be able to use such things. Good luck with the Mo-mo environment. I worked in an office of all Mormons once, and I didn’t try to hide the fact that I’m No-mo, and they didn’t seem to mind. But some Mormons are not very cool about people who are different.
P.S. My Captcha today is “somebody out”
Well, good luck on your new job!
Here’s hoping some of your colleagues will bee cool and/or not republicans!
Do you have an ergonomic chair? I’d try one of those. They are really comfortable and very well made, aligning your back and spine. I’d suggest looking at websites like officedesigns.com or preownedaerons.com if you’re looking for a cheaper option.