New Job Update

I started my new job on Monday. I was not exactly sure if the scheduling was going to work out. I was afraid that I would start and end the new job on the same day. Thankfully, things worked out well enough. So, I am still employed there.

They want me to train for my job on the day shift, even though I was hired specifically for the evening shift. I understand now that not only do they have more staff in general on the day shift, but they also have quite a few evening positions still open. They are willing to work with my availability, and have promised to move me to evenings just as soon as I am trained. That seems like a fair compromise.

I like the company. It seems like a nice place to work. I already know 4 people who work there, because I've worked with them in the past. They are all in different departments, but our paths cross often enough to keep in touch. One woman...a former boss of mine...commented, "I sure have missed your laugh." That was sweet. I really felt welcomed.

It did not take long for word to get around that I have 5 kids. That is still quite a shock in our society, apparently. I must be the only one, because people keep asking me, "do you really have 5 kids?" I did meet one woman who has 4 kids. Our coworkers seem to think that we will become fast friends, simply due to the number of children we share in common. People are funny like that.

I've already run into the tension of two different job titles. It comes down to education level, but that means one title gets paid more to do basically the same type of work. Some folks have trouble with that. I eased the tension immediately, because I am not concerned with the hierarchy. I just want to help my family right now. So, I don't care if you are at a lower job title than me....I'm going to totally listen to your teaching. Train me up quick, because I need to get to the evening shift!

I was a bit surprised by the increased level of security since the last time I've worked in the field. Times have changed. I get that. It is still an adjustment for me to remember to swipe my badge before entering and leaving the building....not to mention swiping it once I am inside the elevator, just to get access to a different floor. Wow.

It was nice to be back in my career environment. I do not like being on the day shift. It feels totally wrong to be away from my kids like that. I know this season of motherhood is so short, and I don't want to miss it. I also do not like the stress of having to coordinate and balance for competing work times with The Referee. We do have some great babysitters to help with the scheduling. I am trying real hard to train just as fast as I can, so that I can move to the evening shift. I would much rather tag-team with The Referee to work and be home, versus trying to juggle two careers at the same time.

In the end, if I can endure the strain of the day shift training period, I think I will really like this job. The pay is good. The company seems like a good one to work for. There is certainly a need for workers on the shift I want, so that gives an element of security. The coworkers seem nice. There is plenty of work to keep everyone busy. The work is simple enough, and repetitive enough, that it shouldn't interfere with my ability to primarily focus on my family.

It seems like a good fit. I'm looking forward to that first paycheck!