As you might know from a previous post, I’ve been out of the teaching field for over a year and have delved into the corporate world. Let me tell you, it’s totally different. I have been pleasantly surprised by some aspects, but some parts have not been so pleasant. Here’s a few things I’ve learned:
- There are cliques…everywhere.
This was one of the not-so-pleasant surprises. I guess it’s really because of where I worked previously (at the grocery store, where cliques weren’t really a thing, and at the high school, where I didn’t make friends); I somehow thought that this shouldn’t be a thing. I mean, we’re all adults. I figured that we were done with that. But no. Take a look in the break room during lunchtime and you’ll see the cliques. It feels just like the first day of school during lunch…you look around, desperately trying to find someone you know so you can sit with them and not worry. Most of the time I either sit by myself or eat at my desk. You usually just stick with your department.
- Befriend the IT department.
I have had the worst luck with computers. I’ve gone through 3 towers in one year. No, I don’t break them! They’re just really old. I know at my work, any updates or downloads have to be approved by the IT department, so they’ll make their rounds. If you’re friends, you might get seen sooner, or you might get the most updated equipment (like me). Also, try to befriend the janitor and maintenance crew. Your area will always be clean and your items fixed.
- Have a good immune system.
Offices are breeding grounds for infections and diseases. For example, this week one of my bosses has been out 3 out of 5 days, and my other boss 2 out of 5 days. I always try to show up to work, unless I’m running a fever, or now if I have a migraine (thanks baby boy). I have a little medicine kit at my desk with everything from ibuprofen to Dayquil to bandages. You never know what you might need. Try to take some vitamins, and make sure your hands are clean.
- Get along with your neighbor.
I don’t know how many of y’all work in an office with cubicles, but I had no idea what it would be like. You share walls with so many people! For me, it’s 3 people. It’s very…intrusive. People walk by all the time, and they can see what you’re doing. It’s very noisy. You can hear people’s phone calls (and sometimes hear the entire conversation). The people you share walls with will no doubt become your friends. Just hope that they’re not rude…because you’re attached to them.
It’s definitely a change, that’s for sure. Is it my forever career? Don’t know yet. Right now I’m happy, and they pay me to be here. Win-win for me.
Meaning Beyond Words 