Thoughts, Three Weeks In

So. My first three weeks.

This.

My first three weeks were a double-timed, whirlwind orientation combined with whatever early-phase training the powers that be had a whim to throw me into. Four days in I felt the need to put my foot down and demand some structure, which I received along with the wrath of our manager.  Alas, it lasted a whole two days…the structure, that is. The wrath will be harder to shake.

Let’s take deep breath and enjoy some art.

Most days went something like this:

1. Show up when I’m told.
2. Report to whom I’m told.
3. Am asked one of two questions:
   1. “Why are you here so early?” by the person who set up my schedule
   2. “What do they have you doing today?” by the person who’s supposed to tell me what to do today
4. At some point, treated like a misbehaving child for not being where I’m supposed to be, despite:
   • being given misinformation
   • being given no information
   • engaging in a self-assigned task because I’ve already been waiting over an hour for some direction
   • actually being where I’m supposed to be.

And again…breath in, breath out, enjoy this interpretation of a happy face sun.

I felt like tennis ball: volleyed out of every court I landed in.  It was the most disorganized, disjointed, unprofessional “training” I can recall dealing with, and somehow I was wrong for expecting better.

*Sigh*

Let’s distract ourselves with a video this time: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r4byVUcyiw

But it’s okay, friends. Now I’m on the graveyard shift with one specific trainer who believes in the power of structure, so I’m thriving. I’m still being treated like a child, but at least now I’m a well-behaved one. I think I deserve a cookie.

And a nap!

And on my last day of that awful first phase I wore my new uniform for the first time.  It’s an icky polyester that requires an extra layer, and my body shape is completely at odds with its tucked-in shirt and belted pants.  So much bad. Still, when I saw myself in the locker room mirror I got unexpectedly emotional:  I felt like I was part of the team again.