As i lamented and you may have discovered, i was unemployed for much longer than i had planned. After being offered two jobs shortly after my arrival i was, perhaps, a bit too confident. Issues with social security cards did not help and my temporary intentions also did not assist. Nonetheless, i have now been working for four weeks and have something to share from my initial weeks.
There are always pressures when beginning a new job. Although I might handle it better than most, I am definitely not immune to it. There was also an added pressure seeing as my new boss was also my landlord and father of my girlfriend.
First off, before you begin laughing, yes, my position is in accounts. The industry which i promised myself i would never, under any circumstances, re-enter except to let some neat, clean-cut accountant with jelly beans on his desk assist me with my bulging finances due to future successes! At least, in this position, I am not taking care of other people's business or rude clients. Yet.
I was introduced to my supervisor, who fit the stereotype of accountant with aplomb and then given a tour of the factory. - half of which was off-site. It soon became apparent that my boss/landlord/father of my girlfriend had to go elsewhere to a meeting and i would be trust to drive his car back. I acted cool, put on a brave face. But this was make or break. I had driven a bit but was not overly confident in the land of the free right hand turn. We had not travelled far but i was not too sure how to get back...
As per the stereotype, everything in America is bigger and fatter. Cars are no exception. Depending how well you know me, you may recall that my previous car was a often described as "cute". It was a zippy little Rav4 and i could see the back and the front.
I jumped in the old, long, wide car and sank into the seat. I felt like a kid in his Dad's suit. Slowly, carefully, i crawled in reverse so as to not hit the cars on either side or the tree behind me. Hopefully this would just go quickly and without incident. It was the middle of the day so why would anyone be on the road?
I wanted to be cautious but Mum's words rang in my head. "The quick and the dead". She had received that instruction from her father when learning to drive and, essentially, it meant you need to make a decision and stick to it. Do not hesitate. I saw an opening and went for it. With ample time. The road was fraught with danger in the form of bikes, cars and trains so I kept a wide berth with my boat-like car and made sure to be smooth and slow. After five minutes that felt like an eternity, I made it back and parked with some success.
In my opinion, automatics are more difficult to drive. I do not ever feel in control and it feels like i am not doing anything at all. There is definitely more controlled practice required!
The job itself is a means to an end at the moment but hopefully grows into something I take more ownership with. Accounts does put me off (and to sleep). It is monotonous and methodical and leaves very little to creativity or the imagination. Irrespective, it feels great to be working, learning new skills and being paid! I am determined to not slack off, to do my best and ensure all my duties are performed to an exceptional level. After all, i am not just trying to impress my boss but the owner of the car i am driving, my landlord and my girlfriend's father as well!
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