Well, here I am, halfway through my third week at the new job. I now know where to find the bathrooms, which fridge contains the snacks for everyone, where to find the developers’ table of release-week treats, and I’ve learned a few people’s names and jobs.

 I can also find my way around the 13th floor, where my desk is, without getting lost; and I can find my way from the lobby to the correct elevator bank–no mean feat, considering how confusing the lobby is! Oh, and I have access to the secure bike parking cage, which I still consider to be bike parking nirvana.
I have also learned the difference between TWR and IRR, how to use our WYSIWYG editor and compile a build to the test support environment, and that we select and clear check boxes rather than check and uncheck. 

I’m slowly picking up the Tamarac version of the Microsoft style guide and our specific phrasing, such as, “For more information on X, see Link Y.” Seems nitpicky, but consistency is key, especially with three or four people all writing on the same material.

And I’m still figuring things out: what to do with my phone and what the correct phone etiquette is; what outfits work and are acceptable; how many days to bike commute and optional route; what time to arrive and leave each day so I can get my work done and keep my boss happy while also seeing my family occasionally; bringing lunches and snacks and how much food I need for the day to stay not grouchy… The list goes on. The biggest one remains timing and schedule.

Yesterday we had a company meeting, and part of that involved recognizing exceptional employees. That is great. But what stood out to me was that most of the supervisors said something like, “this person is at their desk working hard before I arrive every morning, and still there working hard when I leave at night.” 

Now, I’m absolutely going to be there for my full eight hours every day, and on release nights, even later to check all the production files. I’ll take the time I need to get urgent tasks completed, and I’ll do the best that I can in every task. That’s part of the job. I really enjoy the work so far, and I’m eager to do it.

But: I don’t put my work first. I don’t live for any employment. No matter how much I enjoy it, I’m not willing to sacrifice more time away from my family just to get some work done. I’m always going to try to maximize my family time. Which means I realized yesterday that, although I intend to give my best at this job, I doubt I’ll ever be the one receiving those accolades. I’m OK with that.

Anyway, all that to say that we are still figuring out some of the family dynamics, but otherwise, I think it’s going well and I’m very happy and grateful for this opportunity.