A Case of the Wednesdays
As most of Life Before Noon has already done, I will follow suit and describe my first few days on the job. It began on Wednesday. Like Rachel I prepared the night before - deciding what to wear and making sure I packed all the documents I would need when I went to the Personnel Department first thing in the morning. Unlike what some of my fellow bloggers experienced I had the fortune of only having to walk to work. A five minute walk, short elevator ride and there I was.
Things took a slight turn after that.
Reaching the 18 floor only then did I realize that I needed to sign in with reception before going into the elevator. I soon understood that all the doors leading to the different departments of the organization have a security block that requires a chip in order for the door to open. Instead of bothering with proper protocol I went straight up and proceeded to knock on the doors until I was let in.
All was going smoothly until I was asked for my passport.
Oops. Setback number two.
Finally, I headed to my floor. I met with my boss and we began discussing the various projects I would work on, the organizational culture, etc. She then started explaining some politics and the organization’s hierarchy - in Bosnian. Needless to say I was lost, so she began again, this time in English.
The rest of the day passed without any major setbacks. I now know that when leaving or entering the office I have to check my security chip, I know that the bathroom door opens by pushing a button located in the office and I know that I love Post-it notes. I have them all over my computer with tid-bits reminding me of phone numbers and e-mails.
My case of the Wednesdays ended way before I took a bat to the fax machine and although I’ve only been at this for three days and I still have two days of training this week, I believe that I’m slowly beginning to get the hang of things. By asking questions, not being afraid to make a fool of myself (which I have), and paying attention to what I’ve been told, I’m managing to get by, even in Bosnian.
-Aida
Add comment June 30, 2008
