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Friday, April 16, 2010

Point of Entry

I am sorely tempted to tattoo my new salary onto the insides of my eyelids. That way, every time the temptation to put my head down on my (new) desk hits, I'll be reminded of why I took this job and that I do actually want to do well.

Two days in, I'm exhausted and overwhelmed. On top of it, yesterday we quite unexpectedly had to say goodbye to our pet of 20 years, Kermit the parrot. His kidneys had been failing him, but he had been doing better up until a few days ago, when it became clear he was going downhill. Michael took him to the vet and did the compassionate thing, and last night we all shed some tears over a hastily-dug hole in the woods behind our house.

So, whiplash. My final week at the old job was absolutely grueling, and I'm not quite done yet -- I committed to giving my successor a few Saturdays to get him oriented quickly. I wish someone had done the same for me in my new job. I've been thrown into the deep end with no floaties, and there is a lot to learn, not just about this company, but about areas of accounting and finance that will be totally new to me. But that's one of the reasons I took the job, right? Right.

Meanwhile, did I mention I'm tired? Getting up an hour-plus earlier than I'm used to is going to take some.... getting used to. So if I'm slow to answer emails or calls, please bear with me. I'm starting over and it's harder than I thought it would be....

8 comments:

Kelly said...

So sorry about your dear parrot. 20 years is a lot of time to love, and then have to say goodbye. Whenever you need some coffee to chat, let me know. We can do B&B again.

I hate that feeling of being immersed, completely, in something new...with responsibilities! It's incredibly overwhelming. But knowing you, and knowing how intelligent you are, I have zero doubt that you'll find your way in no time.

ccr in MA said...

I'm so sorry about your loss. It's never ever easy, but with the stress of starting a new job as well, ouch. Hang in there.

Tina said...

What an awful week you've had. Hope things are looking up for the weekend. Very sorry about your parrot. All will be well at work after you get through that "awkward phase" everyone experiences in the beginning. You're a sharp cookie.

Emily said...

Change is so hard - but every week (notice I didnt say every day) it will get better. With a new job everything is stressful because nothing is natural. Jeesh - you dont even know where the bathroom is on the first day! But I know that gradually you will get more and more comfortable and it will get better. See where you are in a month.

Domestic Goddess said...

Sorry about Kermit! It stinks!

And, hope you feel peppy soon!

AnnL said...

Oh, I'm sorry about Kermit! :-(

I have faith that you'll do just fine at your new job. It's challenging, but it's a challenge that you're up to. Just take a deep breath and one step at a time.

Oonie said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Kermit. Pets who live long lives are awesome, except they are so woven in to the fabric of our lives that they really do leave a hole when they are gone.
And that's not what you need on top of a deep-end job. Hang in there. You are going to rock this job, soon. Really!

Magpie said...

This will get easier. It will.