Back in the Saddle Again

So no – I didn’t fall off the face of the earth. I got a job! I’m coming up on 4 weeks in role and I’m on a HUGE learning curve. I’m going to try not to let the blog go dark but cannot promise 5 posts a week now.

Can I tell you how great it is to be gainfully employed again? I have a low boredom threshold so the job is certainly giving me a lot of new things to learn and do. And I’m not going to lie – it was more than a little thrilling to see dollars going into my bank account last Friday rather that just dollars going out. I wasn’t in financial danger in any way, shape or form while I was unemployed but it is nice to see dollars flowing in.

For anyone looking for a job, I will tell you from experience that I landed where I did because I applied for a job on a bit of a lark. The title seemed higher than I should aim – but the responsibilities described were right in my wheelhouse. So I applied – and much to my shock, I was invited to interview. I made it through all the rounds and in the end they chose a person in-house.

Was I disappointed? Of course! But along the way, I apparently impressed people – and as a result, was invited to interview for what is now my role. The job description for the role hadn’t even been written so I’ll tell you it was a LONG process that felt a little like 2 steps forward, 1 step back all summer. But on September 6th, I got a phone call with the offer. So you just never know where a “no thank you” might lead you.

Biggest surprise? The two weeks between the phone call and my start date were FULL of running around getting things set to start work. The background check required me to be fingerprinted so I had to go to a UPS store to do that. The ID check also required going to another storefront to provide my information and sign my tax forms. The background check required me to answer A LOT of questions – I spent most of one afternoon filling out all the forms online. I mean, I get it – I’m working for a bank now so security is a big deal, but I think they know more about me now than I do! Oddest thing? No drug test! But since my drug of choice is usually Advil, no big deal!

I’m working hybrid now – 3 days/week in office and 2 days remote. For a person new to the team, hybrid is great. I get the benefits of being able to shadow my peers in person if I like but still enjoy being able to work from home on 2 days of my choice every week. Life is definitely good!

Well, lunch break is nearly over – I need to get back to work!