Building block

August 3rd, 2023

A couple of simple words were addressed to me today at work, said by a guy who sits next to me completely off-hand — “it seems like you have been here for years, like you were sitting there being a part of our group since forever…”

I thank the person who said it, and I complimented back the way I was welcomed and guided through a new place and new situation — it has been a month and a few days since I started my new job there. And there were plenty of unexpected moments during that time, especially with the learning curve of the new system and the new kind of profile of what I am expected to do. I still have a lot to learn, I want to be able to master the personalized lingo that is used in shorthand conversations. I need to sharpen my Excel skills. But I go about that slowly, I don't want to push myself too hard so there is no discouragement in what I do — and I know that all that is doable with a simple effort and repetition.

But any place and any group should be judged mostly by the people who are there and who make it. And I know I ended up at a good place. I still feel my way around — especially around and within the internal office politics and inter-office dynamics, especially since the place I work for now recently was merged into a sizable corporation. But that is doable as well, and I keep my eyes open and react in an expected way. I feel from my side I did a good job fitting in as well. I feel comfortable where I am and with what surrounds me. And as a cherry on top — I got this unexpected compliment today. I wasn't even too joyful about it — I just took it as a statement of the fact that seems obvious. I did feel some pride though — and I hope that will continue.