Monday, August 1, 2011

Joining the rat race

First day on a new job!. I really can feel that I have not worked in a while. I was so tired sitting in that office and I couldn't stop yawning. I was worried that everyone thought I was bored. I have to admit it is a rather hectic job and there is SO much to learn. The thing that is really freaking me out is that the lady whose maternity leave I am covering is in her NINTH month of pregnancy!!. She goes on leave TWO DAYS before she is due to give birth. I am starting to have vision of the office turning into a labour ward. There is so much work for us to cover that if she has her baby any sooner than she is supposed to, I'm in serious shit.

The people in the office where I work seem nice, they are really comfortable around each other. I don't think they are the type of people I would normally hang out with- they are party goers, I got out of that phase long time ago. One thing that does irk me is the amount of swearing that goes on around that office. I'm no grandma, I once had a very potty mouth that I picked up courtesy of London and I had to work hard to get rid of it. I can understand breaking your toe or seeing something that beggars believe and uttering every slang word you can think of. We all have been there. But to me someone that swears in every sentence they speak tells me that they have nothing good or intelligent to say and are just trying to full the silence. I'm not offended by it...I find it more annoying than anything.

The job itself does look like a high stress job unfortunately. Without revealing too much info, basically the company I work for is a worldwide tour group. The job I will be covering will be as a coordinator for all the tour guides in Southern Africa. It's a lot of paper work, even more data entry and I'll have to learn the NINE different computer programmes designed specially for the company ( which aren't very user friendly if you ask me).

This is going to be one of the biggest tests I will face since I've had my breakdown. I am going to be positive and believe that this will have a good effect on my mental health. The make or break it period will come in November when I will be working AND studying for five exams....with no time off. It's all about time management. If I start now it won't be the death of me. And of course I always have to keep my dreams in sight to know what I am working towards.

3 comments:

  1. Hi Stephi,
    Congrats on getting back into the working world, and I hope that the job goes well. Working can be tough but I think it does us good to get out of the house and interact with people. Doing something, even a job we are not crazy about, can be good for us. Having some money coming in is always nice too!

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  2. Stephi, just keep on breathing and know your limits. Those of us who are challenged my mood disorders really have to take care of ourselves and know when enough is enough. If it gets too much for you, really ask yourself if this is the right job. It may be fine for now, but not at the expense of your health. I know it's hard to find jobs, but don't let this one knock you so low that you can't stay steady in school. I have complete faith in you whatever you do : )

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  3. Wow. It sounds like you really jumped in with both feet. I hope you are getting it down without feeling too overwhelmed. Maybe if you focus on the now and what is in front of you instead of anticipating possible trouble it will help ease your anxiety. I know, lots tought to do than to say. It helps me when I am able to do that.

    Best wishes!

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