Day Two at the Happiest Place on Earth!

Greetings from Day Two of my new employment! It was another wonderful day and today even had a soundtrack. I was the first to arrive this morning and after setting up my voicemail messages, others in my department arrived and turned on the internet radio. The sounds of Pandora’s Katy Perry station filled our area. We sang along, danced and yes even work was completed. Its such a lighthearted atmosphere, like Santa’s workshop. I was told of the upcoming Christmas party at the office, where there will be food, games and we’re encouraged to decorate our cubicles. But the company doesn’t want to spend too much money until the economic downturn is over so by not throwing a glitzy bash, we’ll still get to celebrate but not be over the top. Its forward-thinking on the part of the company.

This afternoon my department and I went to lunch at Gallagher’s. I haven’t been to that bar/restaurant in over a decade. The food was okay but the laughs were great and I was the center of attention while they played Get to Know Your New Coworker. They liked my answers and we all found out we are similar in age (except for the 24yr old that sits next to me and the receptionist born in, wait for it, 1991), we all love the color purple, we all love all sorts of food. And those of us that were around for the 1980s still love the music and the movies. We’ve also already made New Year’s Eve plans because they thought mine sounded so fabulous, they were intrigued.

Oh and we had another field trip today! I was shown to the other outdoor bathroom near another terrace, this one on ground level with the fountains and ponds. Truly it’s a lovely area, it just seems so odd to me that there are no facilities in the actual office. Oh! And get this! I was told the upstairs women’s bathroom is thought to be haunted! Women have heard whistling, mumbling, the lights have gone off before. One of the women said it could be just sounds from the surrounding offices however the entire second floor is unoccupied.  I’ve not heard a thing other than flushing so I’m not worried.

I was granted my keys to various places, access codes and security badge to get into the building in the morning. Tomorrow the IT guy will be setting up… something deemed by the company to be necessary. I’m still asking questions about Google Chrome but I can see why its so popular. It has all the properties of Outlook but this seems to be, for lack of a better word, funner. OK more fun is the proper phrase but its nearly 9:30pm, cut me some slack.

This afternoon I also sat in on my first weekly department meeting and I must tell you I found myself comparing my old job’s weekly meetings to this new one. First, this one is actually video conferencing. Much easier. Also there’s a well-planned itinerary and everyone is encouraged to speak. I’ve been assured (not by management) that unrealistic deadlines aren’t common at all and moments of levity are expected. When I left the office tonight, the managers were cleaning the foosball players and dressing them as Santa and his elves.

Today’s lie: This won’t get any better and its only downhill from here.

I'm Going to Disney Land!

I leapt out of bed this morning, all giddy with delight. No, it wasn’t Christmas; I’m still eating leftover Thanksgiving goodies. Today was just as exciting though for I started my first day of work. I was dressed as corporate as I possibly could manage because that’s how I was told to dress. I was forty minutes early to work.  This gave me time to get the lay of the land. OK not really, I used to live in central Phoenix. More like I was getting reacquainted with an old friend. Like you both know so much time has passed yet it feels like we still know each other well. I got to see the new boutiques and non-chain restaurants that have opened on 16^th St & Bethany Home, I had extra time to marvel at how much things have changed in that area with the trendy cupcake bakery but remain status quo with the BBQ restaurant still occupying the northeast corner.

I strode across the parking lot with purpose and waited to be buzzed in through the security door. The entire corporate complex is designed to look business-like but with mission-style touches. More on that later. The receptionist, also named April, greeted me, as did the admin assistant, Gina. They were still waking up though it was nearly 10am. Or maybe I was too full of caffeine. I was told my new boss was still on vacation for the holiday but was shown around by the woman who had interviewed me after my boss did. I was introduced to everyone and believe when I tell you my coworkers are the united colors of Benetton. The UN doesn’t have this much diversity! It was great! I also was told by the IT guys that they’re easily bribed with cookies if I need their help. Good to know!

After seeing the break room with the air hockey and foosball table, the Keurig coffee maker, the really fancy vending machines with fresh fruit and vegetables, I was shown to my desk to put my purse. And what a desk! My cubicle is nearly the size of my bedroom! There are hand-blown glass partitions between and the other girl, a lovely indie chick named Alicia with multiple facial piercings. It occurred to me then to ask where the bathroom was located for future reference. I was walked passed walls of flat screen TVs, more than Best Buy has, past the multicolored metal wall sculptures and outside to the courtyard. Wait. Outside. Why were we outside? Oddly enough, we ventured up a large set of concrete stairs that have mission-style ceramic tiles on them, up another flight of equally adorned stairs, turn a corner into darkness and walk across Spanish tiles to the terrace that overlooks the courtyard, a lovely area that was so quiet and Catholic looking, I expected Dominican monks to walk past me. At one point I expected tolling bells to call me for noon time prayer. That didn’t happen though so instead we traversed the second story terrace and turned down a dark breezeway and stood before a poorly marked heavy wooden, carved door. Not like some secret door you’d expect to find housing a speakeasy, more like a door to a gothic castle or Frankenstein’s lab. Or apparently, the women’s restroom. After working the key a bit to get the knob to turn, I was shown into a dimly lit bathroom with more Spanish tile and mission-style ceramics, this time for the sinks and counters. It was a bit musty smelling in there but with a door like that, I’m not surprised.

After making my way back to my desk I was given the form on how to setup my voicemail (there were already messages waiting for me), passwords and usernames for various computer programs and a tutorial on Google Chrome. I’d never used that particular program but I’d seen the Lady Gaga commercial for it so I felt prepared. Anyway, After a fast day of learning names, locations and computer programs and company procedures, it was time to leave. That’s when I asked what the dress code it. I looked like a Wall Street employee while my new coworkers looked like they were Occupying Wall Street. I was told to wear jeans and tennis shoes, no hats or sports apparel, no flip-flops. This all came from a woman with pierced eyebrows, hipster Elvis Costello glasses and blue dreadlocks. We’re allowed to paly music and they do. Its like they have an agreed upon playlist and maybe they do. Maroon 5, Tom Petty, Joy Division, The Cure and some indie bands too. My Metallica suggestion raised many an eyebrow but that’s ok. I’ll just wear headphones after I’ve been there a while.

This place is fantastic. The coworkers are pretty left leaning, there’s a live and let live vibe. There’s no cattiness, everyone seems to get along well. It was like having never been on vacation and then finding myself at Disney Land. On my way out the door I called my friend Jennifer and asked her for a favor. When she gets to my old job tomorrow, tell everyone near and far that I’m doing great… and they can all suck it.

Today’s lie: My first day was mediocre at best.

I Will Survive

Every year just before Thanksgiving, I receive from several friends, the same e-card. It’s an animated cartoon of a turkey with a large afro, dancing on a stage belting out I Will Survive into a microphone. The character’s name is Gloria Gobbler, after the singer of the original version, Gloria Gaynor. Its an anthem heard at most clubs towards the end of the evening, particularly at gay clubs. It’s cute and a nice Thanksgiving wish from friends who’ve outgrown the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special on TV; I’m not one of those who has outgrown it but I digress.

This year I found myself humming that very song after I received a phone call from a national company I’d interviewed with last week. I am now employed. Or at, I will be the Monday after Thanksgiving. This call couldn’t have come at a better time.

Before I’d answered the phone call offering me the job, I was packing. Because I was unemployed and my lease was up, I was moving back in with my parents. I didn’t know how long that relocation would last, and I was deeply thankful that they have a home large enough for me and that I wouldn’t at all be a burden on them. But getting that phone call this afternoon really put a spring in my step, knowing that somewhere around mid-February I’ll start looking for my own apartment again.

Allow me this happiness as I revel in being employed again, to count my blessings several days before I sit down to a feast next Thursday. I’m blessed to have parents I get along with, who have helped me through these two months of unemployment, with their words of encouragement and a few extra bucks slipped my way. I’m thankful my friends allowed me to vent my frustrations while I pounded the pavement in search of work.

And I’m thankful the Lions are having a winning season that will be on televised for the annual Green Bay versus Detroit Thanksgiving Day game. Dear Lord, remind Matt Stafford to feel thankful for still being starting QB for the Lions after last week's disasterous game.

Today’s daily lie: At first I was afraid, I was petrified…

Pros!

It took me longer than I thought to post this. Mainly because I’ve been searching for a job and stunned that while so many companies claim to be hiring, they’re sure not calling me. And they must not be receiving what they’re looking for since they’re still posting the same job.

But onward! The pros of being a receptionist! There are actually many. I started in that position at a quiet manufacturing company. It was so quiet that I was able to do homework since I was still in college at the time. And when that was done I’d ask for work. I started learning Spanish and human resources. I was about to be taught more of the accounting side when there was a change in management and all the positions were shuffled around. Anyway, at my next position I was further able to hone my HR and language skills. I’d applied for the next higher position but was declined because the supervisor said he didn’t have time to teach me the accounting portion. In hindsight I can see why, he was too busy courting the newly divorced woman he went on to marry.

My point is receptionist can be a great stepping stone to many other positions if you’re willing to learn. If you’re completing college or newly graduated it’s a great foot in the door. However the only downfall is if you’re so good at the job that no one wants you to leave it. Then it becomes a big problem. I was glad to be given more work and taught many new things but it was like a slap in the face when I was declined for other positions, being told I was too valuable in my current receptionist position.

It helps when your own manager sees your value and isn’t going to hold you back so they won’t have to break in someone new. At my last job I started off with a great manager and ended with a great manager. The in-between people weren’t so great, they were too busy advancing their own careers to notice me. Because its difficult to work AND just the bus schedule to know when to next throw me under it.

Did you know that most people undervalue the receptionist position? Vendors think you’re a part of the surroundings like the copier and don’t watch what they’re saying. Other times they treat you like dirt right to your face because they don’t understand that the receptionist is also the gatekeeper. Every receptionist position I held, I was asked by management how I was treated. If I wasn’t treated well, the vendor didn’t get our business. Oh on a side note, being the front desk person also allows you to see the major players are at a company. Not for the sake of sucking up but to see who has high level projects that perhaps you can assist with.

At this point I’ve all but given up on searching for a new job. I’ve been looking since September 15^th and it’s been the same positions over and over with the same companies. I don’t know if they’re not finding what they’re looking for or perhaps as my mom suggested, they’re just getting a really large stash of résumés ready for when they do need someone. All I do know is I’m tired of politicians saying ‘we’ need to create jobs and then nothing else happens. Perhaps to generate interest I’ll say I’m the 6^th woman Herman Cain propositioned! Its not true but he’s blaming Democrats for his behavior anyway!

Today’s lie: this will all be over soon and I’ll be back to working in no time.

The Receptionist Blues

Since I’m combing the want ads on a daily basis, I see receptionist wanted on a daily basis. This got me thinking about my time in that position. Today I’ll be discussing the cons of it, tomorrow the pros.

The title of receptionist is bestowed on a person (usually female) whose sole function is to sit at the front desk of the office and direct calls, sign for packages and distribute mail. That’s what I also started out as when I was given my first ‘real’ job. It was pretty straight forward. It gave me time to do homework, it was clean and I learned how an office works.

That was thirteen years ago and judging from the ads I see, the position has certainly evolved. The person must be now proficient in Microsoft Office, order office supplies, arrange and attend various meetings, take dictation, data entry, while simultaneously answering the phone, the fax and respond to email. Oh being bilingual is also a plus because this is Arizona. The requirements for the position are at least three years’ experience with these tasks and a college degree. For $9.50 an hour. That’s less than I made at my first real job.

I understand the ads need to include the job duties but what I don’t understand is why the receptionist position has turned into a dumping ground. Let me explain: the above tasks don’t usually take an entire day so a receptionist finds herself with time on her hands and being a good employee and wanting to show she’s better than her current position, she asks for more work. However when other employees learn the receptionist wants more work, they begin handing over the menial tasks they don’t have time or desire to complete. Pretty soon the receptionist desk becomes a dumping ground for other employees work and her time is spent working on those tasks, not the ones originally assigned to her. However she (and it’s almost always a she) continues to juggle the added workload because it’s what she asked for.

I think at times the people doing the hiring lose sight of the original purpose of a receptionist because answering the phone and signing for packages is so basic and that’s what they’re looking for. But I would argue that position is so much more. The above job description is one that I read every day. I have all of those skills and more but I’m insulted at the $9.50 an hour. Minimum wage is AZ is $7.35 so yes $9.50 is a nice increase. But when your ad states an individual must have at least three years’ experience, pay them accordingly. The receptionist position has evolved into all things to all people, depending on what sort of office you work in. At my old company she also did accounting. At the company before that she (meaning me) did all the hiring. The place before that the receptionist also was responsible for marketing of all things!

My point is, stop insulting the job force, or reminding them they should be grateful for $9.50. I’ve been turned down for those positions lately because I have so much experience that companies know I would leave for greener pastures when possible.

Today’s lie: is actually a truth. I’m way over-qualified for receptionist positions but the admin positions I apply to don’t want me at all.