elusivedreams

The first day on the job was hectic, but pleasant. Answering the phones is going to be the hardest for me, I keep thinking I'm going to mess up badly, route people incorrectly, make some loud noise over the paging system and have everyone mad at me or laughing at me.

There is a lot of paperwork to be done, but everything is such that it doesn't - can't - pile up, just by nature. It will take a few days for me to get that part down. Denise says the job takes 3 months to train, but I am sure I'll pick it up sooner. I passed Joe in the hallway and he said, "Learned everything there is to know, yet?" to which I replied, "Absolutely!" and he said, "I knew you would!" and we both laughed. As I said before, vibrant and pleasant man.

The 1/2 hour for lunch seems just right, actually. With an hour, I used to have to search for something to do to keep occupied or else I'd just nap. With 1/2 hour, it's lunch, then back to work.

There is no down time in this job, though I can take breaks. It's fast paced and spontaneous, with frequent interruptions the norm rather than the exception. I've already learned to take notes, notes, notes, if I think I could forget something I was told, or that I need to pass on. I've noticed that nearly everyone else does this too - except Denise who seems to have a memory like .. well I don't know, but she doesn't seem to forget anything about what she was doing before she was interrupted for the billionth time in a row.

And by interrupted, I don't mean that is bad. It's the nature of the beast. When a 'consumer' (client/student) comes in, they are the important one. When they call, they take priority. When a staff member needs to help a consumer urgently, that becomes a priority. Things like staff questions about billing, or what's on the schedule, or whatnot, have to wait.

If you read the Mission Statement you might get a better feel for what Meridian is about.

What's especially unique about Meridian is that it's almost a prototype that other regions in NC and across the US are emulating. Probably the most important value statement, though they are all very important and integral, is "being in service to others is an honor and a privilege". Respect to our customers, respect to each other. We are not there to make money, heaven knows we aren't going to get rich there. We are not there to pass the time. We're there because - and this includes me even at the front desk - because we want to help people. This innovative and exciting program is doing just that, and it's great to be a part of it, even as support staff.

And about that, we might arrange things so that I work support staff Monday and Wednesday, and as a Peer Support Specialist on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. That would also get me insurance and other benefits afforded full time employees.

As for how I'm handling it ... it's going to be a challenge but one I know I can meet. After orientation, I came home and got online and was pretty growly to my friends. I hadn't taken time to let the business part relax, so that was still up. After day 1, I took maybe an hour to change clothes, be outside with the cats and dog, chat with mom about innocuous stuff, eat dinner, and just relax. That evening on the computer things were much more pleasant and calm. That's just something I'm going to have to do every time I come home from work. Take that time to unwind and decompress. I think that will go a very long way in maintaining my job competence and stability.

TTFN!

That sounds great! You should add more emoticons. I need a thumbs up and a grin with teeth. The mission statement is wonderful. And conversation about innocuous stuff is always nice. Need a grin with teeth again.

I'm going to find/fix the settings so I'm notified of posts and replies here to whatever extent possible.

XOXOXOXOXO

Sounds wonderful. So proud of you little sis!

Your first day on the job report was a very good report. I enjoyed reading it. Sounds as though you have the perfect place for you to work. Makes me happy!