| Tuesday, March 20, 2007 |
| are manners a thing of the past? |
There's no way to make an impression on your first day of a new job like wiping your nose on the back of your hand because you've blown your way through the six tissues you stuffed in your pocket whilst explaining in a husky smoker-esque voice that you've got a bit of a cold...
Funny thing is, no one mentioned it... no one even blinked an eyelid!
When I walked in yesterday, there were 3 people in the room - the girl who'd interviewed me and subsequentially offered me the position, another emoployee, and a girl who was starting that day along with me. No one acknowledged me! And it's a freakin' tiny room. I smiled at the new girl and she smiled back, and I said a cheery "Hello" to the general room, which illicited a nod from the Boss.
The Boss then proceeded to start her 4 hour speal about the ins and outs of the job without attempting any casual greetings or small talk or to introduce me to anyone.
Huh? Don't you think that's weird? As the afternoon progressed, and the Boss was showing us around and telling us everything we needed to know, we came in contact with multiple other employees - mostly young people like myself - and not one of them said hello or introduced themselves! I didn't speak to everyone, but each of those I spoke to, I had to initiate the conversation.
Maybe it's just me, but I find that whole situation a bit bizzare. I know when new people start at ColdRock, the current staff are always more than welcoming and we make an effort to be enthusiastic, friendly and interested in them! Isn't that the norm?
Strange social conventions aside, everyone seemed to be quite nice and it was obvious they all got along well together and respected each other. It seems like a great work environment. And the kids are awesome! Oh how I love working with kids! They were much more accomodating than their carers - they would actually come up to me and ask me my name and give me a hug! Now there's an example that adults should follow! Maybe not the hug part, but you know.. the rest.
I think it'll be one of those jobs that will take a bit to learn the ropes and find your place within the whole scheme of things, but I have faith that I'm in the right place! I'm very glad I accepted the job now. I know I'm gonna love it :)
In the mean time, my nose is red raw and I suggest you all buy shares in Kleenex. |
posted by Jac @ 1:48 PM  |
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| 11 Comments: |
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Sounds like my first day here in Idaho.
Back in Colorado, everyone welcomed you with open arms, a slug to the shoudler, or an offer to go get a drink after work.
Here they looked at me like I had lobsters crawling out of my ears. I tried to be my usual jovial and welcoming self, but these folks aren't having any of it.
Good luck with the job.
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Sometimes it's just the setting, childcare/teaching can be a little bit bitchy because it's almost always just girls, so people can be stand offish at first.
I am certain they will warm up once they get to know your alright.
I'm so, so glad that you are glad you took the job and that you had a good time, the kids seriously make it so worthwhile :D
I hope you feel better soon!
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Thats realy weird! Most interviews I have been to people have been really friendly, spent most of the time jabbering about random crap and getting to know my personality not just job skills. Maybe they have had bad experiences with people in that position so they arent to quick to get to know you.
It will take time, they cant all be miserable meanies!!!
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I'm so glad that your day went ok - I was thinking of you!
Strange they were so rude! Lucky you are fairly comfortable introducing yourself first and stuff. If it were me, I probably wouldnt have said a word all day because i would have been too shy hehe.
How fun that you get huggles from kids and get paid for it :)
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That is a bit strange... Most places go out of their way to make new staff really comfortable.
Glad you enjoyed yourself though :)
amanda@vox
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I bet if you are your normal talkative friendly self the others will say "thank god someone starting chatting!"
You're starting a revolution!
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How strange... I thought it was normal for everyone to be really friendly for the first few days, before the bitching sets in- how many people do you knwo who hate their job (or the people they work with) on the first day? None? Because everyone's normally nice! hmm. Strange.
Glad it went well though!
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Haha Amanda and D`Jen`s comments both ring true. Nobody ever hates their job first day cos everyone is super nice...but that said, D`jen mentioned it is all females. All female environments can be hellish. I am in one now which is not so bad cos there is three of us plus the boss and it is not a high stress environment. But my old job, WOAH WATCH OUT. Most people in that office needed signs that said `Steer clear- PMS` etc.
Hope it improves! How was the job other than the rude mannerless people you worked with?
Ps: I can`t stand bad mannars...I am really picky with the kids I work with too to say please and thankyou and apolgise and say excuse me etc. Also waiting turns. But the thing is as soon as their kids are back with their parents they forget it all cos some parents don`t enforce this sort of thing at home. Terrible!
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Congrats on the job, but I must admit you are probably right about manners and courtesy. Pity that we have de-volved so much it seems. I see it every now and then, but you sometimes have to search for it.
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Just discovered your blog! I have been working in after-school care at the moment and quite enjoy it. The kids are sweet.
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That sounds weird. But then I started on Monday and I've been really chatty with everyone. Introducing myself to all and sundry. I must know who everyone is.
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Sounds like my first day here in Idaho.
Back in Colorado, everyone welcomed you with open arms, a slug to the shoudler, or an offer to go get a drink after work.
Here they looked at me like I had lobsters crawling out of my ears. I tried to be my usual jovial and welcoming self, but these folks aren't having any of it.
Good luck with the job.