Friday, June 15, 2007

Making a Splash

I've been diligently trying to make a splash at my new job. For those who don't know, I took a chance on a Michigan company that hired me sight-unseen over the phone. Contrary to my wife's suspicions, they are on the level, and I came home from my visit with them with all my organs. As soon as my name was on the dotted line, they let down their guards and told me that filling my position was difficult. They struck out twice trying to do so. The first developer worked for three months before admitting he was in way over his head. The second played cool, but was totally unreachable for two weeks. When the company called, the wife answered and would say he just stepped out.

So that is the environment I stepped into. All eyes were on me. I got myself an MSN account because they all communicate via the MSN messenger. At first I would get two or three messages first thing in the morning: "u there?"

They gave me an easy assignment as a test to see if I could deliver. Part of the assignment involved a technology I've only heard about, but have never personally worked with. Fine. They knew that from the interview. Sometimes it pays to be honest. But what I did say is that I'm capable of picking up the new stuff and making a go of it. They took me at face value.

I backed up the talk, finishing the assignment in one day.

No ticker tape parade. But I can only imagine the collective sigh of relief.

But working at home is presenting me with some challenges that I hadn't foreseen. I'm working harder than I did when I went to the office. My writing time has been impacted. I used to go away and do so at lunch, but now I barely even take a lunch. My friend Clay called it new-job-enthusiasm, and baby I've got it. The wife has suggested that we eat lunch, take a walk, then I should sit down and write every day.

How's that for support!

16 comments:

Natalie said...

So far sounds great! Keep up the good work. Disappointed about the writing though. I'm hoping you settle down into just a little bit more of a slacker so we can hear more from you and see some writing...

fakies said...

Isn't that new job enthusiasm great? Oh sure, food and sleep are too, but that'll always be available. Sounds like you're enjoying yourself, though, so you must have made the right decision.

I'd work from home, but the neighbors object to having drunks, thieves, and sex offenders standing in line on the lawn.

Kim said...

What a wonderful wife you have. Sounds like she's pointing you in the right direction.

Me said...

Mash it up!! (That's Jamaican for "Git 'er done!")

Your writer's group and mentor will tell you (and prolly already have) that setting aside a writing time everyday, and writing something--anything, even if it is unrelated dreck--is the way to finish what you've started. Keep the juices flowing!

You wife likes having you home all day? Hmm--presumptious of me. Maybe she works too...

Me said...

Happy Father's Day, Scott.

Toni Anderson said...

Your wife is wonderful :)

Glad you are enjoying the challenge so far :)

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you are indeed making a splash. Great job, Scott!

Kathleen said...

I hope things settle down soon. You need to write and we need to read!

mr. schprock said...

Given the track record of your two predecessors, your new employers must be doing the happy dance right now. I say keep it up for the next few weeks and then gradually ease back on the throttle.

Beth said...

My husband said he could never work at home because he wouldn't be able to focus. I never had a problem with it. I think in time you'll have a lot more freedom. After the enthusiasm wears off. =)

Ultra Toast Mosha God said...

Huzzah!

Wouldn't it be nice to get the ticker tape treatment though?

I've often wondered how I would cope working from home. My levels of discipline are not great at best.

I think I need to be in a working envirnoment to get the most from myself.

Jada's Gigi said...

Good for you! ..and the wife...smart woman there..:) working from home is all about defining boundaries isn't it? I know you'll get it situated soon...it does sound as if you like it.

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear about the new job, but that's too bad you're having trouble fitting in time to write.

fringes said...

Yay for working from home! Now you can use your breaks to run a load of laundry. My favorite part is taking a call from the Target parking lot. Freedom! Heh.

Best of luck. Is Jackson enjoying team sports more after the game you posted about?

Tee/Tracy said...

Sounds like things are going very well. You're so lucky to work from home. Imagine all the money you're saving - and at least physically being with your family. Very cool.

Keep up the good work :)

Sean Ferrell said...

Good luck with the new job. Do try to carve out some time for yourself or you'll fall into "unexpected new job burnout."