I got a new job not very long ago. I enjoy it, and I think it’ll be good for me, but it’s definitely been an adjustment. The scope and tasks are completely different and it’s been refreshing doing something so far removed from what I used to do but it has presented a few challenges.
Two things in particular have stuck out to me about this change. For one, the culture is decidedly more serious. That is to be expected given the disparity in what I used to do and what I do now, but I didn’t expect for myself to react to it the way that I have.
For some context, I’ve historically been an anxious person in an employment setting. I’d do the work to the best of my ability, but I was thoroughly unable to participate in the joking conversation of the other employees. It took me six months in my first position to break out of my shell even a little bit. At my next job, it took three months before I could talk about anything other than work and work tasks, and an another six months before I could joke around with the people who really wanted to talk to me. It did get easier, five months of being myself at my second job helped the transition to my third go much smoother. In just a month at my third job I really felt like I was part of the crew.
Before I say what I say next, I really do like my job.
That said, no one at my new job is funny and I’m absolutely suffering.
Look, do I expect the training class to be derailed with levity? No. I’m merely wanting a moment of camaraderie with the people I’m about to be spending an ungodly amount of time with.
So, today I am here to beg you. Go to work tomorrow and crack an (appropriate) joke. It might save someone’s day.
The Cluttered Library 