Transitioning

The first three weeks at the new job have been a whirlwind. I've gone through three weeks of training which was intense, but very helpful. The first week was in Phoenix and focused on application training. The second week was in Dallas and focused on the consulting methods we will use. The third week was more application training. It was an excellent boot camp and I feel prepared for what lies ahead.

It's funny how when I start something new and big like this, I feel a little out of sync. It's like I'm going through the motions but I'm just not in the groove. I don't have a spring in my step. I think I'm missing the confidence to really rock life. I know this is a temporary feeling and won't last long. I'll get more experience and get more settled into the job. I'll get more and more sure of myself and the confidence will return. I guess I'm thinking a lot of about how it feels during transition because that's where I'm at right now. I'm looking forward to getting my groove back.

Some of the transition difficulties is the drastic change in schedule. I'm going to work some 2 hours earlier than I was before. Plus I need more time to get ready since I can't just throw on jeans and a t-shirt like I have for the past few years. Ultimately I like getting going early in the morning because I feel good about accomplishing so much before lunch. It's just going to take some time to adjust to the early alarm.

Last week when I went to Dallas, I got up at 4am so I could catch a 6am flight. Got to the office in Dallas around 10:30am and worked until 5pm. I'm not really sure how I survived it, but I'm glad to know I can do it. I think I'll be doing this kind of thing fairly often in the coming months.

While in Dallas I got to have dinner with Leia, which was wonderful. She's a good friend that I don't see or talk with nearly enough. We're both in similar places in life; cosmically, she just re-joined a company she worked for a few years back. According to Leia, "It's super trendy right now to go back to old employers." Agreed.

I also got to have dinner with my parents while in Dallas. They picked me up from the hotel (which feels really, really weird every time it happens) and they took me to a family-run Brazilian steakhouse. It was a lovely, lovely dinner and so great to spend time with them. I wish it could have been longer. I'm so thankful for the good relationship I have with my parents.

Now that the three weeks of training is over, I've been assigned to a project. I'm excited about the customer and the project. They are in Chicago which is where I'll be spending a significant amount of time in the coming weeks and months. Let the adventure begin!