Move Continued and First and Second Day on the Job

Sorry for delay readers, been rather busy. I took a week to see friends and make my way slowly to SD. I made it to San Diego safely. The Carmel Mtn San Diego Marriott Hotel is pretty nice. We have free dinners during the week and free breakfast every day. I like that there is a dog park for Mia to roam around in. We have a spa and a pool and a workout gym. There is a lot of shopping centers and plazas to check out nearby. The apartment search continues. I have a found two I liked, and will be sure and either sign or make a decision soon. I will definitely stay in this hotel till my 30 days are up though. The deal and offer are too good to pass up, minus having no oven in my room ;). My first day I went to Redondo Beach for my orientation. We go to see the James Webb Telescope and meet the VP on the work for it. We had a lot of information to learn and see, but they broke up the day and gave us delicious food throughout.

I walked the Pier at Redondo and went to a place on the water for lunch the night/day before. They put me in a hotel, which was generous. Northrop is pretty neat so far, minus no free coffee haha. I am told there is a coffee club, a bible club, and an International Women’s club to join, so I may have to capitalize on all that for my sanity! We did a lot of walking and watching videos. My second day, I met my data management team, mostly guys, and my office mates, all were welcoming, and accommodating if needed. I do however, and today too, get the newbie person feel.

I am also missing home more than ever, even if I am still within same state and only 8 hrs from Norcal. I feel it. I feel the winds of change, and the 405 so-cal traffic to more expensive cost of living. However, I feel the breeze, the pretty ocean sunsets, and the ease of a work culture I have never known. It is all good, and going well. One day at a time, and still adjusting.

I feel for the new grads, that this being their first full time job. I was once in their shoes. It seems only a time ago. Even now, though, one can still feel the inundated moments of a new place, new job, and transition. I will be moving in March to my apartment slowly, so I will suddenly feel the pangs of home, but it will be nice to have a home to actually come home to; that although I am renting, I can call home. Day two was focused on starting training and meeting team members or asked to join xyz. My manager is a guy, which have never been used to, but appreciating so far.

People coming from different backgrounds and have different personalities, is kind of a perk, to help me learn more and essentially get out of myself. I put things up in my face to make it feel like a homey space. I am running through training videos. They are tedious and mundane, since my last company and pretty much similar policies, and dos and don’ts; although there are considerable differences. You cannot beat, being able to have an office that is a tad larger than your last one. Only difference and big icky at my expense, is open wall, so anyone can walk in at any time. Crazy! No social media and camera picture taking allowed is protocol as always.

What changes, though is everyone wants to get to know one another, whether young or old, which I think is refreshing. Not sure how I feel about happy hour with coworkers though. Seems a little too close for comfort for me. I always worry that could be a bit too much, and what happens if you share your personal life. Lunches at work on site are fine, but outside is my personal world with my friends, I guess I am still warned of fine line especially since I am new and probably still disposable.

This move, was a lot emotionally, still is, considering I have a lot of special loved ones still back at home that I miss daily. I am thankful for technology to communicate with them, and for my chance to try something new, despite my fears, and spread my wings and fly. Cheesy yes, but let’s just see what I do for the world, and how I do overall! Until next time, Moxie out.