Three days into my new role and I’m glad to say the transition is going well…thus far. I am really comfortable with the process. So, you’re probably thinking what’s the problem?
Here’s the thing: I expected the transition to be rough. I left behind some good friends, went to a company much larger than what I was used to and switched career focus a bit. In describing my new post to friends and former co-workers, I got everything from “That sounds great” to “You know how those big firms are; I hope they don’t treat you like an underling.” Great words of encouragement, right?
Anyway, the journey’s just begun and it’s off to such a good start that it had me thinking all day: “Why am I so comfortable?” I think I’ve figured it out. It’s my network.
Lately, I’ve been feeling like the Verizon guy, with a great network of people nearby if I need them.
My college network led to several great internships, including the one that led to my first job after college, and when the time came to move on the next chapter of my career, I had several people to call on for references, advice and perspective on the company I considered moving to.
The most surprising thing and the most comforting was the fact that when I arrived, I discovered that I already knew two people here. One from GW days (someone who lived across the hall from me freshman year) and another I met through blogging and the Brazen Network. Like the Cheers song, sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. I know its not a lot of people, but when you’re new, two is enough to get you going.
My network, from freshman year straight through, has been a tremendous help. How’s your network these days?
August 20, 2008 at 8:05 pm
I think that having people who know at a new job (even if it is only a few) really takes the stress of of need to form a new network. Good luck with the new job!
August 20, 2008 at 11:33 pm
Thanks Jessica!
August 25, 2008 at 7:23 pm
I’m glad to hear that your new job is going well so far! Thanks for your encouragement about my own transition. I too am switching to a bigger company in a slightly different career path, so I’m nervous as all get-out, but I hope it’s a positive change. I told someone at my office about the company I would be going to and it turns out her son and her ex-husband work there and love it! That’s great that your network came in handy. Anyway, while it sounds like your transition hasn’t gone as expected, it also sounds like that’s a good thing!