after two weeks

Today completes the second full week at my new job. I'm still forming impressions and adjusting, but it's beginning to feel more comfortable. Comparing it to my old job, I'd sum it up like this right now: most everything is better except for coworker relationships. My feelings on that may still change, but one huge positive is management. I'm super impressed with how approachable and on the same level they are. They'll say hello and check in with you throughout the day to make sure you're doing ok. I was used to managers who acted like police and were always watching for something they could criticize. Frankly, it was a toxic environment. Tonight I talked with a St. Joe's coworker and it sounds like things have only gotten worse and another person is quitting. It made me thankful for what I have! It is true that your attitude and what you focus on makes all the difference, but sometimes there's glaring issues that can't be ignored. 

Back to my earlier comment on coworker relations - so far I don't sense the camaraderie that we had at St. Joe's. This may be because LVHN pharmacy is such a big department, but I'm finding out that some people don't even know the names of others who work the same shift. It seems there's little groups that know each other well and don't bother with anyone else. They're all reasonably friendly but maybe more reserved than the joking, sarcastic, say-it-like-it-is group I knew at St. Joe's. My trainers have all been nice and did a great job, though.

I've been thinking about first impressions since I've had so many lately. The average time for making a first impression is seven seconds. For me, it might be even less. Appearance and body language project more than words to my subconscious brain. Sometimes I find out later that I was right, and other times I'm proven wrong! 

I had a very interesting revelation today. One of the techs I met on my first day struck me as less worldly, more plain in appearance (no makeup or tattoos, long undyed hair), and of a quiet spirit. Over the next few days she'd usually tell me "good morning" and often offered to help if she saw me looking for something. After hearing her talk, I developed more impressions. There was a slightly Dutchy accent to some of her words. I had the fleeting thought that maybe she's some kind of liberal Mennonite, but didn't think much of it. There was something different about her, though. Today I trained with her for the first time, and she said, "You're not a Mennonite, are you?" When I told her I was, she asked what denomination. I replied I was part of the Church of God in Christ, also known as Holdeman. She said she'd heard of Holdemans, but wondered what conference we were in. She mentioned the names of a few familiar ones in Lancaster County. Then she casually said, "I was raised very conservative as an Eastern Mennonite." REALLY?? How surprising! Immediately things started making sense. The accent, plainer appearance, quiet speech, and general demeanor had all connected with me on some level. She didn't tell me much of her story except that she grew up in Lancaster County (Ephrata), left when she was young, and moved to Allentown. I hope to hear more as we get better acquainted. 

It's good to have two weeks behind me. Hopefully it will be six months before I know it and I'll be fully settled in!