Ava
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Post by Ava on Jun 2, 2012 16:58:14 GMT -5
I did it! I got a new job ;D It starts June 18. The job title is "credit analyst" for the commercial lending branch of a regional bank. I will be reviewing the financial situation of companies that apply for commercial loans. The benefits are not great, but they are fine. I'll start a 401k with 4% match from the employer. Hours are good. My pay will go up; $19,50 an hour with a 37.5 hours work-week. Of course, I'll have the student loan payment soon, but I'll have it anyway whether I got a new job or not. I am excited I am also very nervous because I've been a cashier for so long, never had an office job before. I also work in a union place. Even though I am not in favor of the union, it gives you a certain level of job security. The new job is "at will". I was thinking of the YM posters when I went to the interview. You guys told me not to worry about my age or being overweight. Just look your best and act your best. That's what I did and it worked. I sent a thank-you note to my interviewer the next day, and a couple of days latter got the job offer. Please, please, give me any advice you can think of regarding working in an office, etiquette, appropriate behavior, tips to succeed,etc. I feel like now the sky is the limit!
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 2, 2012 17:03:17 GMT -5
Congratulations to you, Ava. The sky is the limit and keep thinking that way. Observe what you see others in the office wearing as to proper attire, don't step on any toes, follow the chain of command, and work your hardest. Take lots of notes as you learn the job so you remember what you are supposed to do without being totally overwhelmed.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Jun 2, 2012 17:04:54 GMT -5
Thank you, TheOtherMe. Will do. I am asking this question here because I always get good advice. The fact that I'll be starting work during Paul's birthday seems like an excellent omen
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Cheesy FL-Vol
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Post by Cheesy FL-Vol on Jun 2, 2012 17:05:31 GMT -5
I am not a YM regular, but congratulations!
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 2, 2012 17:09:40 GMT -5
Thank you, TheOtherMe. Will do. I am asking this question here because I always get good advice. The fact that I'll be starting work during Paul's birthday seems like an excellent omen First thing I noticed about your start date.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2012 17:10:36 GMT -5
Congrats!
Workplace attire: Wear clean/pressed clothes. Business casual usually works everywhere - slacks/blouse. Hygiene: Ensure you are clean and no BO :-) Positive: Keep that positive attitude & give yourself some slack for being new in the job - back in a learning mode is hard when you have been in the prior job for a while!
Best of luck in the new job!!!
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Jun 2, 2012 17:16:52 GMT -5
I did it! I got a new job ;D It starts June 18. The job title is "credit analyst" for the commercial lending branch of a regional bank. I will be reviewing the financial situation of companies that apply for commercial loans. The benefits are not great, but they are fine. I'll start a 401k with 4% match from the employer. Hours are good. My pay will go up; $19,50 an hour with a 37.5 hours work-week. Of course, I'll have the student loan payment soon, but I'll have it anyway whether I got a new job or not. I am excited I am also very nervous because I've been a cashier for so long, never had an office job before. I also work in a union place. Even though I am not in favor of the union, it gives you a certain level of job security. The new job is "at will". I was thinking of the YM posters when I went to the interview. You guys told me not to worry about my age or being overweight. Just look your best and act your best. That's what I did and it worked. I sent a thank-you note to my interviewer the next day, and a couple of days latter got the job offer. Please, please, give me any advice you can think of regarding working in an office, etiquette, appropriate behavior, tips to succeed,etc. I feel like now the sky is the limit! Very cool. Did your cashier experience qualify you for this position or what you took in school? My best advice is to observe what your coworkers wear, how the people who are admired act and how the people are considered not so good act. Try to behave and dress similar to the better coworkers and avoid the pitfalls of the bad.
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cronewitch
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Post by cronewitch on Jun 2, 2012 17:27:01 GMT -5
Ask the right amount of questions from the right people. When you don't know something first think for a minute then if you don't see the answer ask the person who is lowest level likely to know so first coworker especially if training you, then your supervisor. No question is dumb even if it is embarrassing not to already know so ask after trying to figure it out. Try to make no mistakes but when one does happen don't hide it. You won't be fired for an honest mistake but you will be for hiding the mistake. Everyone makes mistakes but try not to keep making the same mistakes and ask questions instead when you can.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Jun 2, 2012 17:29:33 GMT -5
Congratulations! I agree with Opti - watch your coworkers, try to figure out who's on the right path, and emulate them. If they say "business casual" but most people wear Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something (I have this problem). Be friendly and courteous (but you know that). Don't wear any strong perfumes or microwave popcorn/fish or clip your nails at your desk and you should be fine in the office environment You can do it!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2012 17:35:08 GMT -5
Congratulations! Very happy for you!
If you are planning on buying some new clothing, try to buy things in the same color scheme. I'm thinking you may need a few casual jackets too?
Have you given in your notice yet? How did they react? I'm sure they will be very sorry to see you go and regret not having given you more opportunities. Leave on good terms (as I know you will) but don't look back!
Best of luck!
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Peace Of Mind
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Post by Peace Of Mind on Jun 2, 2012 17:36:03 GMT -5
Congratulations, Ava!! Optimist - You are next!!
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Jun 2, 2012 17:38:44 GMT -5
Super congrats! Also, don't get caught up in any gossip and don't be around those that do. Guilt by association.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2012 17:40:55 GMT -5
TheOtherMe has great advice on taking notes.
I always buy a new medium-sized notebook that fits in my handbag.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on Jun 2, 2012 17:49:10 GMT -5
Ava I am very happy for you... You've been working very hard and deserve the chance at a better job. Congratulations and karma. You will do great - I am sure of that because you have drive and motivation.
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dannylion
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Post by dannylion on Jun 2, 2012 17:55:08 GMT -5
Congratulations! Wishing you much success.
Others have given you good advice. I second the comment about not listening to gossip or sharing gossip with others. Also, be nice to everyone, especially secretaries, janitors, the cafeteria staff, etc. as they can often make life in a corporate environment easier, and you never know who's watching.
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resolution
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Post by resolution on Jun 2, 2012 18:17:41 GMT -5
Congratulations!!! Don't be nervous about the lack of a guarantee for job security. They wouldn't be hiring you if they didn't need someone. Just work hard, have a good attitude and stay away from gossip and you will do great.
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Sharon
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Post by Sharon on Jun 2, 2012 18:23:26 GMT -5
Congratulations on your new job.
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Jun 2, 2012 19:02:02 GMT -5
WTG Ava!! Yes, take lots of notes as you're learning your new job, and pay attention to what others are wearing. (If they're wearing fancier clothing than you can afford right now, check out the local consignment shops for a deal.) Go get 'em!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2012 19:10:55 GMT -5
Congratulations, Ava. The thing about not getting caught up in Office Gossip (also known as Office Politics) is really important. Be pleasant to everyone and make friends slowly. Keep your mouth shut, and don't take sides. You have no idea how much the pot stirrers like to recruit. And if you choose the wrong side . . . So just smile a lot and go deaf. I've worked at my job for 13 years, and everyone still remarks how I never seem to gossip. Now it is only with a select few.
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whoisjohngalt
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Post by whoisjohngalt on Jun 2, 2012 19:52:41 GMT -5
I don't usually post on your threads, but have been reading your story and I think YOU ARE AWESOME. You work hard, have the right attitude and that is a lot. I hope your new job is just a stepping stone for you do great things.
I wish you best of luck with all my heart!!!
Lena
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Jun 2, 2012 20:03:18 GMT -5
Thanks for all the good wishes and the good vibes. "Did your cashier experience qualify you for this position or what you took in school?" It was a combination of both. I just graduating with an Financial Accounting degree. If I didn't have that, they wouldn't even interview me. On the other hand, my job as a cashier has served me well in many levels. The interviewer was impressed that I worked full time while also attending school full-time. He loved the fact that I worked six years for the same company. Working as a cashier gave me a lot of opportunities to interact with different people, so I have experience and I feel confident meeting someone new. I wasn't shy at all during the interview. Working as a cashier for long has also given me a lot of humility. I know what's like working a low-level, low-pay job and I always keep that experience with me. About leaving in good terms; yes, absolutely. I've been with the company for six years, there were some though times but mostly good memories. They don't know yet, because I received a phone call from HR from the bank on Friday while at work. I returned the call during lunch break and they offered me the job. But then I got home to check an e-mail they sent me with all the info about pay and benefits. There was also a letter that I had to write my name on, date, and send back. I would let them know Monday morning. I guess they'll regret seeing me go. I am kind of sad also. They never gave me an opportunity to advance, and I am extremely ambitious (in a good, non-cut throat way). I am paying special attention to the info about office politics. I don't like gossip, and I don't like creating extra unnecessary drama in my life. I'll avoid gossip with a smile. Actually, in my place of work gossip runs rampant, so I guess is not too different. I've never been involved in that. When someone starts telling me a juicy piece of gossip, I smile and change the subject to something like "is that a new necklace, love it. Where did you find it?"
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2012 20:05:14 GMT -5
Congratulations! You did it! I've been following your posts for what seems like an awfully long time...but I bet it's not nearly as long as it has seemed to you! Now let us know how the boss at your current job took the news. They'll have to look long and hard to find another you
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Jun 2, 2012 20:07:20 GMT -5
Thanks, Miss Rigby. It seems like a long time for me also. It's been six years working as a cashier and five years attending school
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2012 20:20:00 GMT -5
I'm sure they'll be kicking themselves! But, their loss. Ava, I wouldn't be surprised if they make you an offer. I don't think you should take it, because they had six years to see your potential, and they still weren't willing to take a chance on you in a higher-level position. But just keep it in mind, so it doesn't surprise you IF they do give you a counter-offer.
I'm not sure about this but I THINK you have mentioned planning to go to grad school. If that's the case, I'd take it easy right now, just work hard at your new job, get used to working in an office job, get settled. Grad school will still be there later. And once you've been there for a while and proven yourself, maybe your employer will help you pay for it?!
Again, I'm not sure I'm right about you planning to go to grad school. Sorry if I'm confusing you with somebody else on that point!
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NancysSummerSip
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Post by NancysSummerSip on Jun 2, 2012 20:34:14 GMT -5
I've been following your posts, ava. Congrats and go get 'em!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Jun 2, 2012 20:35:37 GMT -5
Good for you, Ava! Congratulations, and I hope you just love the new job! You'll do great.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jun 2, 2012 20:43:23 GMT -5
I'm sure they'll be kicking themselves! But, their loss. Ava, I wouldn't be surprised if they make you an offer. I don't think you should take it, because they had six years to see your potential, and they still weren't willing to take a chance on you in a higher-level position. But just keep it in mind, so it doesn't surprise you IF they do give you a counter-offer. I agree, Ava. From what you have said, you are in need of a change of scenery from that place. You have paid your dues there.
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Ava
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Post by Ava on Jun 2, 2012 21:33:17 GMT -5
Thanks again everyone. You have no idea how much YM means to me and I can tell you I have learned a lot here through the years. I don't think my current employer will make a counter offer, but it doesn't matter to me because I would politely decline. Yes, it's difficult to leave and start anew somewhere else, but I know it's the right thing to do. Debtheaven2; yes, it's my plan to go to Grad school. Today I was at the bookstore checking out books to study for the GMAT. But I agree with you. It's important to get settled in the new job first. My plan is to start preparing for the GMAT in October, do it in December, and start Grad school in May 2013. There's an excellent state school here that has implemented an online Master's Degree in Accounting.
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Jaguar
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Post by Jaguar on Jun 2, 2012 23:22:02 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on Jun 2, 2012 23:37:58 GMT -5
Ava, congratulations! You've worked hard and it's starting to pay off for you. I hope the new job works out well, I believe you'll succeed at whatever you choose for your future.
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