What I Learned in 5 Years at the Same Company...


On April 4th, 2011 I started working at my current job. The realization that it's been 5 years since I first walked through those doors has completely thrown me for a loop. 5 whole years. Fuck, that went fast. 

I remember panicking after my job before this announced they were closing their doors. The recession was over but it was still hard for a small programming company to dig above all the rest. I had just bought my little studio condo and had a mortgage so the anxiety was high.  

 Immediately I marched myself to a job agency and was a 100% honest in what I was looking for and my qualifications. I asked for full-time work, health insurance options, and 401K options. Within a week the scout had something...
 
I went on 3 interviews - 1.5 hours each - and there were a lot of hand shakes. I was offered my current job as a client service manager/marketing analyst for a insert distribution company. Simply...I make sure the appropriate people get ads for stores in their newspapers. =) 


Over the course of 5 years I've learned so much and I'm excited to share with some of the best lessons I've learned:

Lesson #1
Being asked to meet in the Conference Room can be a good or bad thing. 

Lesson #2
Saying "Hello" is powerful tool, not just an Adele song. Just saying hello makes you appear nice and approachable.

Lesson #3
Learn how to Un-Jam the Printer/Fax Machine. People will come to you for help aka a chance to boost interpersonal skills.

Lesson #4: 
You will gain weight if you never leave your desk and eat out everyday. Sorry...it happens. You have to be aware of your eating habits and step count per day.

Lesson #5: 
Avoid Bagel Day...and Pizza Day...and Birthday Cakes/Cupcakes. Sing Happy Birthday and head for the fruit if available. Oh and cookies!!!

Lesson #6: 
Unless you work for Miranda Priestly, your boss is person too. Figure out how to balance your personality with theirs. 

Lesson #7: 
I work on salary, not hourly. If you stay late to finish your work, someone will know and it might be greatly appreciated.

Lesson #8:
Be a team player. Be helpful to your co-workers, especially new ones. Even if your job is competitive, being a team player shines through I believe.

Lesson #9:
There will be assholes and bitches. Stay away from them and keep it as professional as possible. You don't need that negativity bringing down your amazing day.

Lesson #10:
Purchase reliable headphones and always keep a phone charger at your desk!

Honorable Mention:
Positive feedback always makes a person feel good. If you are in the position to give a co-worker positive feedback do it. You could make that person's day. 

How Long Have You Worked at Your Company?
What are some Lessons You've Learned Working There? 

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11 comments

  1. This is so interesting and some of your points made me miss working in an office setting :) I'm a freelancer who works mostly from home, cafes or our balcony if the weather allows. I love the flexibility I have but, at time, I miss the office politics, the lunch break chatter and the overall vibe :) Kisses

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  2. These are great!! I love #4. So true. And #2 is the best because it's so true. You never know whose day you could make by just saying hi!

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  3. I love that #2 makes you "appear nice and approachable" whether you actually are or not. Ha!

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  4. I loved this post! I work in an office setting as well and can definitely relate to a lot of these...especially #4 because my first few years were definitely eye opening when I gained that extra 30! Loved this! XO -Kim

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  5. I started working in an office and the only part I hate is sitting there all day. I try to get myself out for a walk or go up and down the stairs but I do miss having an active job where I was up and down all day from my seat.

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  6. Positive feedback is huge! I think showing respect in that way helps co-workers respect you back!

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  7. This list totally resonated with me! Such great lessons learned, that's for sure! And yes - keep the negativity out and stay away from the bitches!!!!! hah {but seriously!}

    Xox Dana Ivy // www.iadorewhatilove.com

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  8. Oh how I love this post. I'm an expert photocopier unjammer- person.
    One thing I've learned being at my current job, which is my second professional job in my career, that you don't go to work to make friends. Sure if you meet people, great. But bottom line, it's work. These people are your coworkers, they're not your friends and this we highlighted and underscored over and over a couple of weeks ago at a seminar put on by a consultant.
    I nodded to every one of your points. Great post, loved reading this! :)

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  9. Great post! I am returning to work soon and need to remember this posts!! Thanks for sharing at The Wednesday blog hop ..

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  10. Love the list! I agree about the printer and fax machine. The more you know how to fix them, the better people will treat you! lol!

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