Wednesday September 1, 2004
Isolation
My job so far is going all right. I’m already being left on my own to do tasks as I see fit—including dealing with the abstracters. I guess that’s cool and all, but I’m realizing that I still don’t really know anyone here.
It became more obvious yesterday, when there was a lunchtime food and book sale outside our building. I sat with my boss and the other new girl who does what I do. As I looked across the way, I saw a group of about 5 or 6 people in their mid-to-late 20’s all sitting and talking. So, I know there are people my age here, but I have no idea what section they are in, or how to get to know them.
I really can’t remember how long it took before I talked to a bunch of people at my old job—although unfortunately, the youngish ones kept leaving. At this point, however, I wouldn’t mind even talking to some of the older editors—just as long as it meant I actually KNEW some people here!
Don’t get me wrong though, I’m not totally complaining. I do like this place better than the old one—it’s a lot quieter, not as many freaks, lots of food and events, and of course, more money! Though it would be nice to have someone to eat lunch with!
Well…I’ve found pink hair is a good conversation ice breaker. Makes all kinds come to YOU! Try it ;)
1 | Posted by: AGK on September 01, 2004 @ 11:14 AMI guess just walking up to them is out the question, right?
couldn’t you break the ice with some bit of “hallway-news” you heard? just to verify if their department heard anything?
lol no idea though :) I’m just glad I will find myself sitting with friends when my new job finally starts for real :)
2 | Posted by: Leonieke on September 01, 2004 @ 11:36 AMLOL umm, I’ll have to keep the pink hair thing in mind….yeah…. ;)
And well, I suppose I could just walk right up to them, but in the office environment, first I’d have to actually FIND them. And they might get a little creeped out if I, a total stranger to them, just walked up and struck a conversation. And what to talk about?
Hehe and if only I heard about hallway-news! Although, one guy’s wife just had a baby, I suppose I could talk about that?
On an updated note though, I did talk to someone briefly in the lunch room today. They happened to be a fellow Book Crosser and have left some books in the lunch room.
Woo, go me!
3 | Posted by: Jennifer
on September 01, 2004 @ 12:46 PM
Well see? Ya got a subject there ;) (Viva l’internet!).
If that ain’t working.. try to be first in the lunchroom and put on all tables: “reservated”. That way people are obligated to come and sit at your table ;P
4 | Posted by: Sofie on September 01, 2004 @ 12:50 PMbest way is at lunch just to walk up and say “hi, im jennifer, and I’m new here. I work in X dept. and just wanted to meet some people.” the rest should take care of yourself.
i was never much for the hallway news approach…don’t want to be pegged as a gossip!
5 | Posted by: kevin on September 01, 2004 @ 3:52 PMKev, while your approach sounds good, I think you’re overestimating the lunch situation. The lunch room has like 4 small round tables, at which I’ve never seen more than 1 person seated at each. Combine that with the fact that most people don’t seem to be in there at noon, or just go to heat up a meal and eat elsewhere, and there’s not much opportunity to make the lunchtime rounds.
LOL it seems I’d have better luck with Sophie’s “Reserved” signs! ;)
6 | Posted by: Jennifer on September 01, 2004 @ 4:16 PM
Jen, doll
go up to people’s cubicles if you have to! people don’t care! they like to get to know people too. plus you’re a pretty girl who’s mildly :P entertaining. just say “hi, i’m jen… i just started… i what do you do?…where u from? .. where do you live?… did you go to ucsb?” just do it babe.
7 | Posted by: m-unit on September 02, 2004 @ 9:37 AMGoing up to someone is one thing, but co-workers is another. I had a hard time meeting co-workers since I was hesitant in revealing too much about myself when I see them everyday and when a job is at stake.
But I think I was just being silly and should have been more open at work. The people you work with will make or break the fun of it all. Of course, if you have gossip - you’d get extra points.
What ever your approach is, let us know what works.
8 | Posted by: Mona on September 02, 2004 @ 9:46 AMSomehow I managed to create some very deep friendships with my new co-workers. We’ve known each other for close to 3 years now, and I’m finally a true colleague ;) since I’ll be working in the same department now.
Can’t wait to see if we all learn more about each other’s personality quirks now :))
9 | Posted by: Leonieke on September 02, 2004 @ 11:29 AM
