The First Week of a New Job

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So I've entered the next chapter of my life and have started "Making it in the Real World" per se. I am excited. I am scared. I am not ready. There is no way to be ready until you are thrown in.

I dove in head first.

Last Monday was my first day of employment at the corporate headquarters of a credit union in Green Bay, WI. My official title is Event Specialist, but this encompasses so many different areas - marketing, event planning, public relations, social media, and writing to name a few. I work within a growing marketing department and I even get my own office! It's the bee's knees!

Need to fill it in a bit more and make it homey!

My first week was filled with HR paperwork, training details, and meeting many, many faces. For someone bad at names, it's a little terrifying! But I'm delving into my position. I'm working on two events within the next month and I am currently learning about ones coming in the future. I've already had a couple of meetings and I'm beginning to take control of the events side of this position.

 But I still have so much to learn. I'm developing a donation/sponsorship request evaluation system within the next three weeks. I'm taking the lead for our social media outlets. I'm learning financial and marketing lingo specific to this organization. And I am connecting with the voice and culture of this place.

But I really need to get better at internal meetings.

Seriously. I am still struck with a bit of fear when we hold department meetings. I shouldn't be! I am intimated by my lack of experience; however, my co-workers are doing their best to bring my voice out. Even though there are age differences between most of my co-workers and me, we are all on equal footing and I hope to shake off this newbie syndrome soon. I want to be better so this next week I am going to focus on speaking, (as my boss says), transparently.

So, wish me luck for the coming week. I have a couple of projects, but I want to continue growing and developing this position into my pride and joy! I want to take this organization to new heights with their engagement to the members and communities. I just need to remember to take it one step at a time and not over-whelm myself too quickly. As Ron Swanson would say, "Never half-ass two things, whole-ass one thing."



Remember your first week on the job or recently started yourself? What were/are your biggest fears and what did/do you want to get better at? Comments always welcome! :)

Updating My Fall & Work Wardrobe

The last week I reveled in the comfort and excitement of my future job. . . until I looked into my closet. I had one suit and a couple tops for interviews, most of them plain colors. I certainly did not have enough pieces for full time employment. Then I realized it wasn't just my work wardrobe that needed some serious updates, but my fall one as well. (Although I've known this for some time.) So the hunt began. . .

LOVE the blue baseball jacket! Only $10!

Now and then, I think we all struggle to find a balance between  keeping the bank and the desire to buy a new piece of clothing. I know I have been for years - I neglected myself of new things to penny pinch my way through college. So despite having a legitimate reason to shop and even setting a budget for myself, I had a hard time letting myself go and shop without questioning every purchase.

I started by creating a detailed list of several items I wanted in my new wardrobe. I tried to find pieces that will work on and off the job. Making a list directs you to look at what is useable in your closet and shows you where you need to expand. I really needed more tops!
Plus a list helps to keep you from going over budget.





My personal budget for this large update was $350. Almost every item was purchased with a coupon or at a clearance price, so I came in under budget! (One great way to get these coupons is to sign up your email at all of your favorite department stores. The best ones for me are from JCPenny, Kohls, Payless, and Gordmans. Especially Gordmans!)

I bought four accessories to add to a couple of the tops. I've never been one for accessories, but I thought now is a good time to give it a try! Plus, I just LOVE this necklace! It works wonderful with the striped sweater and a couple of the professional tops I bought.

Below is one of my new earrings. (I didn't take a picture of the other ones because they are plain pearls.) I apologize for the slightly blurry picture, but these are a wonderful pair of mint colored, leaf shaped earrings. The gold outlines make them pretty bold and classy. I bought these at Old Navy.

I'm planning to wear this top (right) with the tan pants for my first day! I still have to decide if I'll wear blue or red heels though...

But I'm done with shopping! Eighteen new items pleasantly fill and brighten up my decrepit closet. I'm ready to head out into my first job with confidence and a good look'n shirt on my back!

I Got The Job!

AH! I cannot write in words how excited I am!

Remember my interview posts - How To Get Pumped Before An Interview, Wear An Interview Outfit To Be Remembered, and The Unemployment Curse? I made it through! I finally did it and I am on my way to a great career and the next chapter in my life. I owe so many people for support. Also, I need a self-five for believing in myself when things looked bleak.

Picture of one of the events from my internship at DECI. Wouldn't be here without you!

This morning, I received and accepted a job offer from a credit union in my area. My position title for now is Event Specialist. What is an Event Specialist? It is someone who works with local organizations, non-profits, and companies to host events to give back to the community and organizations in need. I cannot believe I get to do this as it has been my dream, ever since I discovered someone can actually do this for a living. I thought I would end up working for one non-profit but now I get to help out many more! I feel so blessed right now and super pumped. I had to go for a run right after the call because I was too full of energy.

Now, I will relax, enjoy the last couple of free weeks, and get ready to rock this community!

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