A Week In

Hello Blogger friends, I've missed you greatly. I started a new job last Monday, which has brought on many adjustments and forced me to neglect you temporarily. I can't believe it but I've stepped away from journalism and entered the marketing world. I joined a company called Fibrebond in Minden. It's a manufacturing company best know for making concrete buildings at the foot of cell phone towers, but they also construct schools and prisons. After a full week on the job, I don't regret the decision one bit. So, let me tell you about the new things going on.

Early Mornings

Instead of waking up at 7:20 and driving 10 minutes down the road to get to work, I'm now up at 5:45 and leaving the house around 7:15 to make it to Minden by 8. It's not so bad once my feet hit the floor. But with it still being completely dark outside, my body is being somewhat hard-headed with this transition. It's a stark contrast from my life two years ago, when I could stroll in to work around 10 a.m. because I was an entertainment reporter and most entertainers are not morning people either. It was a lovely match. To ease the adjustment, the coffee pot now wakes up before me. I can handle the early morning much better with a cup of joe in hand.

Southern Hospitality

The people here are SO nice. It's nice to go to work and not feel like you're walking onto a battlefield. In the past year, I would have to say that's one thing I've missed very much. At The Times, we were a family. We were all in it together, working to put out the daily. It was a place where respect and ethics were never in jeopardy. In the year since I left that job, I've felt alone professionally. It was a daily fight for what I believed in and a battle I know I could never win. I've learned that your work atmosphere can impact you severely, so I was relieved when I pulled up to the guardhouse at Fibrebond my first day. The guard greeted me with, "Good morning, Stephanie. Welcome to your first day at Fibrebond." He already knew my name? Are the people here really THAT nice? And as a matter of fact, they are. Everyone says "hello." And while it's a large company, it has a very down-home feel. Not to mention, in each of the kitchens there's a pot of coffee, a pitcher of tea and whatever fresh-baked goodies have been brought in that day. I'm avoiding the goodies, but it's such a polite, Southern gesture. Oh, and most importantly, jeans are welcome any day of the week.

Office Space

In my entire career, my desk has never been a place for finer things. At The Times, I shared a long table-like work space with several other people. Good thing those people were absolutely wonderful. Kathie Rowell, Maggie Martin, Donecia Pea, Adam Causey, Alexandyr Kent. Great people to be in close proximity to each day. I upgraded to my own office last year. I was appreciative, however the space was rather cozy. I couldn't open my filing cabinet without first moving my desk chair. And because the building was located in a valley, there were no windows ... in the entire office. At Fibrebond, I'm working in the executive offices. Windows everywhere, L-shaped sturdy wood desks, gorgeous landscaping and even hummingbirds that buzz by my window occasionally. These are definitely the best accommodations I've had yet.

I say all of this to let you know that so far things are good. Change always tends to make me a little nervous. But this was a calculated risk. And when the conditions are right, change can be very good.