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New Job Week 1

 New Job, Who Dis?

I'm having fun learning something new? 

I started my job at Reynolds and Reynolds mid August in the Remote Software Implementation (RSI) and part of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) division. Once I actually figure out what I'm doing I'll be able to better articulate what I do. I'm learning that there is so much proprietary and confidential information that I now have access to. I have to check what I write and what I talk about. Since most people reading this probably have nothing to do with car dealerships, I shouldn't have to worry but I will probably be vague on purpose if there is sensitive information. 

Regardless, I wanted to take some time to hit on what my training looked like and how I'm bring my teaching experience into what I've done so far.

I arrived on Monday for my photo and badge. THANK GOD MY WIFE TOLD ME TO NOT WEAR A SUIT JACKET. I would have looked like a total schmuck on my first day. Everyone wore business light attire--dudes were in slacks and collared shirts, dudettes in slacks and blouses or nice dress/skirt combos. We then got a quick and impersonal tour by the recruiting office rep where I immediately got lost. The new hires met our supervisors and were whisked away to get another tour of our specific pods. 

I found out I live in "The Conservatory." So many plants!  I think it's due to the floor to ceiling windows near my cube. Everything was bright and warm this morning and I would find out it got much cooler in the afternoons. I was so happy to see actual light though after being in classrooms and gyms and closets that may not see light all day!

I got introduced to my new hire checklist and the 100+ virtual and in person classes I will be taking over the next four months of my training period. Four months to teach me how to be a professional cog in the system. This is a huge change from public education though in that I don't have to pay to further my education! My company will pay for any trainings I want to do to deepen my knowledge. AND I get a raise for each certification I earn. I don't have to negotiate to get paid what I'm worth. It's a huge motivator for me to do more.

I immediately bonded with two other new hires and we started a groupchat so we can schedule classes and things together as we go through this process.  The rest of my week was full of classes highlighting the Standard Operating Procedures and handbook requirements. I got to decorate my desk with my pop figures and DnD stuff to try and make it feel more like home. It sounds like a lot, but let me break down my work day:

It's a typical 8-5 with some added benefits. I get an hour for lunch. AN HOUR. I HAVE TO TAKE AN HOUR LUNCH EVERY DAY. No copies, no parent phone calls, no admin meetings. That hour is mine to take. And the food is phenomenal. It's subsidized so my lunch costs about the same as a kid's lunch but for this:

a photo of fish and chips with green beans, pineapple and a cherry coke zero

In addition to my hour-long worry free lunch, I get two 15 minute chunks for walks outside, or trips to the gym, or just finding someplace to curl up with a book. This time is designed to get me to focus on something other than work for a while and recharge. It's almost like they care about my mental health. I was also told I can take time from my day to study for my Trainee to Representative (TTR) test. When I pass, I get an automatic raise. This may seem like little perks, but when you come from an industry where perks are few and far between, it's a lot.

I plan on posting at least once a week unless there's something major that I want to highlight. I'm already thankful for those who are following along! If there's a topic or something you want more of my perspective or anything, please reach out. This is therapeutic for me and hopefully entertaining for you.

Much love.



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