Settling In

I talked with my mom on Monday and I told her “I think I’m settling in.”

She reminded me it had only been 2 days.

I knew it hadn’t been very long because all my stuff was still in boxes and the stuff not in boxes was in pretty random locations but my desk was built, the TV was set up, and most of my furniture was were I wanted it to be so I was starting to feel settled.

I’m discovering even in these few short days I’m not only physically settling into my apartment but I’m mentally settling into my new job and city.  I know I’m only 3 days in right now but I feel like I’m finally doing what I’m meant to be doing.  It’s tough to explain because it is so new but everything clicks and there’s a comfort level I never felt in my previous job.

For example, when I went to training over the last couple days I didn’t feel afraid to speak up even though I have no actual experience.  Training at my old job even after I’d been there for years I just wanted it to be over as quickly as possible and always felt like I was on the outside of the group, like I never really belonged.

Now I’m not saying I immediately bonded with everyone over the last couple of days and I did eat lunches on my own but it was more by choice.  I’ve definitely had moments I’ve described as “being the new kid in school” but the more overwhelming feeling is I belong here.

It was strange to feel like I belonged with this group of people even though I’d only know them for 2 days.  They were positive (mostly, just one person was kind of negative) and encouraging.  Clapping for me when I introduced myself and explained I was on my 2nd day with the company.  It was welcoming, even the instructors.  I never felt stupid for asking questions or sharing my thoughts even though I didn’t always know what I was talking about all the time.

Leaving training I felt confident, like I’d made an impression, a positive impression on the people in training with me.

My new position feels like a career, not just a job.  I can visualize myself advancing in this career and eventually retiring, both of which I could never visualize with my old job.  I’m eager to learn more, have a genuine interest in the career, and see opportunities to contribute new ideas.

I still don’t enjoy the traffic and my terrible sense of direction has led me to a few wrong turns (even with GPS) and cutting people off (sorry) but I think I’m even adjusting to the city.  I’m already falling in love with having so many shops right here.  I also realized on my drives to and from training that I have so many areas to explore.  Five minutes into my journey yesterday I was looking at a beautiful sunrise over the mountains.  It was amazing!  

I recognize I haven’t even lived here a full week yet and things could change but right now I feel so excited about the future because I think I’m finally on the right path.  I feel like I’ve made so many wrong turns along the way plus I was walking in circles for over a decade and perhaps I’m overly optimistic but I genuinely believe I’m right where I’m supposed to be at this moment in my life.