As of yesterday, I have been at my current place of employment for 10 years. I am not sure why this is significant to me, but it kind of is. This is the first (and only) "real" job I have ever had. To me it's almost as though I've grown up at this company. It's a small company, and I believe I was something like employee number 52 when I was hired. The company had only been around for 4 years at the time I was hired. Many of the people I work with I consider close friends. We frequently hang out outside of work -- going out to dinner or meeting for a movie, etc. I've attended several co-worker's weddings and was even a part of the wedding party for one co-worker friend.
I believe I got incredibly lucky in many ways. At the end of January of my last semester at college I had my second interview and within hours had a job offer. I believe I actually had an email with an offer waiting for me by the time I was done with the 40 minute trip back home from the interview. I completed my last semester already knowing where I was going to go after I graduated, which was a huge relief. I feel luckly that the people interviewing me saw through my poor interviewing skills to my engineering skills and good work ethic. I am fortunate that the culture/work environment was such a good fit for me. The company I work for now is the only place I interviewed. I received an acceptable offer for a position in my chosen field that was exactly what I wanted to do, and that was that.
I graduated college on May 20th, 2000 and started work a little over two weeks later on June 5th. I was barely legal to drink when I first walked through the doors for my first day of work. I had been 21 for about 8 months. Still a child, really. When I look back, both personally and professionally, I feel like I've come such a long way. Back in that first summer I was naive, a little scared, and very ready to work. I was very timid and was insecure in my work. I have since been promoted to "Senior Engineer". I conduct interviews, train new employees, and am included on many crucial company initiatives. I have a great deal more confidence, both in myself as a person as well as in my workplace abilities. I respectfully speak my opinion rather than just assume that the ideas/thoughts of others are better or more important.
Reflecting like this kind of makes me think... where will my career take me in the next 10 years? Will I still be working at the same company? Will I even be working at all or will I be staying at home with kids?
What has your job/work experience been like? Are you doing what you expected when you finished school? Have you changed careers or gone back to school for something else?
Wow, you are incredibly lucky. I suppose I lucked out with my first "real" job, even tho it only lasted about 5 years (the company relocated to NJ). I hadn't interviewed or looked around much before getting that job. And it gave me the experience to carry on as a freelance editor.
Congrats on 10 years!
Thanks, JD. :) The time has really flown by and I can't believe it's been that long already.
I'm glad you had a really good first job experience, too. Lots of people aren't as lucky as we are.
My current job has been my first "adult life" job. I hadn't finished my engineering degree when I started working. I felt a grown up, but as a worker I was such a newborn!! I did not feel like a professional. After 7 months at an entry level position I was given the chance to get a better one (still entry level, but a whole lot better) and there I got infinitely lucky to get the greatest boss ever. Without all of his mentoring, coaching, and ecouragement, I would not have achieved the smallest bit of what I have. I feel proud of myself, and thankful to him in even proportions.
That is awesome, MSQ. A wonderful boss/mentor in your first job can make all the difference. Congratulations on all of your success!
Hi,
I just happened to stumbled upon your blog. I am newly 32, which, is my "I'm turning 32" and spend the night in with a fridge full of wine birthday, but so far I haven't been able to find the time. I am from Canada and have 3 jobs. One that I have been at for about 5 yrs, another one for 2 yrs and my "career one for 8. I am an Educational Assistant and I am moving schools in the fall. I had planned on staying at the school that I was at for 10 yrs, and then moving on. There was a nasty rumor going around that we would be loosing EA's, so I volunteered to move schools. I am moving back to the school that I went to when I was young, and could not have done it without the support of my Principal. It was her first yr at my old school, and I kind of wish that I had stayed there longer so that I could work with her longer. Luckily, my best friend is still at the school. It will be a different change, as before I was at an inner city school, and now I will be going to a well off east side school. Sorry, it is late at night and I have had a lot of sun and little sleep this week, so I tend to ramble...