Why I Like My Job This Week
Having been employed at my new job for 3 weeks, I can safely say that things are working out far better than I had expected. In fact, I think this may actually qualify as a Christmas miracle for me.
Cases in point:
1. I have a 5 day weekend over Christmas, followed by 2 half-days then a 4 day weekend over New Years. Working in the hotel, I always had to work over the holidays. Its such a nice change.
2. Yesterday we had a bi-annual company strategy session. The office was closed and the meeting was held in the Harbour Centre tower which overlooks the whole city. Afterwards, the CEO took us all out for lunch in Gastown. Hotels are notoriously secretive about budget and forecast information and (the ones I've worked for anyway) would be loathe to lavish such free meals upon their staff.
3. The company is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint. one of the selling points of our software is that it is all hosted, meaning hotels don't have to have energy-gobbling servers on-site. As well, the company will pay for the staff's public transit passes, we have a fairly thorough recycling program and we're working toward a paperless office by mid 2008. Hell, part of the meeting yesterday was an information session on Carbon Credit trading on the Chicago and Montreal stock exchanges. I can respect this.
4. A huge basket of organically grown fruit is delivered to the office each Monday for the staff to enjoy. They're even working on a program where we can get individual baskets delivered to our homes and the company will pay for half.
5. I started on the 3rd of December and got my first cheque last week. I was expecting a pro-rated pay, having only been there for a week prior to the cut-off date, but received a full cheque....and it wasn't a mistake. They don't use cut-off dates.
6. The director of my department called me and another member of the Client Services team into the office on Thursday and gave us presents with cards. I got a rather expensive box of Purdy's chocolates and a card that was signed "you're doing a great job". I never received such open praise from my previous jobs.
7. I work with a bunch of mature, fun, accomplished people, most of whom have had the same frustrating experiences in the hotel business. Its not a back-stabbing, competitive environment. Everyone knows what they're doing and there doesn't seem to be anyone in upper management who hasn't earned the right to be there. We get along and have fun.
8. Beer Fridays. We cut off work a half-hour on Fridays and the company buys beer for an office de-stressing party. Woohoo!
Overall, its the breath of fresh air I needed after the unmitigated nastiness of my time at the Pan Pacific Whistler. For the first time in a very long time, I don't resent my job...and thats a Christmas present better than anything else I could get....well, except for a new large screen hi-def television (hint hint).
Merry Christmas all!
Cases in point:
1. I have a 5 day weekend over Christmas, followed by 2 half-days then a 4 day weekend over New Years. Working in the hotel, I always had to work over the holidays. Its such a nice change.
2. Yesterday we had a bi-annual company strategy session. The office was closed and the meeting was held in the Harbour Centre tower which overlooks the whole city. Afterwards, the CEO took us all out for lunch in Gastown. Hotels are notoriously secretive about budget and forecast information and (the ones I've worked for anyway) would be loathe to lavish such free meals upon their staff.
3. The company is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint. one of the selling points of our software is that it is all hosted, meaning hotels don't have to have energy-gobbling servers on-site. As well, the company will pay for the staff's public transit passes, we have a fairly thorough recycling program and we're working toward a paperless office by mid 2008. Hell, part of the meeting yesterday was an information session on Carbon Credit trading on the Chicago and Montreal stock exchanges. I can respect this.
4. A huge basket of organically grown fruit is delivered to the office each Monday for the staff to enjoy. They're even working on a program where we can get individual baskets delivered to our homes and the company will pay for half.
5. I started on the 3rd of December and got my first cheque last week. I was expecting a pro-rated pay, having only been there for a week prior to the cut-off date, but received a full cheque....and it wasn't a mistake. They don't use cut-off dates.
6. The director of my department called me and another member of the Client Services team into the office on Thursday and gave us presents with cards. I got a rather expensive box of Purdy's chocolates and a card that was signed "you're doing a great job". I never received such open praise from my previous jobs.
7. I work with a bunch of mature, fun, accomplished people, most of whom have had the same frustrating experiences in the hotel business. Its not a back-stabbing, competitive environment. Everyone knows what they're doing and there doesn't seem to be anyone in upper management who hasn't earned the right to be there. We get along and have fun.
8. Beer Fridays. We cut off work a half-hour on Fridays and the company buys beer for an office de-stressing party. Woohoo!
Overall, its the breath of fresh air I needed after the unmitigated nastiness of my time at the Pan Pacific Whistler. For the first time in a very long time, I don't resent my job...and thats a Christmas present better than anything else I could get....well, except for a new large screen hi-def television (hint hint).
Merry Christmas all!