Well, well, well! I was surprised not to have first day jitters last night or this morning - maybe I'm growing more confident in my old age... I decided to leave early as I had to buy a new Oyster Card (the new way of paying for travel in London - you just swipe it to get in and out of the Tube). Plus, I wasn't sure just how long it would take and you never want to be late on your first day now do you?? When I changed trains at Finchley Road the platform was packed so I let a couple of trains go by, and I got to London Bridge at 9.14 or something. Plenty of time!
I was greeted by the HR Director and he took me through the induction pack before passing me on to one of his colleagues who took me round to show me the premises and meet a few people. After the hospital it is very posh indeed. There are two kitchens with tables where you can sit and have lunch if you don't want to go out. There are fridges packed with cans of soda, juice, milk and butter, and there is bread and soup if you want a snack! The toilets are a dream. Can you tell I've been slumming it for the past 5 or 6 years? To get to my office you have to walk through the packed trading floor. Very interesting! My desk is just outside my new boss's office, with two other girls, including the Company Secretary who showed me the ropes. There is another girl who apparently is a "bit bossy" but I am supposed to ignore her! She was off today with a foot injury...
Anyway, it was a quiet day at the office. I familiarised myself with the emails and shared drives etc. For lunch I popped out to sit by the Thames (opposite the HMS Belfast) and had my sandwich. Tomorrow there is a "do" for someone, but I have to go the bank as well, so I'm not sure how I'll fit them both in. Everyone was very pleasant. From the crib sheet that has been left for me, I don't think things are going to be terribly busy - but I have been told when the markets go wild, everyone gets busy. We shall see! I do feel a bit like I have a million names to remember, but seeing how many people I knew at the hospital I just know I'll get to know them all eventually. I'm usually quite quick at picking things up, so I'm sure it'll be fine. No worries as the Aussies say.
Thank you for your lovely kind comments and good wishes!
I am so glad it went well. You have done your time and earned this so much
Posted by: Scrapdolly | 08/30/2006 at 08:02 PM
Glad it was such a great first day :) :)
Posted by: soojay | 08/30/2006 at 08:32 PM
Glad you had a good first day Jen:) It's always great to get that one out of the way!
Posted by: Paula | 08/30/2006 at 08:57 PM
Glad you had a great 1st day!!!!!!
Posted by: Adrienne | 08/30/2006 at 09:26 PM
Oh Jen, it sounds like you had a great day - I am so pleased - bet it is a huge relief to have that out of the way.
Posted by: joanna | 08/31/2006 at 12:00 AM
congrats on your first day, at least it was a good one
Posted by: toya | 08/31/2006 at 03:55 PM
Wow it sounds fabulous, can you get me a job!
Glad you seem to have fitted in straight away!
Posted by: Cath | 08/31/2006 at 07:15 PM
I am so sorry i wasn't able to wish you good luck or comment on your first day. we have been without internet access. So glad it went well.
Posted by: Sally | 08/31/2006 at 11:17 PM
Sooo happy for you! See? In the end, things can only get better! Smiling for you today!
Posted by: maria | 09/01/2006 at 07:58 PM
So glad your first day went well, and it sounds so posh!!
Posted by: Jennie | 09/02/2006 at 12:50 AM