Clock Out

What do you do after you've "clocked out" from your first week at your new job? The answer is simple-- sleep until Monday and do it all over again. This week has been jam packed with so many new happenings that its almost overwhelming just thinking about it. You kind of just have to take it one breath at a time and relax. I think looking back at the week I never realized how crazy it really was for me-- I mean these past two weeks have been crazy who am I kidding?

So how was my first week? Well it's kind of weird to say this but...I really enjoy my job. I enjoy the atmosphere, my co-workers, my assigned clients and the tasks I've been assigned so far. The best part is time flies. I can really see myself exceling in investor relations. Perhaps it's the combination of the two things I chose to concentrate on when I was in college. Wow that sounds weird "when I was in college" as if I am so old. I loved the communications, writing and social aspect of public relations, but enjoyed the professional, analytical and business side of finance. My job allows me to do both. I never thought I'd see another balance sheet in my life after I took accounting, but I'll be working with them quite a bit. This week was really about gradually introducing myself into the position of junior account executive. I appreciated the patience with which my colleagues have shown me teaching me how to use this machine called the Bloomberg (which is essentially Wall Street in a machine-- and quite possibly the most sophisticated piece of machinery I've ever had to use). Also, it's nice to ease into procedures and practices. The best, however, is that this is a position that will trust me with an immense amount of responsibility. It's no glorified internship unlike many entry-level positions.

Last night I had the chance to get to know my co-workers on a more intimate setting. We rented out the 14th floor of the Library Hotel in Midtown. Apparently, its the posh hang out for Midtown professionals-- it was so exclusive we were assigned a "password" to get on the elevator, which was guarded by a bouncer of sorts. Once reaching the 14th floor we were then again asked for the "password" just in case we somehow snuck our way onto the elevator. The view from a top "The Roof Top" as it was called was incredible. Imagine being amidst the towering sky scrapers with the bustling sounds of New York in the background sipping your first Manhattan cocktail. You gotta just take it in-- how can you not?

Afterwards, I met up with my old roommate from London (Chris) and friend Raija who was in town for interviews. I had my fair share of drinks on the corporate card at The Roof Top, but the three of us decided to grab some dinner in Murray Hill (just above the Lower East Side) at Ethos (an authentic Greek restaurant). We shared some good conversation, good wine and fine food. I felt so grown up heading to happy hour then having wine over dinner. I mean within a week I've already realized a difference. I found myself actually discussing political and foreign policy. I was shocked, but it may have had something to do with actually reading newspapers and being exposed to intellectual people concerned with things other than beer and fraternity garbage.

Perhaps the best luxury of being a "working man" is that once I am home-- I'm home. There is no cause for concern about getting work done. Now, this may very well change as I become more immersed in my job, but as of now its a relief to just sit back and blogger for a bit before heading out to dinner and drinks to kickoff the weekend.