My year anniversary at my job was on March 25! In some ways it feels like I just started, and in some ways it feels like I’ve been working there forever.
- Take notes on everything. OneNote is my best friend. I have to always take copious step by step notes on how to do things so I can remember them later.
- If I don’t exercise before work, it’s not happening.
- Asking questions shows initiative and it’s better to ask than to waste time doing something incorrectly.
- I spend more time with my co-workers than anyone else in my life, so it’s important to get along with and get to know everyone.
- I barely knew how to use Excel before this job.
- There’s nothing better than a 10 minute commute.
- Hitting that Reply All on an email is scary, but it’s better that everyone knows what’s going on.
- It’s important to have managers and directors who show they support me and want me to grow.
- The office is cold so I need to keep a blanket at my desk.
- I don’t know how much I know until I have to teach someone else.
- It’s ok and necessary to leave my desk and eat lunch with my co-workers or take a walk during the work day.
- I have good ideas worth sharing.
- Inbox 0 isn’t going to happen, but I do need to read every email that comes in and try to keep up with everything.
- I need a job where I feel uncomfortable, where I don’t know how to do things and can continue to learn every day.
- I need to have snacks and gum at my desk all times.
- I can save a lot of money just by setting up a 401(k).
- Volunteer and show I am willing to help with any and all work, even if it’s tedious or not for my own team.
- Free food is dangerous. I’ve learned to make a plate and save it for later instead of eating 3 lunches.
- Even though I have dreams of being a freelancer, I love the routine and the atmosphere of a big office.
- It’s up to me to keep track of everything I’ve accomplished.
- Introduce yourself to new employees, everyone likes to see a friendly face. Establishing an early connection goes a long way.
- Even when I’m only working on small tasks, all work that I do is helping.
- I should take advantage of the opportunities at the office. Go to the speakers, participate in the contests, contribute to the office culture.
- Some higher-ups do notice the work I put in and are looking out for my best interest.
- There’s no way I could work at an office that requires formal attire and a full face of make up. Thankfully advertising is pretty casual nowadays.
- Don’t respond to emails outside of working hours or people are going to expect you to respond outside of working hours.
- I love having unlimited discretionary time off and should take time off.
- All of my past internships have prepared me well for this job. Thank you Meredith & James, Kim & Ivana, Roya & Jason, and Kimberly & Alex!
- A side hustle will help with extra spending money, but photography is not my main source of income and I don’t have to take any jobs or shoot with anyone if I don’t want to.
- Blue light blocking glasses are necessary when I’m staring at screens 8+ hours a day. Without them, headaches and eye strain make me exhausted by 6pm.
- It’s going to take six months to feel competent and feel like you belong in the office.
- Double-check all emails before sending and triple check all numbers.
- I need to budget for car insurance.
- Work at a company that shows it prioritizes transparency and promoting from within rather than hiring externally.
- Schedule one on one time with your managers and be honest about your strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
- I’m grateful that my parents covered my three years of education and I don’t have any college debt.
- Meal prepping saves so much time and money on the weekdays.
- I can get a lot done before 9am.
- It’s important to ask how urgent a request is. Usually, it’s okay to ask for help or a time extension.
- Doing something after work on Friday night makes the weekend feel much longer.
