.: my new journey :.

i fully intended on writing this after my first week of work, not my second, but intentions don't always make things happen.

well, good news is that i have survived the first 2 weeks - it's setting in that this job is going to be my baby, my passion, my career. i am here to stay!

the first time they showed me my cube, i couldn't help but blush when i saw my own printer, 2 monitors, a laptop, a whiteboard and all sorts of filing options. i thought, 'whoa, i don't need all of this. maybe someone else needs it more than me - i'll check into it later'. my checking into was quietly pushed aside when i was given an office supplies catalog and told to mark whatever i wanted (oh yea, i went for the Swingline stapler). to be truthful, i wasn't sure what to order, i thought i had everything and more than i needed - even their pens in the general stock room are crazy nice! but with some help from my new co-workers, my 'first' order was placed. then i was handed a stack of business cards - i had to bite my tongue to stop myself from asking 'what do i need these for'? so, i Instragramed them instead.

i have been asked a lot, 'so, what exactly do you do?'. well, basically i am building a corporate wellness program. there were a few reoccurring events that i will need to continue, but they want a more robust program that caters to all employees. the purpose of a wellness program is to have resources available for employees to lead healthier lives (and reduce healthcare costs) such as smoking cessation, active lifestyles, healthier eating options, promoting preventive exams, and many more!

positives:. i had to push past the whole recent grad real job shock rather quickly, but aside from available resources, this job has so many positives! the facilities are impeccable with a cafeteria that offers different cuisines and salad bar everday. i don't have anyone checking in on me numerous times a day or asking me where i am going to lunch (long story, but i am past it). everyone is really nice and welcoming. i have received a lot of positive feedback and excitement towards the new program. lastly, i have been completely trusted in since day 1. i don't have many parameters that i need to follow - i was given a bunch of information and files on my first day and was told this is what we have, please let us know where you want to go from here.

negatives:. i. am. stressed. the first 2 weeks were super busy getting the wellness webpage ready (there wasn't one before) along with getting a communication finalized to send out to all the U.S employees. yes, just the U.S employees - did i tell you that i am the ONLY wellness coordinator for this massive company? yea, yikes is right! both of those are now launched and went over really well. now the real work starts. my next task is trying to figure where to take this program - there are so many different populations of workers to cater to and SO many directions i can take this. being 23, i don't have any experience building a corporate wellness program from the ground, up. what i do have is endless drive to create a program that every employee can benefit from (and stress induced acid reflux). seriously, i am ready to make opportunities available to empower employees towards healthier lifestyles. one step at a time, i will get there, right?! another bummer, is that i am one of the youngest ones in the company (obviously, right?). it has been hard to find a confidant, someone to have lunch with that i can relate it. it forces me to be more focused, but i came from a place where i had about 15 people close to my age and experience where we could email and hit up happy hour after work. this may happen eventually, but it may not.

i am so excited to have started this new journey. while it is taking more work and brainpower than my last job, it is exactly what i needed. i needed to be challenged, i needed a job where i can roll up my sleeves and dive right in. i know it isn't going to be all balloons and confetti, but i am in it for the long haul! while i am young, i have to keep reminding myself, they hired me and trusted me with this program for a reason and i refuse to let them down.

always striving for more,
dee b.

p.s. to my new followers - welcome! i am so humbled and excited by the idea of you joining my journey of life (post-grad). i promise things are typically more exciting around here, but my energy has been channeled elsewhere recently.....