Last week I wrote about a crappy week. In this week’s episode I share some better news:
I’ll be working as a data analyst for a company that creates and sells educational materials for children. These are items that you probably see in any classroom or library. As a new parent, this is an such a great opportunity work for an organization in which I can not only grow professionally, but personally as well. Working for this company will only help me become a better parent for Addie.
The position is exciting as I will be involved in a major project. I will use my Excel wizardry to create spreadsheets and assist with any reporting needs for the organization. Currently I’m still in the training and onboarding phase, which can be tough as there is always a lot of information to process and new systems to learn. I am looking forward to making my contribution to the company.
A Fun Company to Work For
I’ve only worked here a little over a week, but it seems like a great place to work. One of the perks? The office is only 4 miles from my house. That’s awesome for a guy who used to drive 110 miles at day at my first job out of college.
The company genuinely goes out of their way to provide a great work experience for their employees. They have monthly games, lunch trucks once a week, crazy Halloween parties, and have an extremely casual work environment. Once a year, the owners even give back to their employees a portion of the profits made from the past year (who does that?). People work hard and play hard here :).
When you first start a job, you can get a feeling if the employees are simply there for the paycheck. This isn’t the case here – People love working here. I don’t think I’ve ever worked at a place that has so much positive energy. Many of the employees I’ve met have been there for years. And when I say years, I don’t mean like 5. I’ve met a lot of people that have been at this organization over 10 years. You even get a parking spot if you’ve worked at the company for 25 years. And there are a lot of reserved spots in the parking lot.
I’ve never imagined that I would work at one place for over 25 years, but after seeing the passion and joy that these employees bring to their jobs every day after years of working here – I just might. 🙂
All Good Things Must Come to an End.
As happy and relieved as I am to be back in the workforce, it’s tough leaving the life of a stay at home dad. Getting laid off was truly a blessing in disguise. I budgeted like no one’s business so my unemployment didn’t really set us back financially. The layoff wasn’t too long where I started getting antsy about finding a job. It wasn’t too short where I couldn’t have fully enjoyed my time off.
It was truly one of the best times of my life.
I took my daughter to parks, to the Long Beach Aquarium, and around town looking for adventures and mischief. One time I even let her watch Mickey Mouse for over an hour and then we went and got ice cream and coffee after (the horror!). As much as I love my wife, I loved having these father/daughter moments. We bonded in a way that would never had been possible if I never got laid off. I am forever grateful that I got this opportunity.
But now it’s time to get back to work.
It’s so cool that you had that special time with your daughter. Definitely priceless! And congrats on the new job. Sounds like we have similar positions. I’m a business analyst for a continuing legal education firm. Gotta love Excel!
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Thanks Ernie! Let’s share some formulas! Lol. I can Vlookup and Index/Match with the best of them!
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Check out the ExcelIsFun YouTube channel sometime. You’ll be in spreadsheet heaven!
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CONGRATULATIONS, Vic!!! I`m really, really pleased for you! Sounds like redundancy has been the blessing you wanted it to be: first some quality time with your child, and then a better job that excites you, and quickly enough before not working is getting to you and your family finances. A wholehearted congratulations!!! 🙂
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Thanks Culbia! Yep. It’s definitely an exciting time! I’m so blessed to have this time with my daughter. 🙂
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Yay! Congrats on finding what sounds like an awesome job! I think it is amazing that you were able to spend that time connecting with your daughter! You will always be able to look back on that and smile.
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Thanks! For sure – I’ll always treasure this time I had with her!
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Congratulations!! I am glad you made the most of your time off. My time unemployed last summer was honestly the best summer of my life! I did what I loved, learned a ton, and grew as a person.
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There’s a reason why people call it funemployment! Thanks Heather!
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Congrats! What a gift that you got that solid bit of time as a SAHD, but like you said, not too long to cause any problems financially. I hope your new job stays satisfying!
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Thanks ONL! I hope so too! We were pretty blessed.
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Congratulations man – it will stink that you won’t be home all the time BUT you’re not that far away and it sounds like a more positive working environment. So awesome to hear!
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Thanks Jim! My hours are pretty flexible so I think it’ll be all good. Very blessed to have had that time off 🙂
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Everything’s coming up Vic! Haha, big congratulations to you. I knew you’d bounce back like a boss. Nicely done.
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Thanks! Next goal: get some paid writing gigs like my friend Kristin!
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Vic, I’m so happy for you that you shared that special time with your daughter. You are incredibly blessed to have forged a special bond that so few have the luxury to create these days. My daughter turns 4 in a couple days… it flies by so quickly!!
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Thanks Michael!
Getting laid off really was a great experience :). I never would have had this time with her. I’ll treasure it forever.
Happy birthday to your little girl!
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Wow, the job sounds awesome — congrats! And how cool that you’re working for a company that is focused on making a positive impact through creating educational materials. The commute also sounds great. 🙂 I’m really happy for you and am looking forward to hearing more!
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Thanks Sarah! So far it’s going good. Nice to be getting paid again :). Hope all is well with your job!
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I am so sorry for the overdue congratulations, but I finally made it haha. SO HAPPY FOR YOU. And looking forward to hearing all about it in the future.
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No worries Alyssa! I know we all get so busy! I’ve been late to comment on your blog too. I’ll get to it eventually!
Thanks for the kind words! So far so good! I’ll be sure to write about it more once I’ve been there longer 🙂
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