Why I like my new job

People are always asking if I like my new job. In short, YES! There's always the feelings of insecurity when you're moving from one job to another. Is it a good idea, did I just take a huge step backwards, will my family suffer from my decision. Today, I thought I'd list a few reasons why I like my new job for those of you that like to read my blog.

1) Windows in my office (and I'm not talking Microsoft Windows) - It may not sound like much but most of my computer related jobs were in the back rooms and basements of the buildings. It's nice to have direct sunlight on occasion.

2) Employee morale - At MoDOT, co-workers and I would commonly joke about "getting the stick or the carrot." Simple comparison to the different ways you could get a horse / donkey to more. At MoDOT it seemed to be all about the stick. I think another way of saying it is "the beatings will continue until morale increases." So far, Northeast is all about the carrot. There's a general "easiness" in the air. There are times when you can feel the tension (like now as we prepare for our annual meeting) but they're nothing like the tension I was use to. I believe MoDOT is in the middle of one of those high tension periods now with what they're calling the "50 million dollar WOW!" The employees are calling it the "50 million dollar WHOA!" because they're the ones feeling the pinch. The thought behind it is that they'll WOW the tax payers by cutting 50 million from the budget. Unfortunately, it'll be the peons that feel the pinch. I mean really, how many upper-management will gladly give up their expense accounts to help the cause.

3) Ideas are encouraged - My new boss likes the fact that I'm not scared to try new things. Anything they've thrown at me, whether it be multimedia or network, I've taken in stride. My thought is always, "If this doesn't work we just put it back like it was." Let's just say MoDOT was you didn't breathe or move or potty without Jeff City writing a policy on how to do it.

4) I'm doing what I love - Don't get me wrong, I like what I did at MoDOT. I like the interaction with people and the hardware challenges. I also like programming. At MoDOT, I was constantly told that "We're not programmers. Let Jeff City handle that." But, uhhh, I am a programmer. I got to redesign Northeast's website within my first few weeks. I love web work! Most of the information here is stored in SQL / Access databases. I love databases! Crystal Report writing was a little scary at first but the more I do it the more I like it.

Or course there are other factors: less of a drive / price of gas, more money, less travel, same hours as Melissa and the kids, etc. All in all, God has truly blessed me with this job. I think one of my co-workers said it best, my cup is running over and I'm drinking from the saucer.