First Impressions That Last a Lifetime

Today was my first day at my new job.  I was scheduled to be in training at the training center from 8:30 to 4:30.  As training started, our trainer informed us that her son had been admitted to Children’s hospital just an hour prior and our day would be extremely short.  She’d get our IDs and SS cards copied, we’d fill out the tax forms, and then we’d be done for the day.  Though we’d be compensated for travel time and mileage.  And then she apologized profusely.

What I heard: I’m now working for a company that in no way for any reason expects you to put in a full day, if any, hours after you child is admitted to the hospital.  Your family is more important to them, then you being at work as scheduled.  And there are no exceptions.

And that was my first impression of my new job, and there is no better first impression.

As the mother of 3, one of which is only 2 months old, I am a mother first.  I was a mother long before I became a bank teller.  I’ll be a mother long after I’m a bank teller.  It’s the one job I can’t and won’t clock out of.  For. Any. Reason.  Will I miss work because my kid has the flu?  No, that is what my husband is for.  Will I miss work because my kid is so sick he needs a hospital stay?  Yes and with no apologies.  Well, I’ll apologize for the inconvenience, but not because of my decision.  And if you treat me like my kid in the hospital is an inconvenience to you, then I no longer want to work for you.

That’s where my last job went wrong.  And in 8 years, I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve missed work because of a sick kid.

I work for a company that respects my first priority simply isn’t them and never will be.

45 minutes after getting there I was out the door.  On my way out I passed: A mother’s nursing room.

And suddenly, I want to marry the company!

2 thoughts on “First Impressions That Last a Lifetime

  1. I am a therapist and use DBT not only to treat BPD, but also addiction and other co-occurring disorders. DBT has changed the way I practice therapy and I know it has changed my patient's lives.
    You might enjoy this blog;
    http://www.mindfuldog.blogspot.com
    It is a blog about DBT skills through the eyes of a big Golden Doodle dog. Very funny, and helpful.

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