Yes it has been a while since I've posted, largely in part due to the fact that I have to occasionally poach internet and that I can't blog while at work (looks bad when you are still trying to impress the new bosses.)
I am still in Big Sky and it is a mighty beautiful place to be, but it does have some funny quirks about it.
The People:
What I have learned thus far, you are either native Montanan or your from somewhere else and never will be. Sounds a whole lot like Nevada and Alaska. Personally it doesn't matter to me where you are from as long as you share some of the same values or at least are sensitive to the local way of living. But here is the kicker, never ever ever admit or mention that you are from or try to defend California. It is according to so many people here, the worst thing possible. Understandable to some extent, but at the same time everyone comes from somewhere and the honest truth is, they bring money to the local economic. More on this later. A few things on the positive side, the people are very friendly, they are very independent, and very into hunting and sharing of the kill. Hurray for elk meat!
The landscape:
No complaints here. It is an amazing place. There are plenty of lakes, rivers, mountains, and valleys to satisfy even the pickiest of people. By coming back to a place that is surrounded by mountains on all sides, I think I finally figured out what I was missing so bad in the Biggest Little City, valley living. True valley living. I have grown up in valleys my whole life and I love the physical imposition and reminder that it provides. It is very humbling to wake up each morning and look up at some very large and close mountains. Not quite as dramatic as Logan or Ogden, but it does the job.
My career choice:
Rather than term this "the job" I think it is better to examine it from the career perspective. Or perhaps I should just call it "the real world." Okay, we are all warned at some point in our lives about what it will be like when we enter the real world. It will be nothing like home, it will definitely not be like college and we are never truly prepared for it. I agree but beg to differ on this by just one aspect: GRADUATE SCHOOL. The real world is very much like graduate school: politics, people from a wide range of disciplines, deadlines, self motivation, hoops to jump through, new things to learn. I have to say that graduate school is one of the best preparation tools for "the real world." Granted I have yet to finish my thesis (yes I see the irony of deadlines, self motivation, etc) but I am more motivated to do it now than ever. Perspective is all I can say.
Don't get me wrong, I like it out here in the real world, but there are some things can could be improved in the career area of the real world. First negativity. When did it become a rule that you have to be bitter and negative all the time in the work place? I am constantly surrounded by it, but some how I am managing to stay positive. Perhaps it is because I was selective in what I wanted to do with my life, for my career. Or it is the fact that I am passionate about what I do, yes a person can be passionate about planning. Either way I refuse to let the burnt out folks get me down. I am not going to tuck tail just yet.
Secondly, when did/do adults revert back to being six year olds? This comment is a result of all the nit picky crap that goes on in the office. Others may know this as office politics, but seriously, why do people hold grudges over the dumbest things? I understand that in a place like Missoula where good paying jobs are few and far between, and that when there are few opportunities to advance, people try to make themselves look as good as possible, but it is completely irresponsible and very unprofessional for one employee to blame another for mistakes they didn't make or have control over or for that matter to tattle on one another. Come on folks we are all adults. If you have something to say say it and make sure you do it in a way that is correct.
On that line of thought the other big lesson that I have learned....
Boundaries:
All I can say is know your own, know the political dance and moves boundaries, and be mindful of what and to whom you say it (see the above digest on six year olds in the office.) I am learning that it is by far better to keep you personal life, political views, general comments, and anything else that might jostle the pecking order to your self.
One last thought on what I have learned:Staying positive is the best thing you can do when entering a new job or space. Remember to be conscious of your actions and reactions. Take care of your body while working an office job as it is completely possible to cause serious damage to your self by sitting on your arse and slouching everyday of the week.
Oh and have a few good friends on speed dial that you can call and say, "Want to get a beer after work?" This will be essential to maintaining your sanity.
