I thought that I wouldn’t have to make some big adjustments from work, after all, I’ve only been away from full-time work for 10 months. Well, I was wrong.

First of all, my new company is from a different industry. That means that I’d have to learn new processes, new concepts, establish new relationships with my workmates, new products, and so on. It’s not really starting from scratch all over again but I still have to put in a great deal of effort to fit in in the shortest possible time.

Secondly, my new office is practicing an agile workplace. To those who are not yet familiar with it, an agile workplace is a flexible work environment in which employees are given the freedom to sit wherever they want. Apparently, that’s already the thing these days in most modern offices.

I’m used to having my own cubicle at work and the practice of having a definite place to sit in the office. As such, on my second day at work, I had to transfer seats three times because I thought that the desks that I sat on were already occupied. I just laughed at myself for feeling so archaic.

Thirdly, and I consider this the biggest adjustment, I’m not used to being away from my kids anymore after months of doing freelance work at home. I miss my two kids every day, especially waking up each morning with the two of them snuggled on my side of the bed.

I guess this is every parent’s morning hurdle, having to leave their children to go to work. But what can we do, we have to earn money for them. Miguel will start school in a few weeks. We’d have to also enroll Rafa in school in a year or two. We need money to pay for their tuition fees.

I’ve also made some big plans for our family this year which I hope we get to realize. Again, that would involve a lot of money to bring it to fruition so this new job is very timely.

I know I’m just being nervous that’s why I’m feeling this way. Beyond the adjustment period, I know things will effortlessly fall into place. There are many things to be excited about in my new office. My teammates are all young people so I like the energy and the liveliness of our office.

There are new things to learn which means additional knowledge for me. In terms of the tasks that I’m doing, some are giving me a few jitters but I think it’s just because of past experiences in my previous companies. What I’m just saying is that I have to have the courage to try new things and not dwell too much on the past.

All in all, I’m looking forward to my personal and professional growth. I’m grateful and excited for the opportunities that new beginnings will bring.

How about you, what are you grateful for? Feel free to share them in the comment section below.

For the last three editions of Grateful Dad, you may read the following posts:

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