Office Visit

I spent Monday and Tuesday of this week visiting the suburban offices of the company my employer purchased with some other Canadian and US co-workers. They have offices west and north of the city. Both offices are inaccessible by public transit which is not good for a person like me without a car. At least my American bosses got a chance to see how far away from the core the offices are located.

I have worked for my employer for more than 12-years so it has been some time since I had that first day experience that one gets when they join a new office. You can sense their disappointment when you walk in. "I thought it might be bad, but not like this". I give a bad first impression. If I was the company I wouldn't send me as the company rep unless you were trying to send a message. I would send someone more attractive and enthusiastic.

After the initial uncomfortable moments I was able to build up some level of rapport with the "new people" as they are collectively known. I can't imagine what they call us. It is reminiscent of the British show The Office when the two offices merge. At least the company is run by two Irish people which can't be all bad.

I was also able to taunt my current co-workers by exaggerating my relationship with the new people, giving the impression that I have a built in advantage. It helps when the "new people" ask about my co-workers and my response is "oh! you don't want to meet them". When I return to my double-wide cube this morning I will be on the defencive, shooing away inquisitors trying to get an inside scoop. I have no intention of giving up my advantage. I will give my standard line "there is a reason why the company sent me and not you". "why did they send D'Arcy, it doesn't make any sense?" Exactly! it doesn't make any sense which is why it was a brilliant move. It will keep you on your toes, make you more productive.