What Happened?

To be honest, it has been a very tiring couple of months. I started working again and starting my career with the Department of Child Safety. The training has been long and tiring. I spent 6 weeks in the classroom. Traveling back and forth between home and the training site each week. Staying in a hotel room during the week, going home on the weekends. Then going back again, every week. It might seem nice to stay in a hotel and travel back and forth. It didn't bother me the first couple weeks, but after 6 weeks, it got old very fast.

I was exhausted by the time the classroom training ended. It was very intense training and a ton of information to learn. I don't think it was possible to actually learn and remember every single bit of information. Maybe for some people, but not for me. I did get a good foundation for doing the job though. It is all very interesting, in a good way.

I have been in my office for a few weeks now and the learning hasn't stopped. It is just hands-on learning now. I was surprised how much the classroom training translated into the field work. It has been a very steep learning curve. I've made some mistakes of course, but there are people helping me and backing me up. My supervisor helps a lot, and I have a mentor as well. They are showing me how each moving part works and the processes involved. It is quite complex how the machine works.

All of my co-workers are good people, everyone helps and are very nice. It's been so long since I worked, I don't remember anything about office politics and how people get along. I've had trainings, conferences, huddle meetings, it's all a little strange to me and I've had to get used to it. I've had to get used to sharing information, keeping my boss informed, the usual office stuff. I'm still getting used to it. I have to admit that it has been mostly a great experience. I'm 51 and this is probably my first real office job. I am truly enjoying it. It's a lot different than being home every day for the last 20 years. I can't do what I want, when I want anymore. If I have errands, I go during my lunch. I can't wear shorts and t-shirt all day. I have to wear grown-up clothes. It's all very strange.

I am learning a lot about the job, but also about people and the choices they make and how much their choices affect everyone around them. How they affect families, friends, co-workers, and everyone in-between. How much people's lives have to change. Of course people are sad and disappointed, but it amazes me how much people are willing to help each other. And I have learned that there is help, a lot of it if people just ask. There are more people out there willing to help, not just forced to help because of circumstances.