Back for good!

Cranky, naïve, clueless are common impressions we get from the novice (or newbie) of all sorts. If you say you are the exception to the rule, perhaps we need to add another one on the list – Pretender. You may even call it as the well-composed, or a down-right hypocrite. Whatchamacallit! But needless to deny, in one way or another, we all pass on these rites. No one started perfectly good, “on-the-first-time”. But if you think you had not, think again. And think again.

A different experience though, when starting on-the-second-time. What I mean is, a company returnee. How others welcomed you determines how well you exited before. You receive sincere regards from your previous team because you simply treated them nicely before, or you have at least had a well-mannered exit. A true friend – confirmed! On the other side, this is the best time to determine the odds and evens. The potential “odds” on your career and those who, at this time, wants to get even. Call it crazy, but let’s just consider that people still hold grudges from long dormant of years. Be on-guard.

Company bullies are everywhere. They will pick on you because they simply see you as vulnerable. They even think that you are dumb. But just keep your composure at tune. Soon they will realize that you are a good help to everyone in the team. Well, that is if you are considered as part of them. But stay still and hope for the better. Six months maybe agonizing but surely it pays all the patience. Don’t even attempt to gather allies against someone. It won’t help.

Nosey-attack is perfectly normal. Sizing-up is common experience of the new ones and of the returnees too. You are challenged mentally, and you patience is stretched. Usually, challenges would range from “how much you know?” to “how much more you will know?” But don’t let yourself edge on the limit. Always remember, you are new and you still have a lot of things to learn and re-learn. So, put down some of your pride, and put on your armor of patience. Be on-guard.

Seize the opportunity of being sized-up. Consider this as a rite of passage, and there is no better way (for me at least) to face this than to be ready at all times. This is your opportunity to let them know that there is a reason why you are here, or here again. A common response once singled-out is “prove-them-wrong attitude”. But put it this way, why not “prove-them-right” on hiring you?

~ 02-02-12 ~