First Day At Work

I don’t really remember much about my first ever day as a new apprentice.  I do remember how I felt though:  nervous, and apprehensive. 

As a child, I was extremely shy.  My family moved a lot, and I remember having a lot of first days in schools where I didn’t know anyone, let alone have any friends.  I would walk into classrooms full of strangers, and sit next to kids I didn’t know. I would sit quietly, trying to not be noticed. It was scary, but I guess it was good training for me. 

So, there I was that day, with my little toolbox, at an industrial worksite full of men.  I had never met the foreman, and only knew one of the journeymen there.  I also knew the other apprentice who was there for his first day, but I think he was as nervous as I was and didn’t really talk to me much.  Somehow I suppressed my desire to flee and walked in there and introduced myself.  I then sat in the lunchroom and was quiet, but I knew that I would not go unnoticed.

I have had many more first days on the job since then.  I worked from a hiring hall for years, where we would be sent out for mostly short term jobs.  I was getting hired and let go regularly.  The first days got easier, almost routine as the years went by and I got to know more of the people that worked the same way and belonged to the same hall as I did.

I still am somewhat shy, and can get nervous when put in the spotlight.  I don’t like drawing attention to myself, and dislike people watching me.  However, it’s somewhat easier now that I have a trade qualification ticket and years of experience and training behind me.

It is hard starting a new job, and most people feel a little nervous on their first days.  It is even harder when you work in a place where you are a minority.