I started my new job in October and a lot of you have had questions about it!

I’ll tell you what I can 🙂

The place

It’s a small boutique media agency which can sometimes be tricky but seems good so far. I learned everyone’s name the first day and am getting along with them all. The accounts are decent and everyone seems really committed to their jobs and often work through lunches and into the night. I hope that with my arrival the work is spread more evenly so we don’t have to do this all the time.

The location of the office is a bit unfortunate for me. My commute time is way longer now and puts me at the mercy of the subway. If something goes wrong (and something always goes wrong) on the lines, it can make the commute torturous. However the office is close to a grocery store, shopping center and a bunch of other shops and food places so it’s not too bad overall. Just far from my home.

Money & Perks

Since I’m back in advertising/media and all that jazz (I thought I would get out of it… *sigh*) I DO get some perks again. I’ll be working more with reps from all kinds of media (TV, radio, magazine, online, etc.) so as my reputation builds I’ll be taken to more lunches, events and sent more gifts. I’m already going to events and have received a few of the generic gifts already (no big ticket items yet since no one really knows me).

I’m also getting more swag bags. I’ll have to post some photos of the things I’ve gotten!

As for salary… I got a 33% raise from my last salary! 33%!!! That’s pretty damn impressive. I also negotiated 3 weeks of vacation plus the Christmas holidays off. In the summer we also get the Friday before a long weekend off which is a nice perk.

The People

This place has a very “family” feel to it. The owner and her husband both work here, and some other family members do, too. But thankfully not many or that would be awkward. Everyone is very friendly and warm and I feel like I fit in here.

The president herself is pretty cool. I’ve been having random lunches with her since I started (we just happen to eat at the same places!) and we chat as if we’re friends. It’s kind of a nice bond. I’m also getting to do special projects with her and she’s totally cool with helping me learn everything. What a lucky find!

I’ve organized a cookie swap for the holidays and almost everyone is on board. That’s a huge change from the other places I’ve worked at. Everyone was so cold and impersonal, or very cliquish.

Overall things are going pretty well. I didn’t really want to work in media again at all (the last place left a bad taste in my mouth) but this was the only place hiring. Personally I think it’s going to work out better than anticipated. I’m actually enjoying myself and not dreading going into work each day.

I’m really tired most of the time since learning everything is exhausting, but hopefully that will pass soon. I’m glad I found this place, it’s probably better than working a reception job!

I still plan on opening my own business and am still in school for it, etc. but I’m glad I can make more money working here and that it’s not crushing my soul while I get my shop plan together.