It was over 14 years ago when I first started a new job after being at a dead end job which was giving me an ulcer. I gave my notice there and began my search for a more rewarding job and won't land me in the hospital. After searching the newspaper daily, going on line and signing up with agencies, I stumbled across one in the newspaper that was in of all places my doctor's office and I noticed it was over 2 weeks old, but I thought I would give it a shot. After my doctor's appointment, I went down to my car and gave them a call. Much to my surprise the position was still open and it was only the next town from my house. Today was Friday and we scheduled my interview for early Monday morning. I was asked to bring my recent resume and any letters I may have from former employees. I had it all ready to go and on my way home I decided to take a ride to just be sure I knew where it was and I was right. It would take me all of 10 minutes to get there.
Sunday evening came and I decided to check out my wardrobe for something to wear for my interview. I found a three piece suit (Skirt, vest and jacket) and a white blouse that I bought and never wore. It was black and white and I had a new pair of white and a new pair of black shoes and a handbag and a brand new briefcase that was given to me by a former customer of mine from my last job. He had a brother in the leather business and it even had my initials in script across the front of it. I would be able to bring my paperwork in it among extra pens, a pair of panty hose among other things in it and look professional.
Monday morning came and I was up early and got myself and shave, eyebrows plucked and and shower and a hot oil treatment for my hair which was just touched up a two weeks ago - my best friend's son got married. I wasn't nervous at all and I'm usually a huge worry wart. My hair came out great and I looked smart in my outfit and the briefcase made me look smart and professional. I put on very little make up so I wouldn't look like I was made up. I hardly ever wore it and I was always told I didn't need any with my natural good looks.
I got in my car and drove to my interview. I met with the receptionist who gave me an application to fill out and attach all my necessary paperwork to it. I was sent to a large office with two large desks and a typewriter, and a PC with all the works - scanner and fax too. She returned to get my paperwork and told me that the boss would be in shortly to see me. I check myself out in the mirror in my briefcase and I had to admit that I did look good. I had a good vibe and was hoping that I would get the job.
In walked in this very beautiful lady that was dressed in a designer suit and designer eye glasses and carried herself very well. She shook my hand and introduced herself and asked me to sit down and tell her about myself and my working experience. I was really comfortable around her and I tried not to get all nervous last minute and stumbled on my words. She seemed very impressed with what I was telling her and she read my paperwork and asked me a few things and told me she wanted me to just take a trial run on what the position was all about and how I would handle myself in a simulation of a typical day. I aced it and I knew it and I didn't want to show a cocky attitude. She asked me when I would be able to start if offered the position and I told her as early as next Monday. She offered me the job and also told me that she had a little adjustment in the salary that she discussed with me on the phone and she would be offering me more because of my previous experience. She told me that I was dressed very nice and we dressed up every day but Friday which she treats as dress down day. I took her hand and shook it and thanked her for giving me the chance to work for her.
Driving home I decided that this week I would take to get myself some new clothes dressy and dress down. I called my best friend to share the news with her and she said she wanted to get "the gang" together to celebrate my new position. We made a date for meet on Friday night in one of our new spots. She took care of calling everyone and said we would meet there about 7:30. We had a great time and everyone was so happy for me. To my surprise each of them bought me a little gift to wish me luck with my job. I received a new cell phone and gift cards to some of my favorite stores. I don't know why they did all that but I have to say I do have the best friends and I have one that has been my friend over 30 years.
I was a bit nervous for my first day but I calmed myself with a cup of my favorite hazelnut blend and a couple of eggs over easy with bacon and some rye toast. I got myself in the shower and changed my mind about a dozen times on what to wear. I was driving in and called my best friend and she wished me luck and told me to call her on my lunch break.
What a great office building and the inside was breathe taking. All paintings and artwork and pottery. I was on the 5th floor and I to go to rum 505. I opened the door and the receptionist remembered me and told her she would call my boss and then showed me my office. What an office - it was beautiful and done with great taste. There was vase on fresh cut flowers on the side of my desk and it was from all my friends wishing me good luck. My boss walked and welcomed me again and we started by having a cup of coffee and showed me some assignments that she wanted me to work on.
She then took me around to me my co-workers and get accustom to where things were and get to meet my co-worker. Everyone was really nice and told me to ask for their help if I needed it. We had a cafeteria and the food smelled great. We got a hot or cold meal with beverages (coffee, tea, sodas, juices, etc) all for just $2. As I passed my office I noticed the office 3 doors down was occupied by a very attractive black man. I wasn't introduced to him as of yet, but if they didn't get to introduce us, I would have no problem introducing myself. He must have seen me because he came out of his office and introduced himself to me; his name was James. What a handsome man he was and seem to have it all; he was told and built like a football player, he had a great smile, dark black eyes and skin to match with a pencil thin beard and dimples in both his cheeks and they were deep and sexy. I'm sucker for dimples and black men. I am white and I am always teased by my friends and told that I like "dark meat" and also I had jungle fever.
The morning just flew by as I looked at all and worked on all that was given to me. I decided to take my lunch at 1 and called my best friend and told her about the job and about James. As soon as I hung up, James was coming my way and asked if he could sit with me and I told him of course. We talked about the company, about my job and his and also about ourselves. I found out that he isn't married but had 2 nieces and 3 nephews that he thought the world of. He was going to show me their pictures on our way back to our offices. I told him that I wasn't married and that I had 1 niece and 1 nephew. I didn't have my pictures with me but I would be bringing them in soon. I have to have pictures on my desk and around me because they give me a boast and a lift if I'm having a bad day. I always had my sister's pic and my parents and then I had few group shots of myself and my friends.