Back to Reality - Back to Work

It's been awhile, oh dear blog and faithful readers. I guess that is what happens when you return to the working life. Oh how I forgot thee?!

The lack of stories for 7 months is coincidently the amount of time I have been employed in Holland. Oh where to begin... why not with what consumes 80% of my day, WORK! I was anxious to begin working in a new country and experiencing the new working culture. I love the competitiveness of the American worklife, however not feeling the pressure of working 60+ hours per week didn't sound half bad.

For the first time in my working life (11 yrs), I received a contract upon my employment. There was a 1 month probationary period, but once that was complete, I had the job (or at least the salary) for 1 year! At first, I felt weight lift from my shoulders and empowered. Then after the "honeymoon phase", I focused on the END date of my contract. I truly believe that the unknown is the most difficult state to live in; however, I do not deal well with END dates either (unless self-provoked). This doesn't mean that they will not renew my contract and as so, company policy states new employees must begin with temporary contracts (1-2 yrs).

Dutch work life is very different from my old ways. Lets chat about transportation for starters. Rather than fighting traffic in the city for a 4hr roundtrip commute, Now I only worry whether the rain will flatten my hair. That is because I ride my bike to work (10 min commute time).

I will admit that for the first 2 weeks, I was more stressed over the ride to and from work than performing at my job. Oh its been awhile and well, never, for riding a bike to work with a pencil skirt on and abiding by Dutch bike protocols. There were many failed attempts crossing the street. What I mean by that, is from the time the bike light turned green, I was unable to get enough momentum or proper start to cycle to the other side. I have never felt more eyes on me in all my life! I attempted to make it look like my failure to cross the street was due by a rude interruption from my cell phone... which was in my purse placed in the bike bag behind me. This required me to get off my bike (hence never leave point A) and speak to the ghost caller. Yah, at the time, that is what got me through my dramatic experience. We all cope in different ways.

I was now contributing to the Dutch economy as a new member of the workforce, but more tragically, I was a threat to the community (on a bike).

6 months later, bringing us to the present day, I am confident with my new indefinite work contract and more importantly, I am confident on the road. I am passing people and running red lights; all in one try!