Settling in to work

[redbird]

I now have a desk, a computer account, a telephone number, and a photo ID. The desk is on a different floor than most of the people in the group I'm working with ("social studies ancillaries"), so I need the photo ID/badge: without it, I have to get someone to open the doors for me every time I go up to return one stack of paper and get another. Yes, they're over-cautious about physical security.

But only physical security. One guess as to what the initial password on my computer account was. Better, I'm fairly sure that if I hadn't suggested changing it, the MIS person who told me it wouldn't have made me do so.

That said, it's plausible if not terribly exciting work, I like the people, and the location and layout are basically good. It would be better with fewer televisions: I've already seen more TV this year than last, just from waiting in the reception area on Wednesday, going to get cups of tea, and riding the elevators. Yes, riding the elevators. The TVs are mostly tuned to a local cable news channel (NY1), and the only good thing about it is that they display the current outdoor temperature in one corner of the screen whenever they're not showing commercials.

Instead of filling out a four-layer carbonless form, and worrying about getting it mailed on time (as I did through the previous temp agency), I put my hours in through the Web. Verily we are living in the future.

Comments

[janetmk.livejournal.com]

This sounds good (well, except for the TVs). Is it an indefinite assignment?

And Happy New Year!

[redbird]

The person who actually hired me said probably three to five weeks.

The person who put me in touch with her said there was a possibility of something longer-term or even permanent. I'm reading that as an evaluation of how the company does things, rather than of the specifics of what that department needs right now.

[adrian-turtle.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you like the people you're working with, and that you seem to be working in a place that's mostly good for you. As for the tv situation, have you considered turning them off? (http://www.tvbgone.com/home.php The website is visually unpleasant, but I think they're selling something useful -- a remote control that fits on a keychain and will turn off any tv.) You might think there's something discourteous about turning off a tv that someone else might be watching, but that wouldn't be an issue when you're the only one in an elevator.

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

The password was password?

[redbird]

Of course.

It no longer is--they may not care about security, or understand it, but that raised my hackles.

[beckyzoole.livejournal.com]

Which temp agency? Are they nation-wide? I'm working with two, Professional Employment Group and Kelly. Both have those four-layer forms you have to mail in, and then they mail you a check. I don't understand why they can't set up web-based time reporting and electronic deposit... oh well.

[redbird]

This is Kelly.

Direct deposit is promised as soon as the nice woman has the forms handy, which may take a week or two.