Back in my comfort zone.

I got laid off in February.  Took a paid sabbatical.  Got a new job in June.  Despite the ample work from home days, ended up disliking the new job.

As of Monday, I went back to my old job, sort of.  I am working with many of the same people, doing some of the same types of programming.  But I am reporting to a different boss.  And the company is under new management.

It's an odd feeling being back.  I feel like I am home again.  Yet a lot has changed.   Many of my former co-workers are gone, either laid off when I was or have subsequently left.   The department is in a different wing.  I keep turning the wrong way at the entrance. The walls are now a vivid orange color that takes a little getting used to.

It's back to being a small software company with a sense of fun rather than a conglomerate bogged down in process.  There are Nerf gun fights, Friday afternoon gatherings, scooters to use to go from one end of the office to the other.  You can't get into trouble for checking Facebook or answering a text message occasionally.

Admittedly, things are still in flux.  They've only owned the software since March and the big focus was separating the subsidiary from the conglomerate.  Now they need to decide what direction to take the software.

This will be my third time at this address working for five different companies while actually working on the same software.  What can I say?  The underground parking has a big appeal here in Arizona.

It could be a coincidence, but I am sleeping better.  I am more eager to get to work.  And my blood pressure has gone down.

Happy sigh.  

Short apology for not posting lately

I realize I haven't posted much since I started work.  It's amazing how much time and energy it takes to start a new job.

I have the advantage of having worked with everyone on my team before, so at least I don't have the trauma of learning new names and personalities.

I'm getting into the rhythm of working again.  Except I can't quite get home in time to take my usual gym classes and I haven't had the energy to figure out new classes to take.

My brain is too crammed full with new information that I doubt would interest many people to write any pithy posts.  Unless you are aching to hear how I progress in learning to use the Telerik automated testing program.

Or how I fare learning to use a Mac after a lifetime of Windows use.  I've decided to be stubborn and use the Apple keyboard I was given rather than request a Windows keyboard like the guys on my team did.

Or how walking two blocks from the parking lot to the building in the morning when it is 80 degrees is pleasant whereas the return trip in the 110 degree afternoon is a harder trek.

New job!

I got a call yesterday offering me the job that I really, really wanted.  I start on 6/17.

Not sure if I am supposed to blog the company name.  In any case, I will be working in the QA department of a travel company.  I'll be writing automation tests, working on the test database, and whatever else comes up. It's QA work, but with a development flavor

Some of the reasons I'm so psyched, in no particular order -

• I start on 6/17, which gives me a little more time to get Angel healed before I leave her all day with Bogie. 

• I have worked with 7 of the people already in the department, and that includes my new boss.  Less need to prove myself.  These people already know what I can do. 

• There is a blend of telecommute and in-office days.  A nice mix of days spent with my dogs and in face-to-face contact with humans.  

• On-site cafeteria and fitness center, flexible hours, casual dress code. 

• The company charities include a pet charity.  

• The company is Fragrance-Free, so I won't have to worry about my migraines being triggered by someone's cologne. 

As much as I have enjoyed the leisure of not working, I'm very excited to be going back to work.