A few weeks have gone by without a personal post from me, so here’s the update.
Life got loud. The good kind of loud.
As many of you know from my earlier posts, I lost my previous job. So I did what you do. I went hunting.
This search looked nothing like the one two years ago.
This time, the offers came to me.
I took my time with every opportunity. I interviewed in person, interviewed virtually, and had conversations with people from every corner of healthcare. Somewhere along the way, I realized something. I wasn’t walking into interviews hoping someone would give me a chance. I was walking in as someone who had earned a seat at the table.
At the end of it all, I followed my heart back to where I belong.
I accepted a position as Health Information Technician at CARTI, the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute. ♥
Then the chaos started. Not bad chaos. The quiet, confusing kind.
Orientation day dropped twenty-two of us into a room for eight straight hours of mission, vision, HR presentations, department leaders, and a full campus tour. The CEO even stopped by to welcome us.
Somewhere during that tour I realized CARTI has nearly 1,200 employees.
My first day in Health Information was exactly what you expect. I got my cubicle, set up my computer, watched training videos, completed account setups, and slowly worked my way into the system.
Then real life started.
- New software.
- New coworkers.
- New routines.
- New unwritten rules nobody hands you in a binder.
You simply learn them. Preferably before you embarrass yourself.
I did not.I have always considered myself an early bird. I was showing up thirty minutes before my shift every morning feeling wildly responsible. Every morning, everyone else was already there. After several days I became convinced these people either never went home or secretly lived in the building.
Then my manager walked over.
Then Friday arrived. I noticed a little time calculator quietly tracking my hours. A few minutes later my manager found me again.
I packed my things, walked to my car, and sat there for a minute trying to process what had happened.
Every place I’ve ever worked had the same unspoken rule.
- Leave at five.
- Feel guilty for leaving at five.
- Stay until six if you want people to think you’re dedicated.
Apparently CARTI has a different philosophy.
I did not know workplaces like this existed.
A few schedule adjustments later, I think I’m going to be just fine here. Fine, slightly less confused, and possibly the proud owner of an unexpected three-day weekend.
I’ll keep you posted. ♥
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