SECOND DAY AT WORK

Today was my first real day at work, after Monday just involved sitting around finishing off a few private things, and boy was it interesting.

I had my introductory meeting the manager of my organisation. In only 10 minutes he managed to become the most dignified, stately and trustworthy man I think I have ever met. I think I made a good impression, and being a Uni Melb alumnus carried some weight – about the first time it’s got me anywhere.

Later that day we had our monthly all-staff meeting – though of the 50 people in the organisation there only ever seems to be 20 around. After the manager’s update it was the turn of the sections to present their information. Chairing this section gets rotated amongst the teams, and this month the chair decided to play “Information Bingo”, whereby names were drawn out of the hat to talk about what they’ve been doing. We had scorecards with the names on it, and a completed row was a winner.

I was asked to introduce myself initially. In our training I’d been told that they’re really asking about myself and my life, whereas back home the question’s about functions and academic/work history. I didn’t really want to share much in public so I went with the functional approach.

The rest of the meeting passed, and I was asked to introduce myself further. I hesitated, filled in some more academic stuff, why I’m in Thailand, fluffed around, before the head of HR said, “I think that the singles here would like to know if you’re attached?” Thank you very much. With a deep blush, and a nothing answer I managed to get away without saying anything – though the rest of the room seemed to really enjoy it. At my expense of course.

CREDIT (EVER) FOR ATTENDING UNI MELB: 1
EMBARRASSMENT ON A SCALE OF 1-10: 6.2