T-minus 5 hours
It Begins...in a bit
Today is my first day at the new gig. First days are always nerve-wracking in one way or another, each time in a new and unique flavor. There's a lot to learn, not just in the role but about the role, which I am just now properly processing that I'm being thrown into.
It's going to be good, and it's going to be a lot, and it's not going to be what I expect because I have little to no idea what I expect.
Processing, booting up, and all such metaphors
I've joked that up until maybe a day or two ago, where the anxiety set in proper, I just presumed rebounding from a layoff so quickly and landing a cool position had to be something like...a scheme to steal my personal information. Well, they have it, it must be a rather elaborate scheme at this point. To quote the iconic webcomic Achewood "Damn. This is a thing, isn't it?"
With that said, the anxiety and wringer have been real since then, and for a while to be honest. It hasn't been fun, but taking things seriously enough to worry has some meaning to it. Or something.
First impressions
The interview process went fantastically, all things considered. I still don't quite know what to think about a rather earnest startup culture, the proof will be in the pudding when the pavement hits the road of mixed metaphors. Honestly, I don't recall everyone I met in the process, names and faces aren't a strong suit, but I want to think everyone ends up slightly disoriented by several rounds of interviewing and we all get that. Good impressions though!
Goals
These are good to name. Beyond doing well in the role and advancement, I'd like to pick up my AWS SAA and CKA certs within the next 6 months and year respectively, if not sooner. Hopefully I can bundle these into my continual development process for this role.
In conclusion
I'm nervous but excited. I think that's a reasonable and promising place to be at. Well, little to do except to ideate in the last hours on how to best set myself up for success -- mostly psychologically, and not spin out in the process -- and to full send it.