Workplace Antics

I started the next phase of training at work this week. Now that we are considered a "veteran" 611 agent, the company decided to train us in Internet Support. Yay!

I'm very happy with my job now. As I look back at posts from my last job, I realize I was desperately in need of a change. Well, this is it. We not only have a great environment in which to work, but the people there are fun, and easy-going. And have a great sense of humor!

One of my fellow trainee's, Rob, tends to sit reclined in his chair. He tips it back for even more comfort. As you can see in this picture, he's almost always sitting like this.

The chairs in the Conference/training room are old steno chairs. Not exactly the most comfortable, but they all recline. Most of the time, we all sit back and listen to the trainer, follow along on our computers, and try to stay awake. Earlier, a loud snap had come from Rob's chair. We couldn't find the source, so we just figured it was just a regular creaking noise from being tilted back. Little did we know it was a promise of things to come. Rob was at full tilt, and extension later this morning, when it happened. A loud crack, and two of the chair legs shattered. Pieces of plastic narrowly missed me as I got a front row seat. Rob's eyes got big as he went down in slow motion. Instantly, people went silent.. then all we could see was a fist in the "thumbs-up" sign come up from behind the table.

Matt got a picture with his phone before Rob could get up. Here it is. You can see Mike wiping away the tears from laughing beside him.

The trainer walked over, snapped a picture with his phone and then asked to have the wreckage cleared away so we could continue. It took us about 5 minutes to calm down enough to continue. A great place.

Out on the floor, where the actual work happens, we are always trying to improve ourselves.. Here's a candid picture of one of the expert agents dealing with a problem he was unfamiliar with... Make sure you click on the picture to read what book he's got there.

It's not all fun and games. Sometimes we get a customer who is cranky, upset, or just has a problem that totally stumps everyone. We do our best to make sure the problem is solved, but it can burn out a few brain cells.

Everyone pulls together and helps out. We throw out suggestions, we brainstorm, and ridicule each other to greater heights of professionalism. Sometimes, it works!

Work on my basement is going well. The framing is half done, the plumbing is half done, and once the framing is complete, electrical and plumbing will be 99% finished also. Then the gyprock goes up, and finishing starts. Pictures as I can.