The Pain, the Pain

Going on week three with Really Big Pharma. I still don't have access to the building without an escort. How the systems work are a mystery to me and because Really Big Pharma is, in fact, really big, looking for files in their system is like looking for a gold necklace tossed into the Grand Canyon. Good luck with that.

I learned Friday that I have a lot of on-boarding reading to do. The first document I opened was 75 pages long. And there's a quiz at the end. I also learned, according to Team Lead, that I will be updating hundreds of documents. It nearly made me swoon, but I bucked up when I thought about job security.

One thing that's been troubling me has been the spreading pain I have in my back. It started at the middle-right part of my back and has been marching along to the left, but never quits aching where it began. I don't know if this is because of my new duty as personal pack mule or the chair I sit in at work.

I'm going to see "The Dark Tower" today, mostly because I hope those snazzy recliner seats will help my back.

The pain responds only mildly to any OTC meds I take. The building cafeteria has a shelf unit full of company products, so I bought a jug of their most popular acetaminophen product for half price of what it would be in Walgreens. I should buy some muscle rub, too, and try heat when I'm at home.

This has led me to going to bed extra early and nothing gets done in the house. C'est dommage.

On a more positive note, I have been accepted by the group and they ask me to go to lunch with them every day. We sit outside on a beautifully landscaped, walled patio, at a great long table. Inside the cafeteria, I've seen tables pushed together to make up a banqueting table fit for 20 people.

The point of lunch for my team mates is to take a break from the day, converse, and share food. I am regularly offered bits of various delicacies and always accept them. It has been noted that I am left handed, so one woman rolls up a bit of food in a roti (bread) and hands it to me (I use my right hand). The first food I tried was so hot, a minute after eating it, I let go with a tremendous hiccup and we all laughed about it.

There is no talk about work that I can tell and that's welcome. We usually take the whole hour for lunch and one person will make a move to get up and we all rise in unison. It's a welcome break in the middle of the day.

So far, so good. Fingers crossed.

Yes, the pay is not so good, but I feel welcome and accepted here as I haven't since my first programming job many years ago. It may well be worth the dip in pay as I've realized how lonely I was in my last gig.