first day back to work

I actually slept really well Sunday night and woke up feeling refreshed.  I was nervous and pretty shaky so I took an Ativan to calm down a little.  Somehow time got away from me and I ended up leaving 5 minutes late.  I speed walked to the metro and got there just in time to see the doors close on my train.  Somehow luck was on my side as the next train arrived only 2 minutes later.  I just made my connecting train by doing the last minute sprint before the doors closed and then I was back on track.  Thankfully I was on time for my first day back, it would have been quite embarrassing to show up late.

Upon arriving at the office I was shown to my new desk and the boxes where my stuff had been packed up.  My manager told me to take the day getting setup and organized and that we would meet Wednesday morning to start assigning me my work.  She took me around the office to greet everyone and meet the new employees.  When she made her introductions she simply stated I had been away and was now back.  I was asked by one employee how long I had taken as sabbatical.  I liked the idea that he assumed my leave was voluntary.  Also, doing the rounds and greeting everyone seems to have deterred people from asking why I was away which was a big worry for me.

I spent the day getting installed in my new cube and getting some new software loaded on my system.  I started reading through some documents on the current release and I felt a little frustrated at the lack of information, but also a little relieved as it’s obvious that I’ve been missed.  I look forward to getting through my training and back into my old position.  

My manager came by at 4pm and told me to call it a day and go home early.  She also spoke to me about some upcoming changes that would be coming from our head office and asked me to learn what I can so we can be prepared to challenge these changes where necessary.  That made me feel really good, like she’s involving me in the important stuff right away.

All in all the day was a huge success.  At no point did I feel angry or sad, instead I felt calm and comfortable.  I’m happy to be back.