Warming up

This week concludes my first week back at a full time job since I left Zimmerman in March. I'm freelancing, true, but this time I'm actually working in an office with other people, not out of my apartment in my underwear. (You may say too much info, but those who freelance out of their home, know what I'm talking about...) I have say a few things about my latest job, because it may be relevant for those of you looking to move on to bigger and better things.

I'm freelancing at a small, specialized department of a big agency. It's not necessarily the type of work I want to make a career out of, but it's advertising, and its a paycheck. I had some apprehension about going in on Monday, but I didn't have anything to lose, so I went.

First thing monday morning, they show me to my seat. Everyone in the office sits in Herman Miller Aeron chairs, and works on 23 inch Cinema Displays. I check to see what the tower is packing. Dual 2.5 Gig. Nice. IT and HR contact me and help me set up, all remotely. Immediately, I have email, extranet, etc. The office buys lunch the first day. There are doughnuts on Tuesday. Thursday the entire office complex has lunch catered. Friday there are bagels.

Everyone comes to work at 9am. I came in early on Friday at 8, and found the office suite locked.

Everyone leaves at 5.

No one yells. No one cries. Everyone is happy. Friday morning, one of the Sr. VP's had a small tantrum because some client hadn't been taken care of. I thought, "Finally! Some action!"

Two days ago I presented some work to the creative director, and told him that I thought a line I had might make for a good tagline. His eyes got really big, and you know what? He got excited! I've never been happier. Over a silly little tagline.

It really is a very different world out there. I remember Bree telling me about this but I couldn't quite grasp it. I came to this place to freelance and get re-introduced to the mainstream advertising world.

I ended up finding a little piece of unexpected heaven. Regardless of how long this lasts I'm really thankful to have the opportunity to get warmed up. To do a little advertising exercise. Some light spinning if you will.

Good people, good atmosphere, respect for employees and professional work. It sure doesn't get the respect it deserves.