On your first day at a new job, your company will have both written and unwritten rules of conduct and expectations from its new employee. You must leave your old work and social habits behind you, and try to blend into the new work culture you have joined. When you make an error, just because nothing is said the first or second time does not mean it is accepted.
You only have a few minutes to make a good impression on your first day of work. If you are bored because nothing has been prepared for you to do, find something acceptable to do, like read the employee manual or annual report. Ask your supervisor for work, or if you can assist another employee with their work.
This article includes examples of an employee who does not respect the rules of the company for which he works. Arrogance and anger can fuel this behavior. In addition, this type of employee is showing a sense of entitlement at the job.
Entitlement is one of the most damaging aspects of a new employee. You are not entitled to thumb your nose at the company rules of conduct. You are not at the same level as the boss, even if the boss is your friend. You are expected to behave and follow the rules of your peers. These first day, or even first week behaviors will bring attention to you in a harmful way:
• Arrive at work late
• Leave work early
• Talk on your cell phone, or listen to your ipod as you work
• Read the newspaper until you are told what to do
• Finish reading the newspaper after you are told what to do
• Play solitaire or update your resume on the computer
• Surf the Internet, or check your email
• Make a lot of personal telephone calls, including long distance
• Take lunch and stay longer than allowed
• Arrive back from lunch either with alcohol on your breath or drunk
• Ask for an advance on your first paycheck
• Show up dressed inappropriately
There is a good reason why most companies implement a probation period of employment. This is to allow the employee time to show that he or she is a team player. You are expected to not only show the ability to do the work, but a willingness to do the work. Respect for the rules and the codes of conduct at the firm are also part of what is expected of you.
The owner and/or your supervisor must and can act definitively on inappropriate behavior by terminating your employment the first day of work. They can also opt to work with you and bring you into the corporate culture. After you are told what you can and cannot do, and you continue to do it, the company must mitigate the potential for this behavior to spread by getting the employee out of the company. Waiting until the three months are over will send the wrong message of tolerance.
There is a lot riding on your first day of work. Your behavior can take you a long way in the company, or a short trip to the door. Be positive and careful not to step on any toes. Even if you see others in violation, remember that you must earn your right to be comfortable at your new job. Show restraint and good judgment on your first day at work. It will serve you well.
Five Top Safety Tips for Long Distance Driving
The goal of long distance driving is to get to your destination safely. We all know someone who says, “The time to get there is usually six hours; I did it in four and a half!” Speed should not be your primary focus. If you focus on getting there in the fastest amount of time, mistakes and errors in judgment can be made. Here are five tips to reach your destination in one piece.
1.Have a Current AAA Plus Membership Card with you. This annual membership provides 24-hour roadside service. The regular card will only transport your car to the nearest repair shop, give a battery charge, or change a tire for a fee of under $50. The AAA Plus card provides additional services. They will tow you for 100 miles for free, a definite convenience for long distance driving. The AAA plus also allows free fuel service, and a $750 traffic accident continuation trip if you are 50 miles or more from home.
2.Do Not Use Cruise Control. Long distance driving can have a hypnotic and fatiguing effect. Cruise control emphasizes and enhances that effect. Especially if you are tired, cruise control’s ability to stay at the same speed can quickly lull you into sleep. Your eyes can close at that critical moment when traffic slows down, and you’re still driving at 70 miles per hour. Lose control of the car, and you have an accident waiting to happen. Drive the car on your own so you can speed up or stop at a moment’s notice as needed.
3.Don’t Eat Heavy Food during the trip. You are going to be sitting and stationary for several hours at a time. Fast food in your stomach will give you a bloated and heavy feeling. Heavy and greasy food like double cheeseburgers, French fries, pizza, fried chicken and biscuits will contribute to the desire to take a nap. Better to eat light food like salads, soup, fruit cups and juice during the trip to keep your head clear. Coffee or hot chocolate is always a safe bet for long distance driving.
4.Stop and Get Rest in a Safe Place.Contrary to popular belief, boyfriends and husbands, long distance driving demands frequent rest stops. Fatigue can overtake you quickly, especially if you only watch the road in front of you instead of taking in the scenery while you drive. Be aware of overall discomfort, muscle aches in the neck, arms and shoulders. This is your body telling you it needs a break. When your tank is half empty, take bathroom and gasoline breaks at the same time. Stop in the refreshment area, walk around, clear your head, get some food, and then take a nap. Never park in the outskirts of a rest stop; park near another car or truck. Parking next to a van with a traveling family is always a safe bet. Park in front of a fast food restaurant, and then go to sleep. You may be surprised to see another driver next to your car doing the same thing!
Listen to Fast, Upbeat Music. This is not the time to listen to classical music or talk radio. Unless the topic is something that excites you, talk radio can lower your alertness. Instead, listen to upbeat music, especially anything that makes you want to sing along. Play music you haven’t heard before, like Hip Hop, Salsa, or Reggae. Change the radio station whenever you reach a new state. Bring some tapes you enjoy, or have a tape made of fast, stimulating music just for your long distance drives.
Long distance driving can and should be a fun experience. The quality of the drive should be better than the quantity of arriving at your destination quickly, but exhausted. Use these tips on your next trip, and see the change in your driving attitude.
