OH MY GOD. I know it's been only one day, but the place I'm going to be working at for the next month or so is about as far removed from my previous work environment as possible. I'd forgotten what it was like to work in an I.T. Department that isn't dripping with drama and dysfunction; a department filled with people who are genuinely friendly and actually seem to like being there and enjoy what they're doing.
And really, who can blame them? A relaxed dress code (I can wear jeans every day), an onsite cafeteria, more than adequate restroom facilities, and completely covered employee parking (something that if you don't live in Arizona you can't fully appreciate).
The folks I work with are helpful and encouraging; such a change from the majority of coworkers at my last place of employment. I didn't hear a single disparaging or inappropriate comment from anyone in the department and so to my former boss I say, See bitch? It's not like your feculent vat of toxic hellstew everywhere."
I was initially concerned about the commute. It's about seven miles further each way than the one I had in Denver, but it turns out that even with it being a greater distance, it takes the same amount of time thanks to the valley's properly sized transportation infrastructure.
My only regret is that this is slated to be only a short-term gig. But then, so was my last job in Phoenix that ended up turning permanent and lasting nearly 8 years.
We shall see. In the meantime, I'm just going to relish actually looking forward to going to work again.
We are glad to see all things are falling into place. Being back in Phx. seems to be a good thing.