The first two years up here were not exactly what I would call being in my comfort zone.
Work was insanely intense as there was a huge learning curve to my new position.
I don’t think I socialized but at holidays when friends or family would come to visit. And even then, it was right back to the zone controlled HVAC of the office that I was not accountable for. This was a giant step in my career. While I was convinced that I was up to it. Those first couple of years would test me and my resolve more than ever before. However, I would never have applied for the position if I didn’t think I could do it. The fact is, I’d been working more than 15 years for the same company and looking for this sort of opportunity. It’s just that this opportunity was more than a challenge. Actually, when I got here, this regional office was a complete dumpster fire. The previous 3 managers had been culled because they couldn’t turn the ship around. And when I got here, this place was hemorrhaging cash and the morale was in the toilet. Throw in the fact that I had never lived and worked above the Mason Dixon line and it was such a challenge. The small house I purchased came with a gas furnace that I inherited. Actually, this was a really quick sale because I agreed to take the place as is for the right price. That worked out for me financially and shelter wise, but it was far from comfortable just like being in the office. But last Fall, I replaced all of the residential HVAC and now have central air conditioning that comes with a new gas furnace. This Winter was easily the toastiest ever inside my home.