First Month Experience Working a 9 to 5

If you have been wondering where I’ve been for the last month after promising I’d get back on my grind, now you’ll know – working. I started doing my internship at Hunkemoller, one of the largest lingerie retailers in Europe. It is an internship but it is also a proper 9-5, which let me tell you, I was not used to.

When I started working it was beginning of August, when all my friends were enjoying their summers and I was sitting indoors behind a desk. I am in no way complaining because I was looking forward to that for a long time, it just made the start a bit more difficult. I was told by everyone that the first month would be the transition period, getting used to a new life routine and just the job as a whole.

It’s now my second month at the job, and things have really looked up. So I’m gonna tell you all about that first month and a drastic lifestyle change.

The Routine

I had been flying through life for the last 2/3 years without a sense of responsibility or routine. This was all due to Covid since I was in university for a whole 7/8 months before I started Zoom classes. This meant – which I’m sure is the same for many – my life no longer had a routine. I could go to bed late, wake up to turn on my class, and SLOWLY start my day. I did that for way too long, because even in Paris – despite me going to classes – life was very much revolving around actually enjoying Paris.

My bed time went from 2 a.m to 10 p.m. A pretty drastic change considering the wake up time. From 10 a.m to 6:30 a.m. And of course all the energy I use up during the day which I was not used to.

The first couple weeks I would finish work every day and go home absolutely exhausted, cook some dinner, and go to sleep. This made going to bed early much easier, and consequentially, getting up early too.

After the month

I really pushed myself to not have a routine revolving around my work. I was letting go of my social life for a bit which did not sit right with me. With time, I had more energy after work and made it a goal to have something planned at least a couple times a week. It could be drinks with friends in town, or going for a walk. This became the biggest staples in my routine today. It allows me to stay connected with all my friends and not loose that side of my life I really value.

One thing that got better from the beginning is the appreciation for free time. When I had nothing to do, making plans would feel like a drag. Also being free ALL THE TIME did not allow me to enjoy my weekends, me time, or just moments of productivity. Now, when the weekend or after work hours roll around, it’s exciting. I always want to be doing something during my free time. The last thing I wanna do is sit at home.

The mornings got much easier as well. Waking up, making my coffee and getting ready at a pace I became familiar with. It’s not longer something I dread, it’s just how it is right now. And as someone who hates feeling unproductive, it makes me feel very good about myself and about life in general.

I now also live with my best friends, so the after-work routine is much more fun. Starting with a chat about our day, followed by an activity we decide to do, and ending the day cooking a nice dinner together. We also got into the habit of meditating before bed to end off the day in the most peaceful way. Because days become more and more hectic as our internships progress.

Socializing

I was always a very social person until Covid, which made me close into my own shell. I was always surrounded by the same people – which I loved. But it also made it much more difficult to stay in contact with other friends. My social activities were always the same, which made it all repetitive instead of a routine.

My job now not only has allowed for me to meet many new people, but to also develop stronger relationships. At first it felt overwhelming in the office. Also because everyone there knew each other and I was the only intern at the time. With time it got more and more comfortable. I am still at the very early stages of working a 9 to 5, but the progress and steps I have taken make me feel a lot better overall.

After the month

As I said before, I try to have an activities planned after work. With this motivation, its become a norm to go and get drinks with my co workers. Also team bonding events – which is a whole other blog in and of itself – make me step out of my comfort zone and enjoy the moments much more. Now that all the other interns have joined, there’s a lot more group plans to go get dinner to get to know everyone.

Overall, my social battery has gone from inexistent to thriving. Especially after a long day, it is a great way to destress before going home and starting the routine over. Also, seeing different people and doing different activities with them helps keep a dynamic routine. As I am the type of person that goes crazy if things get too repetitive.

The Work

I have covered the main aspects of my personal life. Now talking about the actual work itself. I was so worried going in and not knowing what to do. I know everyone thinks this way before starting a new job. But this was also my first office job which added extra stress. I am lucky enough to have found a company I love and am interested in it so I knew the market. But for once in my life, I am no longer studying and going to university. I have to take everything I learnt and apply it. Always worried that I wouldn’t do well enough or didn’t know enough.

I wrote down everything step-by-step – which, do this – and tried to register everything the first time it was told. The first few weeks were packed with new information and so many softwares I had to learn to use. I stressed so much for something that I was not expected to do or know immediately. Also the amount of meetings I attended which I did not have a clue what was being discussed. It was gibberish to me.

After the month

As time went by I started grasping things more and more. Instead of memorizing the steps, I realized I had actually learnt it and it came natural. I started to be able to do things on my own, no longer asking what had to be done. I know what I have to do first thing when I get into the office, what to talk about in meetings, and all the aspects of the job I learnt so far. The first time someone asked me for something and I was actually able to help, gave me the biggest satisfaction.

Constantly developing my skills and familiarizing myself with the work gives me more and more motivation to keep going. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this feeling of accomplishment. And especially for my first job, it’s all new experiences I’m living for the first time.

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