I completed my first week at Wellcome this week.

There’s several big changes to my working life. For one thing, it’s a huge bloody building. I’ve gone from a workplace of 10 to a workplace of 530+ people. In a big glass building. With a helix-like sculpture at the end. And a ground floor atrium so big they call it ‘the street’ (which of course, has a cafe in the middle of it).

It’s funny the things that you notice are different. I knew moving to a big company there’d be better perks — bigger companies are, by virtue of their size and resources, able to better look after their staff. The premises are fully catered with a subsidised restaurant on the roof, overlooking London, serving a variety of full meals for £3 or less. They even have ‘fish day’ and ‘curry day’. Not to mention the cafe has breakfast for less than £1. I feel I may be changing my eating habits to just live at work…

I no longer have to make tea. There’s automated machines to do it for you (serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate etc.) in every kitchen area. Or you can go to the cafe to get it given to you for free. It is really weird not having a kettle in the kitchen though. Not to mention a toaster or a microwave. My second day I went out and bought stuff to make my own sandwiches, then realised the folly of my thinking. There aren’t plates or cutlery to make your own stuff, or a microwave to heat up your leftovers. But then, why would you when you can get hot meals or freshly made sandwiches for the same price as my lunchtime shop?? I feel I may put on weight these next few months…

Or I could work it off with the variety of social activities they have going. There’s a gym in the basement and pilates classes at lunchtime. They even do jazz and tap dancing classes (no, seriously). I might just take up table tennis or sign up for hte football. Seems a social way of meeting people and keeping fit.

Best thing about work? The fact that I get to use a Mac every day. Yes, after ten years of working life, I finally get to use an Apple Mac. And we’re getting an upgrade in a few weeks. A fully jazzed up PowerMac will soon be mine! I can’t believe how much that excites me. I’m such a geek.

Ok, one other thing that excites me. All our chairs have a funny coat hanger bit at the back so you can hang your coat on it (since everyone puts coats on chair backs anyway). And the toilets. The toilets are amazing. Well, any would be since my last job just had a small broom cupboard they termed the ‘gents’. Never underestimate how much of a difference nice toilets can make to your working life.

Oh yeah, the people are really nice too ~waves~. Not too sure about the work, since I haven’t done much so far. A bit of editing, but it’s mostly been taking it easy reading and getting to know the place and the people. I’ve had an endless series of meetings with different people, but I think I’m getting a handle on it.

It’s safe to say I’m going to be pretty comfortable. ^_^