I had grand dreams of gaining practical skills and, in no time, becoming capable of executing procuring duties assigned to me competently. Alas, they were to remain just that, dreams.
I was received well and introduced to everyone in the department and those outside the department I would regularly interact with. I settled at my desk, and a few minutes later, my supervisor called me for my first task.
"Go round to everyone's desk and get their coffee order and snack of choice." No way was I going to be doing coffee runs. I took my list and carried it to the office assistant, gave her the money and told her to keep the change. Her huge smile told me the task was as good as done. I whiled away the time by strolling down the block and returned just in time for the coffee’s arrival.
I sat at my computer and went through the company’s website. Occasionally I looked up and swept my eyes across the open-plan office. Everyone seemed very busy, and no one was paying any heed to me the rest of the morning. Come lunchtime, no one was eating at their desk, and they all went out for lunch one after the other. I also sat outside at a table in a sunny spot to enjoy my packed lunch.
I got back within the one hour given for lunch break. We all sat quietly for about thirty minutes then the guy in the corner put on his earphones. Probably he had a big lunch and was feeling sleepy, so he needed some noise distraction, I thought to myself. That did not work since he opened the window and took a trip to the water dispenser.
I reflected on how idle I was, monitoring people in the office. My supervisor called me again. I was grateful to get a task since the day felt too long, from sitting still just waiting for the work day to end. This time, he gave me his car key and directions to where he had parked. I was to go pick up his dry cleaning. He also gave me directions to the dry cleaning company. I was not thrilled at the errands I was being sent on instead of doing something related to my career, but I needed to do something other than idling at my desk.When I got back, I was released to go home.
I hope to do real work tomorrow, not just run people’s errands.