Saying Goodbye to Patch with Some Advice for Your Next First Day of Work

Nearly three years to the day from when I first booted up my Patch laptop I’m closing it for the final time. Friday is my last day with Patch.

It isn’t entirely my decision to leave, due to a reorganization that occurred in mid-August. But I’m departing before my so-called transition period expires to start a new job next week managing communications for an international aid group. So I head, quite literally, from hyperlocal to the world!

You guys will continue to tell the story of your lives and the story of La Grange, from the sublime to the silly to the profound by blogging on Patch, posting your events and serving as inspiration to your new local editor, Charlotte Eriksen. Having worked with Charlotte for nearly three years, I can tell you she is a driven reporter with the kindest of hearts. She will tell your stories well.

I decided to use this opportunity to get a little advice from some of the movers and shakers in La Grange and Western Springs. Hopefully it will help anyone on the brink of a new adventure: How should people set themselves up for success during their first day at a new job?

• “Listen. Listen more than talk. Listening is the most important thing to get an overview of the 10,000-foot big picture. What does this company do and what is my role in it?” – La Grange Police Chief Michael Holub
• “(M)y advice to you to set yourself up for success on your first day of work at a new job is to try as hard as you can to remember the name of every co-worker that you meet. People appreciate a quick study on names. It demonstrates a measure of caring.” – La Grange Village Manager Robert Pilipiszyn
• “Do more listening the first day than talking.  The opportunity to shape and lead in your workplace will come soon enough.” – La Grange Village President Tom Livingston
• “My advice is - be prepared.  As the first day approaches, read as much as you can about your new employer, select your wardrobe in advance, and invest in a good pen and portfolio for active note taking.  Preparation = confidence which is important when you are trying to make a good first impression in a new environment.” – Assistant Village Manager Andri Peterson
• “Arrive a few minutes early and look happy to be there. A lot of newbies try to make a huge impression on their first day.” – Western Springs Historical Society Trustee (and Patch columnist!) John Devona

Indeed, I will be happy to be there. 

Thanks to everyone I’ve encountered during my tenure with Patch for inspiring me, making me laugh and cry, and sharing with me so much about your lives. I've loved this job deeply.

Since I still live in La Grange and plan to continue to live here for a very long time: See you around.