My first day at my new job. I arrive and my office is not set-up, including no computer. My scheduled phone orientation at 9:30 - I received her voice mail 3 times, left a message and it is now 10:00 and I still have not heard a thing! Is this a bad sign?

Oh boy.

Well it's certainly not a GOOD sign.

I wouldn't worry too much. I've had rockier starts. Also, be patient with the hiring manager, much of this is actually out of his or her control.

Just be happy they knew you were coming!

^^^ see my comment about rockier starts ^^^
if they at least knew you were coming today, you are way ahead of the game...

Maybe it's a test to see how you'd react to the situation?

Maybe you should ask for a red Swingline stapler, and the latest TPS reports.

Spartan country? Is that part of the nation that's colder than a witch's broomstick today? Maybe the weather prohibited some of the stuff to be set up properly? We've had people scrambling around our building for the last two weeks addressing issues with heating unit failures that affected ...etc, etc. Hopefully you won't read this message till much later today because now you're too busy learning the ropes. Good luck at your new job!!!

Good luck at the new job!! I too am in Michigan, and yes, it is colder than cold, and worse tomorrow.

I am sure everything will be 'normal' by the end of the week.

Thank God you have a banking job in Michigan. Finding a job in the winter wonderland is tough outside of tourism and recreation.

Now see, when I hear "Spartans", I automatically think SC.

Right now I am not referring to it as a winter wonderland. It is too cold to even go outside! My outdoor cats have enjoyed the inside for going on a month.

Propane costs are spiking upwards to $7.00 per gallon. I will take a 20 degree day anyday!

Just think about how much you're going to stand out in comparison to your co-workers!

Not the best start, perhaps there was miscommunication somewhere.

Good luck! If anything, you can explore the rest of the office and meet other folks while waiting for your orientation.

I would say that it is more of a sign about the capabilities and management of the HR department than that of your superiors. Your people probably just contact HR and tell them to get everything set up. Sounds to me like HR dropped the ball somewhere.

Ouch!! We were just talking yesterday that propane costs $2.99 per gallon down here and that is in increase within the last week.

I have only worked in one bank that had a good HR department.

Are you sure that you actually got the job? Did they give you the Penske file?

This reminded me of the worst first day ever. My office was still physically occupied by my predecessor.

Around here, if things aren't set up it's not HR's fault. They notify IT with new hire's name, work station info, and starting date and IT is suppossed to get everything set up from there.

We have an intensive two day orientation which HR orchestrates with hand offs to various other personnel such as security officer, etc.

Did you have to remove them from YOUR new desk?

Talk about Awk. Ward.

My first 2 months here I was left to "explore" the computer system. No formal or informal training. But every day I was thankful I had a job.