Having completed my first month at McMillan & Associates , and I have to say, the welcome has been amazing! Moving from a corporate job to a smaller, local consultancy was a big step, but I’m so glad I made the transition. McMillan & Associates feels like a family from the moment you walk in, and it’s such a great place to be. It is so rewarding to get closer to and build deeper relationships with our clients.
One of the best things about working here is how simple and straightforward the induction process is. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to the long, complicated ones I’ve been through before. Everyone on the team is super friendly and down-to-earth, which has made settling in so much easier.
A big reason I joined McMillan & Associates was Natalie, the company owner. Her vision and passion for creating a supportive and flexible work environment really resonated with me. It’s inspiring to work for someone who genuinely cares about the well-being of her team and clients.
The flexibility in work schedules is a real game-changer. Here, it’s all about trust and getting the work done. This has really helped me balance my work and family life, especially as a parent of a special needs child.
The induction has been just right—not too much information all at once, which I really appreciate. As a suspected neurodivergent, this thoughtful approach has made a big difference to how I am able to process material.
Starting in November has been perfect timing with the holiday season coming up! I’m really looking forward to our Christmas party on December 6th. It’ll be a great chance to meet more clients and get to know everyone better.
Even though I’ve worked as a contractor for a while, every new place has its own vibe and expectations. The first few weeks can be a bit overwhelming due to the challenges of navigating a new workplace, but I’ve picked up some handy tips along the way:
- Ask lots of questions and keep a notebook handy. Every little detail counts, from which mugs to use in the kitchen to how the stationery cupboard works. Don’t assume that just because you did it that way at your last place, it will fly at your new one. Things might seem insignificant to you, but Joan will get upset if you use her milk rather than the communal bottle in the fridge so pay attention!
- Don’t be shy about asking for help. You’re new, and it’s okay not to know everything right away. Your colleagues are there to help you succeed in your new role.
- Keep your social calendar light for the first couple of weeks. Starting a new job can be exhausting with all the new information you have to assimilate, so make sure you have some downtime to recharge your batteries outside work.
- Get to know your colleagues, it is a worthwhile investment of your time. Find common ground, whether it’s pets or hobbies, it is a great way to feel part of the team and relate to others.
- Be kind to yourself. It’s normal to ask the same question more than once. In a few months, you’ll feel like you’ve been there forever. Contracting has taught me to adapt quickly and focus on what’s important, which really helps in a new role.
Overall, my experience so far at McMillan & Associates has been fantastic, and I’m really enjoying being part of this awesome Yorkshire company.