You Know You Work for a Huge Company When...

So Monday I started a new job as an analyst with a Fortune 25 company (aka "The Institution"). It's a bit of a culture shock after spending the last 18 months with a firm that had 5 employees.

You know you work for a huge company (80,000 employees) when:

• IT and HR both have 1-800 numbers
• Your new employee orientation is conducted via webinar by a woman in the United Kingdom
• You have to file a requisition to be able to get access to your e-mail account on your phone
• You don't actually use your name for anything, you use your 9-digit employee ID number (not your SSN, but it sure feels like it!)
• 80% of your meetings are via conference call

On the same token, however, I'm not in charge. I've been holding the weight of companies, market plans and employees on my back for several years, on top of holding the weight of the world at home. I'm exhausted.

Now I get to just think, play with numbers, analyze trends and develop strategies.

Makes having that 9-digit employee number a little more endearing.