The British Workplace

Ten weeks ago today, I started my first shift in a new country. I can't believe how much time has passed since then! So I thought I'd give my thoughts and feelings on what it is like working here.


Before I started work, I was afraid. I was afraid that I would be negatively viewed because of where I came from. I worried that people would tell me to go back to America, because they would automatically assume I was an illegal. I thought maybe the people would apply American stereotypes to me, and say I don't belong here. Chalk this up to me hearing horror stories from people in a similar situation.

But upon starting work, I wasn't negatively received. Quite the opposite, in fact! At work, people ask me a lot about how I am doing, and which state I am from. There is even one girl that talks to me a lot because she loves my American accent. In fact, she isn't the only one. I've been praised by quite a few people on my accent during my stay here. It's quite flattering, because I never saw the American accent as anything special. But that is coming from someone who grew up there. I myself have always loved the accents here in the UK. Any accent you name, I love the sound of it: Scottish, Irish, Cockney, Welsh, Scouse, Yorkshire, country...I love hearing all of them. I will admit, some definitely sound more refined than others, but they are still interesting to hear regardless.

I thought this too and I'm not even from Yorkshire. I've been around Brits too much to read it as such.

Anyway, pretty much all of my work colleagues take a great interest in me. I'm well received here, and I hate that I thought otherwise. I even love seeing the shock on people's faces when we describe the visa process and its bank breaking fees.

It took me awhile to get used to everything, and hence for me to feel like I fit in. But now I feel right at home here. And I most definitely feel like I am welcomed. I was like an orphaned puppy trying to feed off a mother cat. I wasn't a kitten, so I didn't think I belonged. I thought the mother cat would reject me. But lo and behold, she shows her maternal instincts and allows me to nurse.

So yeah, working here has been pleasant. It can be stressful at times, because it is a pub restaurant, after all. But it is great to be welcomed by all of my colleagues.

I had been so pessimistic on both the outcome of the spouse visa, and now this. I might need to work on that. However, with pessimism, you are either not disappointed or pleasantly surprised. And I can say for a fact I was pleasantly surprised! 

Loving this Freedom

So it's been a week since I've moved into our new house. I have to say I am LOVING it. No in-laws or parents to tell us what to do and when to do it. I'm 22, and now finally getting my first taste of living on my own. It is pretty incredible. We get to decide what goes where, get to shower late at night, and not have to worry about waking up to anyone or waking anyone up. The thing is, though, we haven't encountered our first bills or rent payment yet, so I am kind of worried about that. We've got a great amount of money saved up, but I still can't help but worry. To be honest, though, the amount of money we spend to live on our own is worth it. I've been wanting this since I turned 18, and now I've got it. We're setting up the house slowly but surely, and it's working great.

And speaking of working, we're doing a hell of a lot of that. I'm currently enjoying a four day weekend off, though, which is nice. And my second paycheck was double that of my first, so I am definitely NOT complaining. I'm also definitely looking forward to opening my own bank account. Even though I'm getting paid, it's going to my husband's bank account so it doesn't feel like the money is TOTALLY mine. I can't wait to get an account and card with my name on it. So if I ever want to pop up to Tesco on my day off and get milk, I can use MY card.

So apart from the slight financial worries, I am loving this. The house is great, as well. The oven's a little confusing, but I think I have an idea on how it works. Oh yeah, and the bottom floor smoke detector works. When I cooked the first night, I think the mere steam from the boiling water set it off. That or the oil I was heating up, I don't know. My only major gripe is that when you're barefoot, the tile floor feels like you're walking on ice. There's a rug in there to help, though.

The house is pretty tiny, but I still love it. It seems pretty low maintenance as well...at least for now. But now that we're here, we can provide evidence for both the bank AND the visa renewal.

Oh god, the visa renewal...


About seventeen months from now...





...Gulp.