by Hope
This is not a financial post. So skip it if not interested in other more personal stuff…
I am a NERVOUS wreck! Today will be my first day in the office for my new corporate job. It’s not a requirement, I volunteered. But since I had to come to ATL to pick up Princess for her weekend at home, I decided to make a day of it and spend the day in the office.
Ugh! Why???? I am an extreme introvert. Even the plethora of phone calls I have every day wear me out. What made me think that spending an entire day in an office, around people was a good idea.

So if you are reading this, please send up prayers and good thoughts for me. I will tackle this like I do all challenges in my life…one step at a time. And I know it will turn out great. I’m excited to actually meet many of the team members whom I really admire. But it will be a long day.
My reward at the end of the day…seeing Princess for the first time in two weeks and getting to have her home for the weekend. So definitely worth it!
I already have scheduled another in office day in September. And while it’s not required of me, I think it’s the right thing for me to show my face every once in a while. I will update on how it went next week if anyone is interested.
Any other introverts around? Tips and tricks?

Hope is a resourceful, solutions-driven online business manager with over two decades of experience helping clients streamline operations, manage projects, and grow their businesses through digital marketing and technology.
But life has a way of rewriting your plans.
A year ago, Hope made the decision to move in with her aging parents full time – a season she wouldn’t trade, even as it came with its own financial and emotional weight. Earlier this year, she lost her mother, and is now walking the tender, disorienting path of grief while learning what “forward” looks like from here.
Hope came to the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015 as a single mom raising five foster and adoptive children. She’s written through job changes, financial setbacks, and the bittersweet transition to an empty nest. Her kids are finding their footing in the world now – and so is she.
Rooted in faith and fueled by the same perseverance she’s brought to every hard season, Hope is ready to face her finances with fresh eyes and an honest pen. She believes that clarity, courage, and community can change the trajectory of anyone’s story including her own.
She lives in Austin, TX with her dad, loves adventures with her dog Addie, and is figuring out, one step at a time, what this next chapter is meant to be.

Good luck! That sounds pretty stressful for an introvert like me. Don’t worry people will be the same in person. Remember they aren’t all focusing on you even though it might feel like it! Have fun meeting your team in person. It can only help foster better work from remote.
You must work at a very casual place. I’ve never worked at a place where that would be considered appropriate office attire, and the places I’ve worked have typically been on the more casual end of “business casual”.
Once you get there you will be fine. You’ll get to meet people face to face and if and when you go back you won’t be as nervous.
Introverts Unite! I’m with ya Hope. I’m an introvert to the core but apparently I’m a great actress because everyone at work assumes I’m an extrovert. I think it’s because I smile and I ask everyone how they are doing. Smile Hope just like you always do. They’ll love you.
I think you need to invest in a few professional outfits if you’re going to go into the office. My office is business casual and what you have on here would not be appropriate. If you are in a position where you are leading a team and making 6 figures, you have accepted a professional level that requires some professional clothing. Working from home? This is fine. In the office? No.
I hope your first day went well.
Hope the office days go well. I usually have 3-5 work pants, then mix in whatever shirts I want to mix in. A couple cardigans and sweaters help too, in case it gets too cold.