Blog de Puree

I’ve started my new job at Helium.com, an exciting new user community that shares common global knowledge about everything under the sun, as well as manages its own product through a story rating system.

While I was very excited and nervous before my first day on Monday, the thrill of staring a new position isn’t what it used to be. After going through the process a couple of times, you know what to expect–for the most part.

The best metaphor for the way I felt, although slightly more dramatic, takes place in a landing craft before a beach invasion during World War II. Inside, a platoon of soldiers huddle down, avoiding the cold sea spray and the bullets flying overhead. A grizzled sergeant looks next to him at a green private (green from seasickness and green, as in new, unproven soldier) shivering and wiping some leftover vomit from the corner of his mouth. The sergeant gives the kid a nudge on the shoulder who looks at him, wild-eyed with fear.

“Don’t worry, kid. It only sucks for the first day or so. Make it past that, and you should get through this landing just fine. Stick with me.”

“Ar, ar, aren’t you scared,” the private stammered?

“Scared? Shit yes, I’m scared,” the sergeant replies. His face is calm and collected. “You’d have to be crazy not be. I just know what to expect. This is my third landing.”