Let’s get this right out in the open:
There will be no space travel anytime soon, Internet.
Okay, so perhaps you are all, “So?” Or, “Oh yeah, you made a big deal about That Whole Thing for quite a while. I had totally forgotten.”
Or, “Who are you again?”
But in my HEAD, I feel like you are staring at me – you know, in that surreptitious way, looking away quickly when I turn around, pretending you are staring into space and Thinking Deeply or waving at someone over my shoulder or engrossed in the details of the ceiling directly above my head – and wondering What Is Up.
So, whether you are wondering or not: there is nothing up.
On purpose. For an undetermined time period.
Because…
Well, because I got a new job.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s very exciting because it’s AWESOME. Seriously awesome. I’ll be writing, still, but for a non-profit. And it’s an organization that does work I feel passionate about and proud of. Everyone I’ve met is smart and dedicated and passionate, and I can see myself really making a difference, which is great. I feel positively giddy about the whole thing.
But I am, also, a little nervous.
You see, I haven’t started the job yet. (And of course, now that I’ve published this, I am a teeny bit worried that it will evaporate or I will find that it was All a Dream.) Anyway, I am not scheduled to start for a few days. So I am spending my free time thinking about how different it will be.
The biggest difference between this job and what I do now?
It is an Office Job.
Which means, I am sure you’ll understand, that I’ll be leaving my house each morning, and driving to an office, where I will stay – in the office – with other people – multiple other people – for hours at a time, day after day.
One of the big reasons I first considered this job – apart from the fact that it just seemed like too good an opportunity to miss – was that I need to be around people more often.
I love the work I’ve been doing for the past seven years. But… Seven years is a long time to be cooped up in a house by one’s self.
Being able to do my work from anywhere in the world has been a fabulous gift. Most importantly, it’s allowed me to maintain steady income despite the impermanence of my husband’s training.
But now that we’re staying in this lovely city, it’s time for me to put down roots. Not just by buying a house… Not just by trying to make friends… But by becoming an active, contributing member of our community. And taking an Office Job is a good way to do that.
(I know you didn’t ask me to justify why I am switching jobs. I guess I just feel a little sad to be leaving this part of my life behind. Excited, of course, but a little sad.)
So – to circle back (I seem to do a lot circling back, don’t I? I suppose that means I do too much circling away. Perhaps I need to hire some sort of tangent sheepdog to keep me in line.) – one of the reasons I’m so excited about this new venture is that I’ll get to interact with real, live people every day.
But… I’m also a teensy bit scared.
Not of the job or the people. But of no longer working from home.
Because I’ve never really HAD an Office Job before, Internet.
Sure, I worked in a doctor’s office a couple of summers. But it was my DAD’S office, so I’m sure that’s a different experience than most people have.
Then I worked for three months in a ministry, which wasn’t technically an Office Job because a) it was in the basement of a church and b) there was no real sitting and officeing – just mostly working one-on-one with the clients we served or the volunteers who gave their time. (I don’t know – maybe that DOES count as an Office Job? I am realizing that perhaps my understanding of what constitutes an Office Job comes from unreliable sources, like The Office.)
Then I worked for another summer in the marketing department of a big company. So I guess THAT was an Office Job.
But the thing is, that last one there? The most recent Office Job experience? That was in 2003.
So I am WAY out of practice.
This is where you come in, Internet!
I need you to tell me what to expect from Working in an Office. The Dos and Don’ts, if you will.
You see…
When I’ve visited clients, I’ve had to do SOME work in an office.
And it always seems so awkward to me.
Simple things… Like, do I send an instant message or an email to the Marketing Manager? If I were at home, I WOULD do that… but now she’s only three feet from me, so it seems weird and unnecessary.
But then again… the alternative is to either get up from my desk and go over to hers (is that okay?) or to speak to her out loud, where the whole office can hear.
Neither of those things seems better. They seem kind of… interruptive.
And what if two people are talking near me?
When that’s happened at a client’s office, I just tune it out. But frequently, I’ll then find out that someone was trying to bring me into the conversation, and now he’s mocking me because I am so focused that my ears don’t work.
But if I try to be constantly aware of what’s going on, well… that’s exhausting and sort of hampers my productivity.
So what’s the ideal way to deal with people when you’re all smushed together in the same space?
And lunch.
Here at home, I make whatever I want for lunch. Wedge salads. Stir fry. Tacos. Nachos. Whatever sounds good, or whatever I can heat up from last night’s dinner.
When I go visit clients, I either go out to lunch with a few of the staff members… or I pop out to a nearby restaurant and bring something back.
But I live too far from the office to come home every day. And eating out obviously isn’t doable every day.
Also, I don’t want to be That Girl who brings something stinky and grosses out the whole office.
Also also, I am picky, so it’s hard for me to make lunch on a good day, when I have my whole refrigerator at my fingertips.
So… what does one bring for lunch when one works in An Office?
(I have spent a LOT of time thinking about this, Internet.) (I am being 100% serious.)
And while we’re on food… I am pretty accustomed to being able to go to the fridge and grab something at any time. Twenty times a day if I choose!
But I’m guessing employers/coworkers frown on that in an office setting?
Can I bring some almonds and an apple and a granola bar to snack on throughout the day? Or is constant munching going to lead to a Weird New Girl label?
And what about the bathroom?
I drink a lot of water, Internet. Is there, like, a bathroom trip limit I need to be aware of?
What if there are other people in there? I don’t think I can do inter-stall conversation. I really don’t think I have it in me.
What else?
Is there REALLY a water cooler, and do people ACTUALLY discuss things around it?
Basically, I’ve figured out that I should probably wear some real clothes instead of yoga pants and a tank top. But other than that, I really don’t know what to expect.
So if you have ANY TIPS about Successfully Working in an Office, I would love to hear them!
When in doubt, send an email. Email is almost always an acceptable way to deal with any questions/problems/etc.
Don’t get too chatty with your co-workers until you’ve been there a few weeks and have a feel for who will waste your day and who won’t.
And don’t worry. Office job is kinda fun. At least I’ve found it that way. I miss it sometimes.
Disappointed about the non space-shuttling, but this is exciting! Congratulations on your new job! I’ve been officing for 7 years now. Here’s my opinion on some of your questions.
Lunch: I am a picky lunch eater too. I almost always bring leftovers from the previous nights dinner. Nothing stinky.
Instant message for a quick question, even if they are on the other side of the wall. Maybe do emails for a while until you get the vibe down though.
Bathroom: This link sums up office bathrooming PERFECTLY. I always go back to it and reference it because it is so spot on: http://petuniafacedgirl.blogspot.com/2008/09/open-letter-to-lady-with-turquoise.html
Ignore close conversations unless they seem to be inviting you to participate. Annoying, but you’ll master the art of tuning them out in no time.
Oh, it’s perfectly fine to bring leftovers for lunch. That’s the only thing I ever did before I became a full-time astronaut. People will get it. Coworkers aren’t some weird breed of strange, foreign species; they’re regular people with quirks and preferences, just like you. Plenty of people pack lunches every day.
Also, do you actually eat weird/smelly/gross things? I mean, sauerkraut or kimchi might wrinkle a few noses, but if the weirdest thing you bring is Indian food or last night’s stir fry, I think you’re in good shape. What’s not to like about curry?
In my office, it was totally fine for me to snack/drink, as long as the customers didn’t see/hear/smell it. Though that is something you might want to observe and possibly save for breaks. Or, just ask your supervisor on the first day how chill they are about you munching on some almonds once in a while. It’s not like it’s a full course meal. And I second the email suggestion. You can’t go wrong with a quick email.
You’re going to do so well. If you’re have as entertaining IRL as you are here, your coworkers/supervisors will love you.
*half, not have.
duh.
I’ve been working in an office since graduating college in 2006. I think the previous two comments have good advice and the article linked about using the restroom is so dead on!
I think you have to be friendly and open, but not too open. Do your work and go chat up people around the water cooler/ice maker/copy machine/wherever people congregate. It will help you make work friends!
Good luck! You’ll be awesome.
Here I am on the opposite side of the spectrum — about to leave my office job (a job I have been at for over 11 years) to one that is remote and home-based. My question for you: Do I need yoga pants to work from home? I don’t have any.
As far as eating/lunching: I eat all day long. Snacks, whatever. No one notices.
Good luck!
Food: There is nothing wrong with bringing snacks to make it through the day. If you have some place to store things (like we have a little closet, and I have had extra drawers or cabinets in the past) you can keep a small variety of snacks to have. As long as it doesn’t smell no one should really care. Also bringing a coffee and or water cup from home is a good idea. Most break rooms have a sink so you can wash them out if they get gross. Check and see if they provide plastic wear for eating, and if not bring your own. Same with stuff like salt/pepper/ketchup/honey/good coffee creamer/whatever you like on your food.
Communication: I always find it best to send and email or an IM first, just in case they are busy. A quick, ‘hey you got a minute’ over IM before you run over to their desk can save a lot of time and annoyance on everyones part. Carrying out conversations over cube walls or across the aisle can be really annoying to co workers.
Bathrooms: I try desperately to just ignore everyone. I will politely smile and nod at a person if I recognize them, but there is no talking while in the stalls. That is just weird. Avoiding eye contact always seems to work for me.
Overall I would just say try not to do anything you would find offensive/annoying (chatting/laughing too loud, over powering perfume, singing to yourself out loud, overtly disrespectful, leaving your cell phones ringer on) and you should be good. Change is good.
Wow reading over that it makes working in an office sound awful. Don’t worry you will get the hang of it. It will all be good.
I hope it all works out and you love it!
“TANGENT SHEEPDOG.”
That is all.
Oh wait. That is never all. Congratulations on the new job! …And now I’m fretting about all the problems involved in getting an office job. But I think MOST of it is playing it by ear. The jobs I’ve had before have always been like that: one place has a loose “everyone is always buying snacks and putting them out for everyone to snack on all day” kind of thing going on, and the next place is all “FOOD IS ONLY TO BE CONSUMED IN THE BREAK ROOM ON AUTHORIZED BREAKS.” One place is people calling out to each other across the whole shared area, and the next place is library-quiet. One place has an employee who can’t stand the smell of coffee so no one can drink it, and can’t stand the smell of soap so no one can use it, and leaves notes in the bathroom about PLEASE limit your VISITS to two MINUTES.
It’s one of the things that makes a new job stressful: I try to hold still in the shrubbery and OBSERVE until I feel like I know how things are.
CONGRATULATIONS!! I am so excited for you! It’s always hard to close a chapter, but I think this new one will be wonderful.
Let’s see, do’s and don’ts: don’t reheat fish or burn popcorn. I think just about everything other food is acceptable. I don’t think anyone will notice or comment on your bathroom habits. If they do, they probably need more work to do. Personally, I will only engage in restroom conversation at the sink. I’m pretty friendly, so I can strike up conversation easily, but I try to read the other person’s body language before engaging.
I would be really surprised if they frown on you having snacks at your desk. My office provides snacks for us, but I’ve snacked plenty at other places, too.
Re: email vs. IM vs. getting up to talk to people, it depends. We tend to rely on IM a LOT, even with people sitting next to or directly across from us. I go to email for something that doesn’t necessarily need to be addressed immediately, or if multiple people are involved, and I go over in person if it’s going to be a long or complicated conversation. Sometimes I do it just to stretch my legs, too. I suggest bringing headphones if you’re concerned about being able to tune people out, but I think you’ll get the hang of it over time.
My personal office pet peeves: people who listen to music without headphones, people who don’t clean up after themselves in the break room, people who CLIP THEIR NAILS in their cubicles, OMFG.
I think that, as in most other areas of life, the overarching rule of thumb is: don’t be an asshole. Be considerate and friendly and work hard, as you are and do, and I am sure it will all be great!!
I think until you get to know people and how they operate, an email is a good idea.
Food: I keep a drawer with smell free, quiet snacks in my desk drawer (almonds, granola bars, etc). For lunch I bring leftovers every day but Friday, which is when everyone in my group goes out. Your first day, someone may take you out, but I’d bring a lunch just in case (if your not familiar with the area and don’t know a quick place to run.)
Overall, I’d say people aren’t there to mock the new girl, they’re there to work. Don’t worry! Seeing you do a good job will make people friendly. It’s a collaboration, not a competition (at least in my field).
I hope you don’t have the experience I had…. After 2 weeks on the new job, you find yourself unexpectedly ALSO enrolled in space training! They were super nice, but things would have been a lot less complicated without having to take medical leave 9 months after I started!
Oh man, office tips.
Well, first of all, CONGRATULATIONS!
Second of all, you’ll be fine, promise!
And now for my (Un)Official Rules Of Working In An Office (none of these I think you need AT ALL, but these are things that are actually done to me regularly and I just had to share their awfulness.):
1. No fish. Ever.
2. If someone doesn’t have an office, make every attempt not to hold impromptu meetings outside their cube/desk area, especially if you yourself have an office that is perfectly accessible.
3. Never go rooting around someone else’s desk. If you need something, just ask.
4. Never walk up to someone’s desk, pick up their phone, hand it to them, and then press all the buttons to access the voicemail so they can hear a message. Just forward them the message! (SOMEONE DID THIS TO ME THIS WEEK. I CANNOT EVEN.)
5. Don’t use other peoples’ condiments, unless they say it’s okay.
6. If someone’s desk/cube is in an open area near, say, the printer/fax/water cooler (there really is one!)/recycling bin, don’t feel the need to make idle chit-chat with them. Just let them work as if they’re in their own “office.”
7. Don’t go around singing (currently happening outside my cube RIGHT NOW.)
8. Keep the fridge/microwave/toaster/coffee maker clean after you use it. Don’t be surprised when no one else does, though.
(Can you believe some of this stuff? I work with heathens, I swear.)
Anyway. as for your other concerns, pee whenever you like! Bring as much food and snacks as you like! No one likes a starving co-worker, that is a fact!
Have a great first day!
What Swistle said. Just kind of watch for a day or two and you will figure out exactly what everyone else is doing. And do not be surprised if you are totally stressed for the first couple of weeks because it is really hard to get used to a new work environment, even the most ideal ones.
And hooray! Congratulations on the new job!
Yay for a new job! And, I think Swistle is right on the mark, too. You have to just sit back for a couple of days and see what the office norms are. Buy yay for a new job!!
Cannot believe that you did 7 years in the house by yourself. I would shrivel up and disappear I think. I did about a month at the very tail end of my pregnancy and I actually called my husband (who works in my office…the real one not the home one) and cried because I was so lonely and I needed the interaction).
Any who, bring snacks. You’ll probably get made fun of. Unless you share. Then you’ll totally be loved.
Oh and CONGRATS
Ooh, congrats! That is exciting! The first few days of a new job are SO FUN, I think. Orientations and no one really expects you to produce anything.
ENJOY THOSE DAYS! I don’t have other tips to add, except please dress appropriately, even if it’s a casual place. I know you will, you seem like the type who would – but nothing drives me crazier than a new employee who wears her flip-flops and sweatshirts, and not just on Fridays. *eyeroll*
can’t wait to hear the report. Oh, also, try not to blog while the boss is watching, like I do! hahaha!
These comments are awesome. Love Lacey’s TSL link (which I have read before, but it was just as awesome the second time). Also love Deja’s comments, I could have written them myself. People who clip their fingernails at work should die a thousand deaths. One time I moved into a new cube and the previous occupant had LEFT THEIR CLIPPINGS IN THE DESK DRAWER. So, uh, don’t do that.
Here are my answers to your questions:
1) I tend to make different communication decisions for different people. Some people are super busy and want IMs, some people suck at spelling and would prefer a phone call. I have actually asked people before what they prefer, especially if it’s a new boss. OH and if you do email, don’t reply to all when it’s not necessary! HATE HATE HATE!
2) I ignore the shit out of my coworkers unless they are specifically talking to me. Sometimes I ignore the shit out of them WHEN they are specifically talking to me. There are some people who apparently NEVER work and have no ability whatsoever to sense when a conversation should have ended 10 minutes ago. I will literally just turn my back on these people and start typing once I’ve had enough.
3) I usually go out to eat, and don’t care when coworkers eat smelly food unless it’s completely ridiculous. When I was pregnant I’d eat all day and the only time anyone said anything was when I brought a jar of peanut butter into a meeting and dipped oreos in it as a spoon.
4) If someone talked to me in the bathroom I’d give them a one word answer, because no.
5) We do have water cooler thingies actually, but people congregate where the coffee is.
Some other random advice, since I’m not actually working:
1) Don’t schedule meetings just for the sake of meetings. Or ever, if you can avoid them.
2) Wait until you get to know people pretty well before spilling anything personal. Office workers gossip more than 12 year old girls. If you don’t want EVERYONE to know something, keep it to yourself.
3) Dress in layers. Our office is either freezing or boiling, and it’s never the one you think it’s going to be.
4) Gum is your friend, especially if you drink coffee / eat stinky lunches.
5) If you are sick, DO NOT BRING YOUR GERMS TO THE OFFICE.
This was a fun distraction. CONGRATS and I hope you love it!
It sounds like you’ve already gotten tons of great advice, so I’ll just say congratulations! And — I actually have the exact same job as you. Well, probably not the exact same job. I’m sure it’s for a different non-profit. But I’m also a writer for a non-profit! And I’ve talked to people twice while they were peeing and then felt horrible and apologized for it… while they were peeing. And nobody cared.
Lots of good advice. Here’s mine…..Listen to everyone and then figure out what is acceptable…..don’t repeat any gossip until you know who you can trust.
Many times people will try to drag the new girl into taking sides on personality problems within the office space. Try to remain neutral. Don’t try to change the way they have always done things until you have been there long enough to know if the change would work out…..DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS! Check with the manager on what is allowed ..i.e. snacks or drinks at your desk. Bring food to eat that doesn’t spoil. I also agree to bring your own utensils so you know they are clean. Clean up after yourself or anyone else who has left a mess. Keep your desk as clean as possible so people won’t be searching through your “stuff”. Don’t hang around other people’s cubicles or office doors to talk…it’s so annoying. Keep a sweater handy just in case you are cold. Keep an extra pair of shoes in case yours get wet from rain or snow. If you bring candy or snacks, keep them in a drawer so people don’t eat it all up themselves. I had a cup filled with M&Ms because my boss loved them….One of the secretaries was working late and let her 2 year old take my cup filled with candy and eat it all and then leave the cup in some random place. I never left the cup filled with candy out on my desk again…..so rude and so annoying. Don’t lend money!
Congratulations! This is so exciting. Don’t stress too much. If you just watch a lot the first few days you’ll pick up the specific culture of your office.
I’ve worked in an office for almost 3 years now, ever since I graduated college.
Lunch: Bring whatever you want. I bring breakfast and lunch and snacks everyday. I actually eat like every 90 minutes. No one cares. Some people go to the cafeteria everyday with people, others eat at their desk. Just watch for a few days and see what people do.
Communication: I find that the higher up you go, the less likely it is you’ll get a response to your emails. I have almost eliminated email as a means of communication. If I need an answer to a question I either call (if their office is far from mine, my site has 800 people and multiple buildings) or show up at their office/ cube. It is more inconvenient for me, but better because I have control of our interaction. I’m not waiting for a response or a return email or anything. We have IM and it’s used occasionally for questions, but because I work in a technical field in person or phone is usually easier. IM is more used for social conversations.
YES to who said Layers. My office is pretty cold (I wear long sleeves year round) but some of the conference rooms can be quite warm. Cardigans are my friend.
Bathrooms: Don’t even worry about it. People aren’t paying attention.
Listening: There are very few offices where I work. 90+% are cubicles so any conversation can be heard. People are in general pretty mindful. I tune out 80-90% of office chatter. Others do as well. Otherwise you’d never get anything done. I have headphones that I use, though I keep the volume low enough that if someone walks into my cube and says my name I can hear them (or I listen with only 1 earbud in)
Best advice: know the dress code and just watch for the first few days. eventually you’ll figure it all out. and try not to stress too much! it’ll be fun!!
A few things: In my office everyone snacks constantly. There’s even a snack room where you can buy vending machine type things for cheaper. They buy stuff at Cosco and paying is all on the honor system (we’re auditors, so theoretically it’s our JOB to be rule sticklers and I don’t think there’s ever been a big problem, like someone stealing the money jar or anything).
If most people in the office go out for lunch, I’d recommend going with them (if they invite you) instead of bringing your own. At least a few days a week. I almost always bring mine and have gotten left out of a lot of stuff and just don’t know as many people (it’s a big office).
Um, I’m reverting away from proper office etiquette now that I’m going into my third year of working from home. Where I exercise first thing in the morning and then sit in my sweaty clothes all day. Definitely not office appropriate. But I am here to wish you a big congratulations and good luck on the new job! Sounds like an exciting new venture.
p.s. I totally instant messaged with my boss whose office was next door when I did work on-site. I say acceptable and convenient!
I found you from Here-we-go-a-Jen’s blog.
I’ve worked in offices most of my adult life — which is over 30 years, given that you could even consider my experience while a grad student as working in an office.
First off, understand that every office has its own “culture.” Some are arranged with individual rooms of one or two people, affording more privacy (especially important if the business involves lots of telephone conversations); some are a big “cubicle farm.” I’ve worked in both, and my best advice is to take your cues from those around you, just as you would for office attire.
Regarding whether to call, IM, email, or ask something face-to-face, different people — even within the same office — have different preferences, so after a while you’ll get to know who prefers what. Some people only check e-mail once or twice a day; others have it on all the time. Equally important is the subject matter; is this something you might want to have in writing in the future? If so, then email might be better. I try to get a few minutes “face time” with my boss every day — or at least every day that I’m in the office (I work from home 3 days a week).
As for lunch, I prefer to bring my own lunch, including a morning snack, afternoon snack, and something to nibble on during the long drive home. I stock my fridge and cupboards with a bunch of stand-by easy-to-grab items, so that getting ready in the morning is quick and easy. Yogurt, 1/4 c nuts in a ziplock, carrot sticks, banana, orange, grapes, whole-grain crackers, things like that. On the days I work at home I like to make a big pot of soup, beans, lentils or chile — something filling and nutritious that can serve for lunch several days in a row (if necessary) without getting tired of it. Sandwiches are a great option (easy to fix, portable…), but I’m trying to avoid grains. But DO go out with co-workers occasionally; it’s a good way to get to know others without wasting time gabbing when you should be working. And a simple change of scenery can be refreshing and energizing. Resist the urge to eat lunch at your desk (every now and then if you’re really busy); go outside for fresh air if possible, eat in the “break room,” or find another alternative to break up the day. I like to go for a short walk.
I have never felt uncomfortable about snacking throughout the day, as long as you are considerate of those around you. Again, take cues from those around you.
As for overhearing others’ conversations, that is a sore spot with me. In the past, there were times when I’d jump in (and later, much later, be criticized for it). Sometimes it’s easy to ignore, but nevertheless still annoying, so there may come a time when you need to speak up and ask them to talk softly or take it elsewhere (and risk being labelled a b-word, if you’re not perceived as sufficiently diplomatic *rolleyes*); having work to do should always take precedence, right? On the other hand, when the conversation is about work, it may be worth my while to eavesdrop, as I might learn something.
As for going to the restroom, I highly doubt people are going to be monitoring your activity THAT closely (if they do, THEY have a problem!). Getting up and moving about at least once per hour is actually healthy. You can always combine a rest room trip with going to fetch papers from the printer, checking your snail-mail pidgeonhole, or going to someone else’s office to ask a question or deliver a memo.
I haven’t read anyone else’s answers, so will now do so. I might be back if I’m reminded of something else.
Ooh, the dressing in layers — yes! Being peri-menopausal myself, it’s even more important. I’ve always left a neutral-colored sweater (something that would “go” with anything) on the back of my chair. Currently it’s a black short-sleeved shrug (matches the chair, practically invisible). This time of year it’s beastly hot outside, and often too cool inside.
Some people actually keep their own mini-fridge in their office (yes, even in a cubicle). I prefer to bring my food in a small cooler (no hassles with people taking things that aren’t theirs, or with the nazi fridge-cleaners who throw everything out that isn’t labelled).
With your talents you could get an office job when you are past child-bearing age, couldn’t you? Wow, I wouldn’t pass up the chance to start a family while you are youngish. I’ve had friends that waited till the time was “right”, then weren’t able to conceive. But wait, that is not the advice you were looking for. Sorry, this is just my heart speaking. You don’t have to post it.
Eeee! Congratulations! I am sooo late to the party (admission: I cannot write this damned book and read things at the same time, and it suuuucks), but! Office Jobs are fun! I mean, not Fun with a capital, but fun in that it will give you material for years and years and YEARS to write about. It will be awesome! Go you!
Congrats! How exciting! You’ll be completely fine – don’t sweat it. I know I’m a little late, but a couple tips though since you got me thinking about ‘em – don’t keep foods in your office that will attract bugs (fruit, open juice/pop containers, etc.). And the bathroom trips are only ever of real concern if you were to consistently disappear into them for long periods time. lol Keep us posted on how it’s going!