I just finished my first week of working full time and it was exhausting!!  I realized just how much I enjoyed my afternoon nap in the sun, right after my big brekky…

I‘m working at Genesys Wealth Advisers — which is owned by AXA Australia — which is now owned by AMP.  AXA and AMP are two big financial planning firms and just this year AMP bought out AXA Australia.  Technically, I am employed by AXA, but I really work under the Genesys platform (http://www.genesyswealth.com.au/).

I will be working on the Investment Research Team as an “Investment Specialist.”  We will be deciding the model portfolio, along with the funds on the Approved Product List (“APL”) – a list of ~100 funds that are approved for the financial adviser(s) to recommend to their clients.

My first full day on the job, I was required to attend a behavioural course put on by HR.  Long, story short we learned about each other and how to communicate with others.  We spent 3 hours going through various exercises (think “catch-the-person-who-is-falling-backwards” type exercises).  It was great!  I was partnered an Aussie native who has never left Australia and thinks everyone in America is like the guys on Jersey Shore (he even looks like “The Situation” – http://www.nextlevellifestyles.com/how-to-attract-girls/).  In fact, one of his first questions was, “How close is Colorado to Las Vegas?”

A few days later, we left the office at 10 AM to go down to Circular Quay and watch some of our ‘mates’ repel down the AXA building for charity.  We were there for the majority of the afternoon, then left around 4 PM to celebrate… the weekend…

It really was a great way to get to know my co-workers.  Unlike Rob’s co-workers, I am the only American on our floor of about 100 people.

The first thing Rob said to me when I told him the story…

“Welcome to the Australian culture!”

[I could certainly get used to this!]