Starting a new job can often feel like stepping into the unknown — but from the moment I arrived at 9 Clouds, all nerves were quickly replaced by an overwhelming sense of warmth and welcome.

Transitioning from a completely remote job where interactions were limited to just a few people, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions: nervousness, excitement, anticipation…

However, my first week as a digital strategist in the vibrant culture of 9 Clouds has shifted those emotions into pure enthusiasm for the journey ahead.

Warm Welcomes and Genuine Connections

From the get-go, it was clear that this marketing team is more than just a group of coworkers. They’re a community of genuinely nice people who truly value each other and their friendships. 

Gone were the awkward “first day of school” jitters. Instead, I was greeted by genuine smiles and open arms, instantly putting me at ease. Whether it was someone reaching out to offer help, pulling me into group conversations, or simply stopping by my desk to chat, I never once felt like an outsider.

One of the things I appreciated about this role when I was applying was its flexible hybrid work model. Despite having the option to work remotely from home, the entire team made sure to come into the office on my first day to meet me and eat our catered lunch together.

It was a small gesture, but it helped me get to know everyone as well as reinforced the sense of camaraderie within the team.

And for all the dog lovers out there, I was thrilled to discover that 9 Clouds is not only a dog-friendly office, but also filled with fellow dog-obsessed coworkers. The opportunity to bring my furry child, Midnight, into the office and have him meet the team was a highlight of my first week.

It’s rare to find a workplace that understands the importance of pets as family members, and I’m grateful to be part of such a welcoming environment.

Support and Resources

The care and consideration extended beyond just the warm welcomes. From the moment I arrived, it was evident that 9 Clouds goes above and beyond to ensure the comfort and productivity of their employees, providing me with everything I needed to hit the ground running. 

My desk was like Christmas morning with a shiny new Mac laptop, all the accompanying Apple gadgets, and — to top it off — an electric adjustable desk, something I had always wanted but never had in previous workplaces.

Moreover, the office itself was a delight to be in. Gone are the days of dull cubicle farms and harsh fluorescent lights. 

Instead, picture this: you walk into your new downtown office featuring vibrant art and a trendy atmosphere. The room is flooded with natural light pouring in from massive windows. There are plants everywhere. I’m talking about real greenery, not just some sad plastic ones. Big guys that make the whole place feel so much more alive and fresh.

Trust me, it’s a far cry from your typical dull office setup that makes you think, “I could never do a desk job!”

And the icing on the cake? The kitchen is a fully-stocked treasure trove of drinks, coffee and snacks! Plus, if all this wasn’t already enough, they made it clear that if I needed anything, all I had to do was ask, and they’d take care of it in a heartbeat.

Here’s the deal: I know this is such a “Gen Z” thing to say, but there really is something to be said for an aesthetically pleasing work environment, free food and modern equipment! It adds a layer of motivation and excitement to a workplace that makes a significant difference in fostering a sense of value and employee satisfaction.

These thoughtful perks contributed to the positive and uplifting work environment from day one.

Comprehensive Training and Supportive Culture

But it wasn’t just about the perks. One of the aspects that impressed me most about 9 Clouds was their approach to training.

The onboarding process was incredibly informative. I never felt like I was going to be thrown into the deep end without support. I was given everything I needed to understand what my role would entail, plus real-time examples and shadowing opportunities on how things are done.

The pace was also very comfortable, with nothing being rushed or exhausted. I had ample time to digest all the new information and grasp the ins and outs of the job while keeping me relaxed and not overwhelmed.

And what’s more, questions were encouraged. And not in the I’m telling you no question is dumb but don’t actually ask something dumb or you’ll be judged type of way that most of us understand all too well.

My new team truly fosters an environment where no question is too small or insignificant. I genuinely feel this is a safe space to learn and receive support at every step.

Company 101s

During my training, something that stood out to me was the comprehensive documentation, called “9 Clouds 101.”

It’s basically the go-to guide for everything work-related and is updated on a weekly basis. From company benefits to culture, team dynamics and operational processes, it covers it all.

This resource served as an invaluable reference point, providing me with real-life team examples for common questions, scenarios and changes. Having such a reliable resource at my fingertips was a huge relief, knowing I could turn to it for any query, no matter how trivial it might seem.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my first week at 9 Clouds, I feel incredibly grateful to be part of such a welcoming and supportive team. The warm welcomes, flexibility and abundance of resources have made me feel right at home.

In just one short week, 9 Clouds has exceeded my expectations in every way. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my journey here. With such a strong foundation in place, I know that I’m in the right place to grow both personally and professionally. I look forward to the adventures that lie ahead!