I am very excited about this episode because I am, for the first time ever, joined by ROCS colleagues Sage and Piper! Sage walks us through her journey from Recruiter to Account Manager, reflecting on her unique college experience during the pandemic, her career pivot, and the thrill of earning her promotion. Piper shares her start at ROCS straight out of college, including a first day unlike any other, which turned into an unexpected bonding experience with the team. Both of them offer thoughtful advice for recent grads, highlighting the value of being coachable, flexible, and open to feedback in shaping your career.

We also reflect on the team's wins and milestones over the year, from hitting starts goals and celebrating promotions to bringing on new hires and coordinating team incentives. We recount some of the fun and sometimes chaotic moments like a soaked 5K race, March Madness bracket victories, and memorable team outings including baseball games and holiday gift drops for kids in the community. I even share my own year-end highlight of baking 250 cookies for a client's site, which, despite being exhausting, was incredibly rewarding. Alongside work accomplishments, we celebrate personal milestones: baby showers, anniversaries, and festive gatherings that brought the team closer together.

This special episode also gives you a peek into our quirks and traditions. We wrap the year with reflections on goals, holiday festivities, and plans for 2026, from staying motivated in recruiting to slowing down personally, going on new adventures, and stepping into the new year with confidence, so if you have ever wondered what a year at ROCS Grad Staffing looks like through the eyes of our team, you'll be sure to enjoy this episode!

Key Takeaways:

• Sage and Piper reflect on their career journeys, highlighting growth, mentorship, and embracing feedback.

• Q1 and Q2 of 2025 brought promotions, new clients, teamwork, and fun team-bonding events!

• Team traditions such as March Madness, 5Ks, and holiday gift exchanges helped strengthen camaraderie and morale.

• 2025 highlights include professional milestones, networking, sales achievements, and personal celebrations.

• A focus on confidence, goal-setting, and maintaining balance while celebrating successes and planning for 2026!

Thanks again for listening to Leaving The Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast

Sage's LinkedIn

Piper's LinkedIn

Connect with Kathleen:

Kathleen@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 703-579-6677

Join me for this episode of Leaving the Nest as I discuss how to not only be successful but to thrive when working remotely! I highlight the importance of setting up a dedicated workspace at home with as few distractions as possible, a reliable internet connection, and clear boundaries with family, roommates, and pets, and I also stress the need for a consistent daily routine - including getting dressed and ready for the workday, taking breaks, and managing time effectively!

Communication is so important when working remotely, and I recommend over-communicating with your team, being responsive, and making yourself available as employers may want to have impromptu video calls. However, I also caution against taking advantage of the remote setup, such as appearing unprofessional on video calls or trying to hide unproductive behavior.

Listen in as I stress the importance of using the necessary tools and software properly to stay connected with your team and also highlight the need to be on time and engaged during video meetings, as it is easy for employers to notice if someone is distracted or not paying attention. Listeners are also strongly advised against procrastination because it can undermine trust and reliability, and I suggest taking on high-priority items first and maintaining a strong work ethic, even when working from home.

Remote work arrangements can vary greatly between employers, so I recommend having an open dialogue with your manager/supervisor about their specific expectations and requirements. This episode provides what I hope is a comprehensive guide on how to thrive in a remote work environment, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, time management, communication, and a dedicated workspace to ensure long-term success!

Key Takeaways:

• Remote work is a privilege, and early-career employees usually benefit from 6–12 months of in-office training before shifting to remote.

• Set yourself up before accepting a remote/hybrid job: reliable Wi-Fi, a designated low-distraction workspace, and so forth.

• Maintain professionalism at home by sticking to real work hours, following a routine, dressing for on-camera meetings, showing up on time, and staying engaged.

• Strong communication and responsiveness are so important!

• Employers expect visible productivity!

Thanks again for listening to Leaving The Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast

Connect with Kathleen:

Kathleen@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 703-579-6677

Office etiquette and professionalism when starting a new job – you have probably heard these terms before and have heard that they are important, but you might not be aware of just how important that they are even for entry-level positions. Having prior experience in an office environment is highly valued by employers, and this can include things like internships, part-time campus jobs, or any role that involves working in a professional setting.

Listen in as I cover several key aspects of office etiquette, beginning with punctuality. I advise arriving 15-20 minutes early each day, not just on time, to allow for the morning routine of settling in, getting coffee, chatting with coworkers, and so forth. Being late, even by a few minutes, is considered disrespectful, and this principle also applies to meetings and calls; it's always best to join a few minutes early.

I also discuss the importance of appropriate office attire, and I note that while many workplaces have become more casual, it's still important to look neat, tidy and professional. It's always good to err on the side of dressing up rather than down, at least initially, to get a feel for the company culture. It's also so important to maintaining a clean, organized workspace because a messy desk can give the impression of a messy worker. I also caution against strong smells, whether from perfumes, foods or other sources, as these can be disruptive and inconsiderate to colleagues.

Building positive relationships with colleagues is so important, but I advise keeping personal details private and avoiding office gossip. Small talk about the weather, sports or TV shows is fine, but don't monopolize people's time. Showing appreciation and being helpful, like cleaning up shared spaces, can also go a very long way!

Overall, this episode of Leaving the Nest stresses the fact that office etiquette is about showing respect for your coworkers, your workspace, and your employer. By being mindful of these unwritten rules, you can make a great impression and set yourself up for real success!

Key Takeaways:

• Office experience matters most – after all, even internships teach professional behavior that employers value over retail jobs.

• Etiquette is key, so respect shared spaces, coworkers, and boundaries to maintain a positive work environment.

• Always err on the side of neat, clean, and business casual when it comes to dress and appearance until you learn office norms.

• Avoid strong scents, loud music, gossip, and oversharing.

• Be considerate of others' time.

• Build connections thoughtfully via engaging in friendly small talk, showing gratitude, and participating in office traditions.

Thanks again for listening to Leaving The Nest! To find your next job, visit us at ROCS Grad Staffing. If you are a business in need of help staffing entry-level positions in your office, please reach out to Kathleen directly at Kathleen@rocsjobs.com. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please call Kathleen at 703-579-6677.

Resources:

ROCS Grad Staffing

Listen to Leaving The Nest Podcast

Connect with Kathleen:

Kathleen@rocsjobs.com

LinkedIn

Call: 703-579-6677