The first day in the office was incredibly awkward, for me and I think for everyone. First of all, the boss wasn't there, which left everyone else to figure out what to do with me, even though they didn't know either. One of the editors was the only one who welcomed me, cleared a desk for me, and gave me some magazine to flip through. The four other people looked at this strange, inexperienced, Chinese-American, and then turned back to their computer screens. I asked for everyone's names, which they gave briefly before continuing their MSN chats. The general feeling I got was disinterest.
At first, I was bothered by the cold welcome. But then I remembered my initial experiences with taking classes at Nanjing University, and how it took many weeks before people began talking to me as a peer. Americans are used to self-introductions and a handshake, or at the very least say hello. However, Chinese people definitely have a strong us-them mentality and a stranger in the workplace is someone that no one has any relationships with and therefore no obligations to. Until I establish my place as one of the group, things will be uncomfortable and coworkers will seem unfriendly.
A week after starting, one of my coworkers now chats with me occasionally. Of course, he is very Chinese male (not even going to get into that...other than he is a perfect example of Chinese misogyny) but it is good to not be ignored.
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