Chris is a Technical Writer and has been with V-Soft for a year. We recently reached out to him to find out what he loves most about his job and what his interests are outside of work.
Tell me about yourself.
I was born and raised in South Jersey, which means simultaneously identifying as a New Jersey resident while rooting for Philly sports teams. Like any quintessentially South Jersey native, I’m more than happy to talk about the best shore town (Sea Isle City) or the best Philly cheesesteak (Sonny’s on 3rd and Market, “wiz wit” every time) while fully embracing the culturally paradoxical nature of my allegiances. I received my master’s degree in English from Rutgers, so finding my way working in the pharma supply chain sector has surprised me as much as anybody.
What’s something you have always wanted to try or learn?
From the first time I listened to Ravi Shankar, I’ve been intoxicated by the melodies and rhythms melded by sitars, dilrubas, and tabla drums. I would love to learn how to play any and all of them because of the unparalleled relaxation they provide.
Interesting hobby or pastime?
I love reading and running. “Infinite Jest” is my favorite book and I’m running my first marathon in November. One of the top highlights at JOM so far has been starting a book club with about a dozen team members, where we convene at least once every other month. I also love English football and support Burnley FC in the Premier League (and love Ted Lasso!). In my spare time, I homebrew beer!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
The collaboration has been fantastic. Working across two sites (New Jersey and Kentucky) with different teams has been a great experience. I also appreciate how dedicated the company is to training employees and providing them with the preparation and resources they need for maintaining success.
What is an important lesson you have learned in your career or that you would share with someone who is just starting out?
The old wisdom: Work to live, don’t live to work. I have learned to create a strong work/life balance and to not let one job become my entire identity. There is a lot of opportunity out there, and you have more useful skills than you think. It just takes time and experience, so don’t rush it.
Is there a favorite moment from your career?
Teaching a 3-credit course at Rutgers on civic engagement and social change was pretty great. I’ve also had the chance to write a number of winning grants while working at Rutgers and my graduate school internship, which is always exhilarating. Presently, I’m thrilled with how well the transition to an entirely different industry has gone. I have learned new skills while integrating a lot of my experience and expertise into the proceedings.
Any funny life stories you would like to share?
I adopted my cat, Hal, in 2017 at which point the adoption center told me Hal was a male (the given name at that point was literally “Big Man” because Hal’s a big ol’ half tabby half Maine coon). Fast forward to 2021 during a gastrointestinal checkup, and the vet informed me that Hal was indeed a female, that the adoption center had got it wrong. So, Hal is now Hallie and continues on a steady diet of prescribed probiotic food to keep that G.I. in line. She is living her happily, ever after!
