It’s hard to believe I’ve only been at TONIC for just over a month. Starting any new role comes with a mix of excitement and nerves, and this one was no different. Having come from a more traditional in-person workplace, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. 

What became clear from the outset is that TONIC is unlike anywhere I’ve worked before. The pace, the variety, and the level of support I’ve received have already made a lasting impression. Reflecting on my time here so far, here’s what my first month has looked like… 

Expectations vs Reality 

Before I joined, I was intrigued – if not slightly apprehensive – about working remotely. My previous role had me in the office five days a week, so I wasn’t sure how I would adjust. However, I quickly discovered just how beneficial remote working can be. The flexibility it offers, combined with the time saved on commuting, has helped me feel more productive and balanced. Rather than feeling disconnected, the rhythm of remote working at TONIC has helped me focus while still feeling like part of a team. 

Additionally, I was nervous about joining a smaller team. I wanted to make a good impression and wasn’t sure how the dynamic would feel, especially in a virtual setting. But those nerves did not last long. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. A real highlight has been our weekly ‘walk and talk’ sessions, where we all get outside, jump on a group call, and chat about anything on our minds; work-related or not. It’s a brilliant way to stay connected and clear our heads, while exercising at the same time. 

I had also assumed that, as someone in their first year, I’d be starting off with a narrow set of tasks; just finding my feet and gradually building up to more responsibility over time. But that hasn’t been the case at all. From the beginning, I have been trusted to contribute to a wide range of tasks: analysing data, attending client meetings, conducting interviews, and helping develop key materials for different projects. It’s been varied, engaging, and has already given me a real sense of purpose. 

Highlights of the Role 

One of the biggest highlights has been the depth and range of training I’ve received. From data analysis to sessions with specialists on mental health and the criminal justice system, the learning here is hands-on, relevant, and purposeful. I have also appreciated the freedom to guide my own development – and I’ve already had the opportunity to deliver training to the TONIC team. This willingness to learn from each other really speaks to the drive the whole team at TONIC has to learn and grow, continuously improving themselves to aid their clients and participants. 

Another highlight has been the collaborative nature of the work. Projects are genuinely team efforts, with each person bringing something unique to the table. Even as a new starter, I’ve been encouraged to contribute and ask questions, and there has always been someone willing to support when I need help or clarification. 

A final standout for me has been the opportunity to engage with participants. Over the past few weeks, I have started conducting interviews, and I’ve loved the conversational style we use. It’s allowed me to really connect with people, hear their stories, and gather valuable insights for our projects. It has felt meaningful, both personally and professionally. 

Personal Growth 

Even though it’s only been a month, I’ve already noticed real shifts in how I work, communicate, and think. One of the most immediate changes has been in how I adapt to the different people I engage with; whether that is clients, participants, or colleagues. I’ve become more comfortable adjusting my tone, language, or approach depending on the setting, which has made interactions more fluid and productive. It’s something I hadn’t anticipated improving so quickly, but working across varied projects has given me an abundance of opportunities to practice and learn. 

My confidence in working with data has also grown significantly. I came in with a basic understanding, but already I’m beginning to grasp not just how to analyse data, but how to interpret it in a meaningful way – how to connect it to real stories and actionable insights. The support I’ve received from the team, along with training and hands-on experience, has played a huge role in helping me develop this skill. 

I’ve also felt a noticeable shift in how I approach creative thinking. Whether I’m designing materials, writing report summaries, or contributing ideas in meetings, I’m starting to see how creativity isn’t confined to one part of the process, it’s something that can be woven into everything we do. I’m learning to express ideas more clearly and with more impact, while still staying grounded in the research. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first month at TONIC. Even in a short space of time, I’ve had the chance to test myself, contribute meaningfully, and feel a genuine sense of progress. There’s still plenty I want to learn and develop, but this first month has given me a solid foundation, deepened my understanding of TONIC, and further fuelled my passion for research.  

Written by Ben Linsky, Researcher & Analyst July 2025