Remember the first day of school and the feelings of trepidation and excitement? Thoughts ventured from wondering where you will sit in the classroom to how you’ll make new friends, from whether your teacher will be nice to what you should wear. Sounds similar to starting a new job.
It’s easy to get anxious as you transition into a new role. Here are tips to stay on top of your mental fitness through the transition.
1 Plan ahead. Reduce your anxiety on the first day by laying out your clothes the night before, planning your route to work and allowing enough time for any unexpected obstacle. If you arrive early, grab a coffee and enjoy the extra time to relax before starting work.
2 Be you. You do not need to prove yourself from the get-go. You got the job, so they already see value in you. There will be plenty of opportunities for your skills and knowledge to shine.
3 Listen, observe and respect. It is better to be a student than a teacher when starting a new role. Take information in, get a sense of the culture and acknowledge there is good work that is being done and you’re excited to be a part of it.
4 Draw your own conclusions. If someone says to you, “Let me warn you about XYZ . . .” run as fast as you can! Do not allow other people to influence your opinions of others. Stay away from gossip and focus on your role within the company and the work you need to accomplish.
5 Conserve brain power. Keep a notebook—digital or paper—nearby and take notes. No one can be expected to remember everything they are taught in the first few weeks of a new job. Also, jot down questions or clarifications you need. Then you won’t lose track of them along the way.
6 Ensure clarity. Knowing and understanding your expectations for the first 90 days is important. If you are not clear on what you should be doing, ask. Your manager may not be the best at onboarding new staff; therefore it is on you to ensure you know what is expected and that you are focused in the right direction.
7 Make space for recovery. It can be stimulation-overload and exhausting to start a new job. The first few weeks, be cognizant of your off-time and use those hours to replenish yourself. Make your time away as stress-free as possible in order to protect your well-being and get the rest you need to recharge.
8 Pat yourself on the back. Congratulations—you have a new job! While it may be wearing at first, give yourself credit for securing a new role and taking the leap to something new. That’s a big deal—way to go! ::
