You’ve just landed an awesome new job. After spending months polishing your resume, participating in several rounds of interviews and doing all the other things you need to do to land a job, you’ve finally nailed one that feels just right.
But the honeymoon phase may not last. Despite your excitement and fervor, reality could start to set in that the company or your job may not be quite what you expected. It’s not unusual for new employees to feel that way. After all, a new job is more than just a new title or more money, it’s a major life change. It can be hard to adjust to the daily grind of work, and it can be even harder if you find that the job isn’t meeting your needs in terms of work culture or career path.
It’s normal to be anxious in a new role, but excessive stress or feelings of discontent can indicate that something is wrong. If your anxiety is affecting your day-to-day functioning, you may need to seek the advice of a mental health professional to get back on track.
Having the right mindset is essential to surviving your first few months in a new job. It’s also important to understand that organizations are made up of humans who aren’t perfect. There will be good days, bad days and in-between days. Don’t let these peaks and valleys derail you, instead use them as a means of learning about your coworkers and your organization.
In the early stages of your new job, it’s important to listen 90% of the time and talk 10% of the time. This allows you to absorb as much information as possible, and it will help you get a clear picture of what your responsibilities are. In addition, listening will show your new co-workers that you are invested in the company and are taking note of their feedback and suggestions.
While it’s likely that you’ll meet your team members during the course of your first few days or weeks, take the initiative to introduce yourself to others. This could include introducing yourself to co-workers in the office or over work tools such as Slack or Zoom. If you work remotely, it’s a great idea to schedule a video or phone call with someone in the office so that they can learn more about you and your work.
It’s a good idea to find a mentor in your new role, especially if you feel like you need guidance and support in order to thrive. You can find a mentor through networking, professional organizations or asking your manager for recommendations. A mentor can help you better understand your responsibilities and how they relate to the larger organization, helping you to see your role from an outside perspective. Plus, it will allow you to get a fresh perspective on your own performance and what needs to be improved or reworked.