Starting a new job can be extremely terrifying. For one, no two organisations operate in the same way. More often than not, you will need to learn a lot about the organisations’ culture, environment, and modes of operation. Beyond that, you need to get to know your workmates and how they do things. Lastly, you will probably need to learn how to operate different software and technicalities. Combining all these things is definitely not always a rosy process.
Even so, there is always room to learn, especially with the right attitude. Within a few weeks or even months, you can seamlessly blend with the organisation and all it entails.
Here are 7 tips for settling into a new job.
1. Get comfortable being uncomfortable
Nobody expects you to know everything on your first day. Things will not be easy, especially not if you are thrown into the deep end. However, one tip is to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
Before you fully learn and understand the processes, things won’t come to you immediately or quickly. But with time, you get to learn and even outdo yourself. Be patient with yourself as you go through this process.
In the event that you feel yourself getting stressed, take a deep breath, collect yourself, and remember that you aren’t expected to get it all at once.
2. Set healthy boundaries
From your first day at work, you need to set the right boundaries with your workmates. If someone gets too comfortable with you, let them know you don’t appreciate it. Make it known that unless it’s an emergency, you would prefer not to be contacted beyond working hours.
Don’t gossip, and don’t entertain it. When you set healthy boundaries, you are clarifying what is acceptable and unacceptable to you. It sets a standard for your expectations going forward. Be sure to do it in a polite way, though.
3. Ask questions
Nobody should ideally expect you to know everything on your very first day at work. Don’t suffer silently. If you don’t understand how something works, ask. If you’re scared to ask the manager or supervisor, then ask your colleagues.
Feeling overwhelmed is natural. No question is a stupid question when you’re starting a job. Your employer would prefer that you ask. That’s easier than having to fix a mistake.
4. Arrive early
First impressions can be lasting impressions. Always arrive in good time. If you foresee traffic or any other emergencies that may make you late, then schedule them in your commute time.
In no situation should you be late for your first day at work. Whatever you do, give yourself a little extra time so you can arrive at work a few minutes early on your first day. It may even give you some extra time to relax and calm down before you actually start interacting with your new co-workers.
5. Be humble
Just as no one expects you to know everything, you shouldn’t think that you do. Be humble and open to learning new things. You could always pick up a lesson or two from your colleagues that will help you even more to settle.
Take in as much information as possible before you start airing your own opinions. When you’re stepping up to a leadership position, people may even take it the wrong way if you are too opinionated on day one.
6. Keep an open mindset
A lot of us tend to build up ideas in our minds and assume them to be gospel truth. When things don’t go as expected, we become disappointed. The solution is to always keep an open mindset. As you get to know more about the good, the bad and the ugly of your new workplace, keep a balanced perspective and welcome the viewpoints of others, especially people who have been there longer than you have.
7. Ask for feedback
The only way to grow is to ask for constructive criticism and to incorporate it into the way you do things. Employers may not always be forthcoming with this information, and this is why you must always ask. It shows that you not only care but are also willing to do better. Develop an appetite for learning, because learning leads to growth.
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