Easter weekend has passed and everyone is back in the workplace today ready to get back into the weekly grind. If you are just starting your new job though, your entire routine is new to you, and while exciting at first, can be overwhelming and a little stressful as you come down off of the “new job high” and realize that this is now your normal. It can be frustrating to feel less-than-thrilled about your new job when you likely waited a long time, and went through a lot of work, to get it; however, this feeling is totally normal. There are ways you can overcome these feelings of anxiety and stress through when settling into your new position.
So how can you continue to find enjoyment and fulfillment in your career after the “honeymoon” phase is over?
Be realistic in your short and long-term goals. Having goals is a wonderful way to motivate yourself both in the workplace and outside of it in your daily life, but setting goals that are too lofty and unrealistic can be harmful. Set goals that give you something to work toward, both in your day-to-day work and in your career future, but be sure that they are attainable in a reasonable amount of time. In other words, instead of making it your goal to be CEO of your company within a year, work toward a promotion within your own department first.
Record your daily experiences in a journal. Journaling is not only a great way to relieve stress and help you keep your experiences recorded, but it’s also a great way to pick out trends (both positive and negative) in your daily life. When it comes to the workplace, journaling your experiences at the end of each day can help you start to see patterns in the good and the bad parts of your work day. Perhaps you notice that your day seems to go downhill quickly after you have lunch or interaction with a certain coworker. In that case, it might be best to avoid that particular person until the end of the work day or stay away altogether if possible. On the flip side, you might notice that your mood and efficiency improve on the days you take a lunch break out of the office, so consider eating your lunch outdoors, or going somewhere with coworkers during your lunch break, instead of staying in your cubicle.
Ask for help. Finding a “mentor” within your office can be a great way to overcome some of the stress that goes along with a new job. No one wants to appear incapable or unknowledgeable with their work, which means you likely won’t feel free to approach your boss or supervisor when you have a question when starting out in your position. A mentor that is at your own level, or slightly above, can offer support and guidance when you are learning the ropes, and will help you feel more confident as your set out on your new career path. Consider requesting a visit to the office before you begin your job, so you can meet your fellow employees, learn the layout of the office and your workspace, and hopefully find a mentor or two within the staff before your first day.
We hope you can settle into your new position and will continue to enjoy your work long after the excitement and newness of the position has worn off. If you are still on the hunt for a position fitting for you, give us a call. PHR will match you with potential jobs that coincide with your current qualifications and skills, meaning you can get hired faster.