Starting a new job is a big life change! It’s an exciting time in your life, but it can leave you feeling nervous and uncertain about what’s to come. This feeling of nervousness is normal when starting a new job—we’ve all experienced it. It can feel challenging, or maybe even overwhelming to face a new job when you’re feeling anxious. In this article we talk through ways to calm your nerves before starting a new position, and tips to begin your new job with as little anxiety as possible.
Celebrate Your Accomplishment
Once you’ve accepted a job offer, it’s easy to get caught up in the uncertainty that lies ahead. Maybe you get caught up in whether or not you will get along with your new coworkers, you wonder what the office space is like, or question what you should wear on your first day. You may wonder if this is a career that will help you grow, and you question whether or not your skills will help you succeed.
Instead of focusing on the negative, turn your mindset to see the positive. First of all, congratulate yourself on this major accomplishment! You’ve landed a new job that can guide your career in a new direction. That’s great news! Instead of dwelling on the unknowns, celebrate the possibilities. Focusing on the positive aspects will allow you to walk into your first day feeling more confident and at ease.
Prepare for the New Job
Feeling prepared can ease a lot of tension or anxiety you may be feeling with the start of a new job. Choose what you will wear in advance, and research how you will get to work. Knowing where you will park or what is the closet public transportation, how much time it takes to get there and who to ask for when you arrive at the office will help calm any nerves walking in. If you’re starting a remote job, there is a lot you can do to prepare to calm nerves as well. Test your Wi-Fi connection by asking a friend or family member to hop on a Zoom call with you. Make sure you have everything you might need at your in-home office, like a pad of paper, pen and comfortable chair.
It may also be helpful to reach out to your new boss or hiring manager to see if there is anything specific that you can do to prepare for your first day. They may ask you to fill out certain paperwork beforehand or refresh certain skills. Having taken the time to prepare allows you to focus on your orientation, trainings and networking opportunities with new coworkers.
TURN STRESS INTO PRODUCTIVITY. HERE’S HOW!
Focus Your Expectations
A lot of new job stress comes from not feeling qualified for the job you’ve been hired for. Remind yourself that training is normal for new-hires, no matter what level or experience you have. Walk into the new role expecting to be trained and embrace the new skills you will learn. Use these new skills to advance your career. Who knows, maybe this new role will reveal strengths you didn’t know you had! Embrace these opportunities for growth. You were hired for this job because the company saw something in you. Be confident that you are qualified and have the skills necessary to do the job.
Ask Questions
Before you start the job or during your first few months of employment, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you’re uncertain about a task or you’re not sure what to expect, reach out to your hiring manager or boss. As a new hire, they want to make you feel comfortable. They have been in your shoes before and can relate to what you’re experiencing. Asking questions helps you find the solutions and answers that will help calm your nerves. It may seem cliché, but there are no wrong questions. Ask until you feel comfortable about whatever situation you’re facing. The answers you will receive will help you find clarity and confidence in the new role.
As you start a new job, it’s important to remember that we all experience first-day and new job jitters. The nervousness you experience is completely normal! After celebrating this amazing accomplishment, prepare as much as you can before your first day. Remember that there will be opportunities for professional growth and ask questions whenever you need. These simple strategies will help you feel more confident as you begin your new career.
Interested in joining the LvHJ team? Check out our open positions! Learn more about life at LvHJ on our careers page at https://lvhj.com/career-opportunities/.