Entering a new position can be intimidating, overwhelming, and exciting all at the same time. Does meeting new people frighten you? Do you find change difficult? Is there a certain aspect of the job you are looking to master? Walt Disney once said, “Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.” These are words I like to live by. Put everything out there; the worst someone could say is no. Having the courage to take a chance on something new is a wonderful aspect of life that no one should fear.
Falling in love with your new job can come easily with the help of these five simple tips:
1. Find your niche
Finding your niche can be difficult. By enrolling in endless college classes, or scheduling interview upon interview, accompanied by trial and error, the process can seem never ending. The best advice is to be yourself. Don’t be afraid to try something new and put yourself out there. There is an opportunity waiting to be taken, and there is someone searching for a candidate just like you. Everyone has something to bring to the table. Putting yourself out there and doing what you love is the key to your success. It’s normal to be nervous about a new position, but along the way you might find your niche and fall in love with something unexpected.
2. Set a routine
It is very difficult to find a routine and love it. Getting up at 5 a.m. to go to the gym or taking your dog for a walk at least once a day requires discipline. Starting a new job is always challenging: from getting in the habit of waking up early to remembering to pack a lunch, your mind can run a mile a minute. And, on top of the basics of getting out the door in the morning, you are focused on fitting in with a new atmosphere and remembering everything on your supervisor’s checklist for the day. It takes a lot of work to be successful, but finding the right routine will help make your job much easier. If you’re a forgetful person, a planner (either electronic or old-fashioned paper) can be a lifesaver. Knowing that everything planned for the week is in one place will help keep your routine intact. A set routine is one of the keys to being worry-free and having success in your new position.
3. Money should NOT be your priority
Money is clearly important, but it should not be the number one priority for any career. Of course, we need to support ourselves and our families, and because of that, many people remain in a position that they are unhappy with just because the pay is good. Money is definitely a driving force for everyone, but the satisfaction of coming in every day to a job you love can trump financial gain. The little things that come out of your work, including the camaraderie with your colleagues, is so much more fulfilling.
4. Expect the unexpected
When it comes to starting a new position, there is always a new adventure around the corner. You could be filing one day and running errands around town the next. You never know what may be thrown at you when starting a new position, so be prepared to take it all in.
5. Have fun and socialize
Being in a new position, you may feel like a fish out of water. Don’t let fear get in the way of making friends and fitting in with the new atmosphere around you. Be yourself: participate in conversations and work activities, as no one is going to say, “You’re not invited.”
You have to be open to finding your niche and truly put yourself out there. And if you’re fortunate, your next new job will bring new experiences, friendly people, and endless amounts of coffee.
