From jitters to joy: How to get through your first days in a new job

After what seems like an eternity, you have finally turned in that letter of resignation and obtained another job that will presumably propel your career to an entirely new level. You are very welcome! The idea of beginning employment at a new organization, on the other hand, can be a source of concern for many people, and there is a solid explanation for this.

As you stand on the precipice of this new chapter in your professional life, it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and trepidation. The prospect of new challenges, opportunities for growth, and the chance to expand your skillset can be exhilarating. However, the weight of expectations – both from your new employer and yourself – can also be daunting. It's important to remember that these feelings are not only normal but also shared by countless professionals embarking on similar journeys across various industries.

The following is a list of mental and emotional responses that may be generated in you on your first day of work, as well as some strategies that you may use to overcome these emotions so that you can begin transitioning into your new role with confidence.

There are many different types of phobias, but one of the most common ones is the fear of the unknown. It is enough to make anyone clutch their pearls if they are forced to give up the familiarity and comfort of their previous employment.

You can have the impression that you are in Alice in Wonderland when you go into that new office. You are suddenly thrust into a strange realm in which you have very little knowledge about how things are done there.

This sense of disorientation is a common experience for new employees. The unfamiliar surroundings, new faces, and different organizational culture can feel overwhelming at first. However, it's crucial to remember that every seasoned employee in your new workplace was once in your shoes. They too had to navigate the initial uncertainty and gradually find their footing. Embracing this perspective can help alleviate some of the pressure you might be feeling and allow you to approach your new environment with a more open and adaptable mindset.

Nevertheless, there is no misunderstanding: enthusiasm and anxiety are not incompatible with one another. In other words, it is possible to experience a mixture of both emotions: the rush of elation that comes with having secured your new position; the nervous thrill that comes with getting ready for your first day; the heart-pounding arrival at the office; the much-needed orientation; and the grateful, apprehensive feeling that comes with settling in at your new desk or cubicle while your mind plays that final scene from Finding Nemo: now what?

You should be prepared for the shoulder devil to tell you all of the worst-case scenarios: What may happen if you have made the incorrect decision? How about if you despise it? Just what if, what if, and what if?

People tend to attach a significant portion of their identity to their place of employment because they spend a significant amount of their time there. Now that your feeling of security, belonging, and identity have been completely shattered, what are your plans for moving forward?

It's important to recognize that your professional identity is not solely defined by your current job or employer. Your skills, experiences, and personal values are integral parts of who you are as a professional, and they remain constant regardless of where you work. This transition period is an opportunity to reassess and reaffirm your professional identity, potentially discovering new aspects of yourself that align with your new role and organization. Embrace this chance for personal and professional growth, viewing it as an evolution rather than a complete reinvention of your identity.

There is also something called "new kid syndrome," which is similar to being the new student at school and being the center of attention for everyone in the classroom. Just move the action to a different office, and you will find that it is almost exactly the same.

What happens if you are unable to complete the task? Your inner voice whispers, "I are completely clueless about what I am doing." It is difficult to experience the same sense of assertiveness on Day One, despite the fact that you were filled with confidence throughout the interview. After all, a significant part of succeeding in interviews is to pretend to be confident until you actually are.

Add the following to your collection of queries that are rambling and cause you to question yourself: What happens if I am not capable of completing the task? Is it possible that they will find out that I am not as skilled at this as I had convinced them (and myself) that I was? Just what if, what if, and what if?

These self-doubts, often referred to as "imposter syndrome," are incredibly common, especially when starting a new job. It's crucial to remember that your new employer chose you for a reason. They saw potential in your skills, experience, and personality. Give yourself time to adjust and learn. Most organizations expect a learning curve for new employees and have onboarding processes in place to help you acclimate. Be patient with yourself, ask questions when needed, and focus on absorbing as much information as possible in these early days. Your confidence will grow as you become more familiar with your role and responsibilities.

When you decide to quit, one of the things that is the most difficult to let go of is your team. It is no longer acceptable to make jokes with your teammates or to exchange knowing smiles with your best friend at work when the office clown is once again causing everyone to be annoyed.

You have now parted ways with your secret location, where you used to share the most recent company gossip. You are now need to begin the process all over again, much like a new student who must find new friends and rediscover his or her group of friends for the first time.

On the other hand, the stakes are now (supposedly) higher than they were before.

What are your options then?

Do you mean to imply that there is no hope? This is not always the case. Here are some straightforward suggestions that could make the transfer as a whole go more smoothly.

Along with starting a new career, you should also begin a new habit. Begin with a tiny step; even if you only drink your morning coffee at a different location on your way to work, this is a fantastic way to get started.

Get yourself acquainted with your new mode of transportation.

Do a lot of research about your new position, and familiarize yourself with the responsibilities that come with it. Practice, after all, is the key to perfection.

You should make an effort to connect with a new coworker by locating areas of common ground. If you are successful in doing so, the new coworker will ideally introduce you to more individuals who will make your new workplace a place of sociability and camaraderie.

Always keep in mind the reasons that you desired this new work in the first place, whether it was to experience a change of scenery, to receive a higher salary, to have more freedom, or to fulfill your ambition to challenge yourself.

You should just keep swimming, even though it may sound like a cliché. In addition, if you feel as though you require more assistance, do not be afraid to seek advice from your family and friends; confide in the new coworker you have become friends with; or even talk to your manager directly.

If you find that the circumstances are beginning to have a significant impact on your mental and emotional well-being, it is important to keep in mind that you have the option of seeking support from professional organizations such as the Malaysian Mental Health Association.

Remember, transitioning to a new job is a process, not an event. It takes time to fully adjust and feel comfortable in your new role. Be kind to yourself during this period of change, and celebrate small victories along the way. Each day will bring new experiences and opportunities for growth. Embrace the journey, stay open to learning, and trust in your abilities. Before you know it, you'll be looking back on these early days with a sense of accomplishment, realizing how far you've come and how much you've grown both professionally and personally.