Years ago I read a stress list that featured all the life changing things that could cause one to be overly anxious or depressed. On the list were the usual suspects: divorce, death, trauma were included. There were also a few that one may not expect, such as marriage, giving birth, and changing jobs. It's this third one that I've been experiencing recently and I can say that anxiety is most definitely a part of my life right now.
My new job is fantastic - that's the positive side of the coin. The people I work with seem especially smart and funny while the balance between life and work is a priority from the top.
But no matter how amazing the workplace is, it cannot change the fear I have of smiling and having something stuck in my teeth - forever branding me in their minds as "the slob." (check)
...or of having lipstick smeared on my face. (check)
...or of forgetting someone's name. (check)
...or of forgetting some code and locking myself out of the suite. (check)
Everytime I open my mouth to say something, it is likely that at least one person in the room hasn't heard me speak before, so I am hyper aware what I say could impact their view of me for years to come. No pressure.
After working at my previous job almost five years, it is hard to start over and to learn the ins-and-outs of the communal kitchen: rules for sharing office creamer and the labeling laws for food kept in the refrigerator. These things are still marked "tentative" in my brain.
Also, I am going from working for associations to working for associations as a consultant. There is a difference there.
Still, as anxious as I am, I have a lot of nervous excitement for this new direction. I am working on a subject I'm passionate about and I now have a legitimate reason for reading materials about social media and technology for communities. Fabulous news!
I know this is an unusual departure from my typical blog posts here on Acronym Soup, but I was thinking of all the people I knwo who are going through job changes and I felt compelled to share my thoughts. If anyone wants to share similar stories or tips for starting out on the right foot with a new job, please post! How do you start your day? What are some things to avoid? Please share!
Hi, Kiki. Great points about starting a new job at a new place. It's like going to another country and not knowing the customs!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I work for myself now, I remember the angst caused by not knowing how things were done at a new job. I got in the habit of asking LOTS of questions about everything.
I never worried about sounding stupid or silly, because you always sound intelligent when you are asking questions, especially if you start with, "you know, I'm new here . . . "
Then, start your day the way you usually do: check email and online activity, check voicemail, then get to the day's list.
That's how I coped at least : )