Starting at a new job is overwhelming and scary for everyone — whether you’re fresh out of college or you’ve been working for quite some time. It’s always going to be a nerve-wracking experience, especially in the first week.
A new company culture, new people, unfamiliar environment — these are the things that await you on your first day. Adjusting to a new job can be tricky. It will be a little uncomfortable for a few days. But don’t worry. You’ll get the hang of it.
Like any new venture, you only need to take some time to adjust to the new environment you’re in. Here are some tips to help you survive your first week on a new job.
Focus on the positive things
Days before you start reporting for work on your first day, you’re going to feel a bunch of different emotions. You might be nervous, stressed, sleepless, or anxious. But instead of dwelling on these feelings, you should focus on positive things.
Celebrate that you were able to get this job and think about how you’re going to grow and improve in the company. Use this time as an opportunity to look forward and be excited about what’s ahead.
Plan your commute
Whether you’re driving to work or taking public transportation, you have to be prepared for it. The rush hour traffic can be unpredictable. You don’t want to be late, especially on your first day. Remember: first impressions last, and being late is not a good one to kickstart your new career.
A day or two before your first day, practice your commute and see how long it would take you to arrive in your workplace. This will give you an idea of what time you have to leave your home to arrive at work on time.
Better yet, get a hostel in London Central so you could skip the commute and just walk to work.
Observe
Your first week on the job will be all about learning. Because you’re in unfamiliar territory, you need to observe and adjust to how things are done in the company. Watch your co-workers and take note of how they dress, speak, and act around the office. This will give you an insight into the type of company culture they have.
Interact with co-workers
As early as your first week on the job, you need to start making friends and building relationships. Take the initiative of introducing yourself to the people who are part of the company. Make some new acquaintances, so you have people to guide you through the learning phase. Plus, if you plan on staying in the company for a long time, these are people you’ll likely be seeing every day for five days a week.
Ask questions
In a corporate and professional setting, questions are always welcomed. Don’t be afraid of looking like a newbie by asking basic questions. You want to get to know the company, your role, and what’s expected from you. Voice out your concerns and be open to communicating with key personnel. They would be more than happy to answer your queries.
Be patient with yourself
Especially during your first few days, you might experience information overload. Understand that this is your learning phase. It may be a lot to take in, so be patient and allow yourself to work through it slowly.
Getting started in a new job can be nerve-wracking. But with these tips, you’re well on your way to adjusting and being part of the company.
