Starting a New Job 

Well this is it- I am finally starting my new job and I couldn’t be more excited!

I applied to so many jobs I couldn’t even keep count. But this was the only job I REALLY wanted and after two interviews..I.actually.got.it! When I got the acceptance call, I literally jumped for joy…and had a conversation with my man of elated disbelief at our big break.

Now I actually have to prove they made the right decision.

No worries, I love to learn- Nerd Status…say whaat?! That is all you are expected to do in the first couple weeks of starting a new job. Learning the new culture, what the company does and how they do it, and lastly learn what is expected of you.

Bring it on!

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Learning something new also brings nerves as well- there is a lot of uncertainty. This is the place where you will spend most of your time. The people working there will become like family, but will they be a cozy-close-nit-family or a dysfunctional one?

To find this out means a lot of networking- meeting new coworker friends and who’s who. Learning who are good allies, and learning how to navigate relationships with everyone in the office. Such as learning not to talk to the boss before their first cup of coffee in the morning.  This networking will help you get a clear perspective of the culture of the office like the unwritten rules such as where everyone has their lunch or smoke break, who does the dishes…and what not!

All this uncertainty and expectations for success = stress.

And unfortunately…

Stress = Weight Gain

After every major change in life- it has been known to cause weight gain.

New relationship- gain some happy weight…start college- put some party weight on…start a new job- stress weight…get married- happy weight again…have children- of course you gained weight…but surprisingly most of the time the father does as well. Any major change in life often leads to weight gain.

So of course I’m a little worried about falling off track of my new fitness journey.

 I am doing really well. But I know that I will have less time to work out, and more stress unwillingly consuming my energy.

The stakes are high to say the least.

I’m relying on self- determination and support from my man to see me through.

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Do’s and Dont’s of Starting a New Job

I’ve read a few articles in anticipation of my first day, and here are three do’s and dont’s I found helpful to pass on to you.

Do’s

1. First Impressions are still important!

Just because you landed the job, you still have to back up all those wonderful things you said about yourself in the interview process. You still want to stand out with success- it is not expected for anyone to come in and be successful at the job right away. But small wins while learning are definitely good. To be successful you must understand what the company deems success.

2. Understand why you are hired

This one is connected with the first. If you understand what the company deems success, you can more easily understand why the company believed you were ideal to become successful in the role.

Understand the expectations of you as an employee.

3. Be Conservative

On the first day you do not know the culture or what is allowed in terms of dress.

So the safe bet is to be conservative.

Here is my first day outfit:

I went with navy pant and a royal blue blazer. I added some personality with the polka dot top- I can’t stand being completely boring! But i choose a simple bun look with no jewellery.

Don’ts 

1. Compare old job to new

Either way it can give the wrong impression. If your comparisons put your old job in a good light- coworkers will wonder why you left the old job? If you compare your old job in a negative light- well put simply, you look like a complainer.

This comparison syndrome also creates a distinction between you and the company reminding people you are new. You are supposed to be seamlessly assimilating.

2. Don’t try to change things

You may innocently be talking about your old position because you believe the information will be helpful at your new job. But you are the rookie, still learning and likely not seeing the whole picture.

You are simply a sponge in the first few days or weeks at the new job. No one expects you, or wants you to turn the place upside down. Your job is to observe, learn, and later make an informed suggestion.

3. Don’t expect hand-holding

 Obviously you are new and need guidance. But don’t expect that your manager is there to tell you what to do. Instead see it as you providing help for the manager to get things done.

The difference in perspective is the difference between:

the employee who when finished takes a break

and the employee who when finished asks the manager what else is needed?

Whether this initiative is something you can keep up is beyond the point…it is merely a good idea to show initiative in the beginning and hopefully throughout your employment!

Lastly: don’t be late. But that point should be moot by now.