Starting a new job on Monday.

14 Comments

1. Maureen DrinkwaterSeptember 26,2021 at 12:51AM UTC

   Congratulations! Let's try to use logic to examine the situation. You must have thought this job is one that you could handle since you applied for it. Did you submit a truthful application and were you truthful when you interviewed? As long as you answer yes to these questions, your interviewers (probably there was more than a single interviewer?), after being presented with the authentic you and consulting with your professional references, are convinced that you can do the job and you can do the job well. Hiring someone is a big investment and risk. Do you believe that the people who interviewed you know what it takes to do the job you've been hired to do and what it takes to do it well? If you've answered yes again, please try to take comfort that you were offered the job because you have the necessary expertise and experience to do the job and to do it well. It is absolutely natural to feel jitters about starting a new job. If you haven't been working for a while, it is also natural to feel less than confident in yourself. But, just think. You were selected over the competition. You seem to like the organization, the environment and the job. If it is a good workplace and there are decent people who work there, there should be resources available to new hires to facilitate their getting acclimated to the job and the environment. If you have questions about something you have been assigned to do after you have taken the time to answer the questions on your own - such as by reviewing a training guide, ask the appropriate colleague. People expect a new hire to have questions. A supervisor should be pleased that an employee wants to do the job to specification. Why waste time and money doing something the wrong way? You got this!!!

2. AnonymousSeptember 26,2021 at 1:27AM UTC

   Congratulations and watch after a few weeks you will look back and say what was I so nervous about...I got this and I am good at it. Not only that you will be adding a new skill to your tool belt. YOU GOT THIS:)

3. AnonymousSeptember 26,2021 at 1:52AM UTC

   You weren't hired to step in and do the job 100% perfectly on day one. You were hired because they thought you had what it takes to grow into the job and learn what you need to learn. You're not an imposter. You're exactly what they were looking for. <3

4. AnonymousSeptember 26,2021 at 2:57AM UTC

   Transitions are scary. Take a deep breath, remind yourself that they hired you for a reason, and know that there will be a learning curve but it’s nothing you can’t manage.

5. Jackie GhedineSeptember 26,2021 at 12:11PM UTC

   This is worth a tremendous celebration! Good for you.

   Yes, imposter syndrome is absolutely real, and remember it is HIGHEST when we are in a state of uncertainty, which a new job will be for you.

   Imposter syndrome is something you can absolutely get a handle on.

   - Name your imposter and talk to her in the third person. Think of your imposter as someone a different part of your person. When she rears her head, talk to her and say, "Heather, you're wrong, I know it isn't easy but I know I can do it. " Don't let the school yard bully get the best of you.

   2. Immediately begin to write down all the things you are learning quickly and doing well. Our negativity bias only allows us to remember what isn't working, so collecting evidence early on will help you remember all the good you are doing.

   3. Don't assume the worst. When a doubt comes into your head ask yourself, 'What benefit is this thought bringing me. Why am I thinking this." Surround yourself with great, positive people who think highly of you.

   Want more support, Join our Facebook Community: Just Gen X Talking Business, Career + Life.

6. AnonymousSeptember 26,2021 at 3:22PM UTC

   What I do when this type of anxiety rears it's head is I balance my life as much as possible so I'm not so focused on my job and fear of not performing well. I have noticed that anxiety is much worse when I allow myself time to over-focus or obsess. When I put too much energy on my job my mind will create doubt and fear and stress which naturally morphs into scenarios that are negative and create deep feelings of lack of ability.

   While I know that I got the job based on my skill and knowledge, my mind will tell me otherwise.

   So I stay balanced and have learned to switch gears and focus on my hobbies and interests and friends and family. I make sure not to let my job take my energy and happiness. I have a full life which requires care and nurturing to stay strong.

7. Evelyn LivantSeptember 27,2021 at 12:45AM UTC

   First of all, congratulations on the job! When I face imposter syndrome, I think of external reasons why it's not true:
   1. Hiring reps are tough. I made it through on my merit.
   2. People who recommended me know my skills.
   3. It's just a feeling that isn't true. I'm with my peers. I deserve to be here.
   I get "stage fright" when starting a new job. You will be fine.

8. Fiona EdatSeptember 27,2021 at 1:03AM UTC

   Here is an article that could help you navigate your new job! https://fairygodboss.com/articles/dealing-with-imposter-syndrome-heres-how-6-people-successfully-tackled-this-phenomena

9. Chardia Christophe-GarciaSeptember 27,2021 at 11:17AM UTC

   Hi! First off congratulations on the new job. These feelings you're having are so normal but don't let them get the best of you. Remember they hired you after meeting you, reviewing your resume and understanding what you had experience in vs. what you did not. There will be some things you don't know and that's totally ok. Just go in with a positive attitude and a can-do approach. I wrote about Imposter Syndrome in an article a while back. Here are a few of my go too tips! Hope they help: https://nywici.org/advance/career/impostor-syndrome-is-a-real-thing/

10. Alexandria Scobee |Leadership Coach | IT ManagerSeptember 27,2021 at 2:51PM UTC

    Congratulations! Quick response without knowing the breadth of your situation keep your heart and mind connection strong. They hired you for a reason, look for your successes that point to why you know you can do this. Happy to discuss further techniques if you would like.

11. AnonymousSeptember 27,2021 at 5:26PM UTC

    Everyone has a first day... this is important to remember. You beat out a number of qualified candidates because they saw something special in you. You will be a rockstar.. no question!

12. TroySeptember 27,2021 at 6:21PM UTC

    My advice, be honest. If you don't understand something, or if the pace is to fast, let them know. Congrats to you, we all have butterflies on the first day ?

13. Annie LimSeptember 27,2021 at 8:05PM UTC

    Congratulations! I have no doubt that you will be fine. Ask questions openly, don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't let your nerves get in the way of your learning process. I know this is all way easier said than done, but they will help you in the long run. Try some confidence-boosting poses like the Wonder Woman. Do some meditations and affirmations. Journal out all of your nerves. Congrats again and best of luck!!! Feel free to follow up and let me know how it all went :)

14. Georgene HuangSeptember 28,2021 at 12:24AM UTC

    Congratulations! And I hope your first day has gone very well. Nobody knows whether they can do anything until they try and so I think it's normal to feel some doubt. All you can do is your best and to ask for help if you need it (beyond working hard and being diligent/organized).

    Please let us know how it went today...and if any of the techniques mentioned here or by others worked out for you!