I’m starting a new job!

Anonymous

May 20,2023 at 1:09PM UTC

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I’m starting a new job! Looking for words of wisdom.

I’m going from a bookkeeping job, where I push lots of paper and process a ton of transactions (a job that I was way overqualified for, but this was a return to workforce job for me after being a stay at home mom). My new job is project-oriented working with software systems. Im used to being told do this do that and want to step into this much more professional role as a professional. Im sure I’ll have some autonomy. My manager does one on ones and team meetings (what a novelty!). Im overjoyed but looking for advice from other professionals about how to step in and make a good impression and start off on the right foot.

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AnonymousMay 20,2023 at 2:31PM UTC
Listen, ask questions and be diligent. People notice work ethic and effort far more than mistakes and knowledge of process. Your professional manner and willingness to learn will serve you well. Give yourself grace and patience that it will take time.
AnonymousMay 20,2023 at 3:49PM UTC
Being an active listener and staying coachable will serve you well. You are in a unique position that you may think yourself over-qualified as depending upon how long you were blessed to stay home with kiddos , the processes and software have changed. Being and acting like a professional are not the same. You are not YET a subject matter expert in your position, allow for the growth and mindset. You will grow into being a professional. IMO. Good impression? Active listening, pause and speak slowly putting the emphasis of what's important. Create your own impressions of others and immediately opt out of cpy and office gossip. EVEN if you hear it, say you weren't listening. BE friendly, but don't think that coworkers want to know every detail of your kiddos morning. Professionally the 'sharing' should be drawn at pets or something neutral. NO politics. Engage in conversations with the support staff, admins, when arriving in a room for a meeting. Striking up those conversations will provide confidence and leadership notices the presence. And lastly, while you were afforded to be able to stay at home, many aren't, I've seen transitions back into the workforce and the conversations were always "husband/partner makes this much $ so I could stay home and I don't really need this job but needed a change", steer clear. Learning to toggle home and kiddos and work, adapt and you will find that groove. Welcome back to the Workforce! good luck.
AnonymousMay 21,2023 at 8:11PM UTC
Thank you. To elaborate: I don't feel I'm a subject matter expert for the new role - it's all new for me! I do learn software pretty quickly so I do have that in my bag of tricks. I would never, ever discuss "stay at home" years, family finances, or anything that personal (as I did a lot during that time, volunteered a ton, worked part time, ran my husbands books, and stayed current with technology). I'm no longer married and my children are launched FYI, and I've been digging out of the financial hole caused by divorce. None of this is relevant to the new role or my question. What I'm looking for is advised, coming from a job where I had a micromanager, to a professional role with a professional manager and a real team to work with. I'm grateful and excited and will happily take all the advice I can get! Thanks all.
AnonymousMay 22,2023 at 11:27AM UTC
I think you missed their pov, it's all relevant to how you asked. You will learn. All they put forth is how you will make a good impression, learning clarity will serve you well. We all wish you well into returning to work.
AnonymousMay 20,2023 at 5:10PM UTC
Listen and ask questions.
Read on the industry and network with other people. Most importantly be patient with yourself. Congratulations!
Zeecil KimmelMay 22,2023 at 12:34PM UTC
Own up to all mistakes, tell everyone you are here to learn, and be humble but be great.
LorielleMay 22,2023 at 10:55PM UTC
Be a sponge, soak in everything. Volunteer to help a colleague, if you’re having a slow day. Be ready and willing to jump in whenever and wherever. You’ll do great! Congrats on the new job!