How do you get over making mistakes at a new job?

9 Comments

1. LauraMarch 17,2025 at 7:30PM UTC

   First of all, give yourself grace! Every job and company are different so even when you have experience in a field there are still nuances that you have to learn about the company, department and team. Own up to mistakes, be prepared with a solution (even if it's not the "right" one it shows you are proactive) and find someone who knows the ropes that you can learn from. And remember that EVERYONE makes mistakes!!

2. AnonymousMarch 17,2025 at 7:53PM UTC

   While not mandatory, mistakes are how you learn in a new job. Anyone who says they never haven’t made at least one aren’t being honest IMO. Any manager who thinks there shouldn’t be mistakes in a new job is being irrational.

   The goal is to learn from mistakes so they’re not repeated. Accept them and move on without beating yourself up. You got this!

3. AnonymousMarch 17,2025 at 8:42PM UTC

   Did you know that highly successful people make or have made mistakes? It's not about getting over it as if you are climbing a hill. It's about the journey of our work experience and walking through it. One of the worst mistakes I made back in my banking days is I paid out manual checks via dividends. Back then we used a typewriter. I typed $50,000 instead of the actual $5,000. I was mortified. I never made the mistake again. I also made another bad mistake in my recruiting days and offered the wrong person the job (they had the exact same name and same skill set as the right person who also interviewed for the same job). Each mistake made me stronger. Eventually the mistake wanes, and those who noticed will go onto something else. I'm curious, what mistake did you make?

4. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 1:32PM UTC

   Created folders for 8 employees who already had folders. I guess that's not the biggest deal.

5. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 10:35PM UTC

   It’s okay to feel a way when we make mistakes. I have found most people are forgiving. I was told early in my current role to give myself grace. I would beat myself up if I made a mistake. Forward 14 years and I see more mistakes by those above me. I’ve learned to give grace. If you worked for me I would tell you thank you for being so mindful but let’s save time and see what we have then make a list of what we need. Hang in there!

6. AnonymousMarch 17,2025 at 8:47PM UTC

   First you accept we all make mistakes and you give yourself grace.

   2nd you remind yourself of all you do that is correct and on time.

   Take a breath. Unless you continually make mistakes and it impacts others, I'd say it is just normal.

7. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 4:42PM UTC

   First, understand that mistakes are a part of the learning curve of a new job. This should be your opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them, along with asking questions and being a general pain in the ass.

8. AnonymousMarch 18,2025 at 6:53PM UTC

   Take ownership and thank people for their feedback.

9. AnonymousMarch 19,2025 at 3:54AM UTC

   A few mistakes here and there are expected when you are new and learning. No one expects perfection right out of the gate.