Thread by @humanworkplace

Q. I start a new job tomorrow! Any advice?

A. Hurrah! That is outstanding. Here’s your mindset walking in:

Hi everyone! Nice to meet you. This is cool. I am here to learn some stuff; figure out more about the working world, myself and other people; and make a contribution. Let’s do it!

I’m going to find out what my role entails, how it intersects with everybody else’s role, what my priorities and the department’s priorities are, how my manager ticks and what constitutes success here.

I’m also going to figure out what this job offers me that I don’t already have in my toolkit, attain that treasure as thoughtfully-yet-quickly as I can, and then plan my next move.

I’m not sure what the treasure is or how long it might take to get it, but I will begin that exploration today.

I’ll learn a ton by observing, asking questions, trying new things and getting the perspectives of new people. That learning & my paycheck are awesome on their own

But I could also make new friends here, get great contacts and grow my credibility and visibility. I can grow my confidence here. My job, as always, is to succeed here and help this company achieve its goals while also pursuing my own. It’s still my career!

Right now my priorities are:

1) To get clear on the basics: my working hours, supervisors’ contact info, coworkers’ names, supplies and equipment I need, logins, etc.

2) To learn everything I need to know about my commute to work including driving and/or public transit options, pros and cons of each one, etc.

3) To figure out my basic job duties and what I’m responsible for doing and/or delivering every day, week, month, etc.

4) To nail down how and when I get paid, whether I get overtime, deductions from my paycheck, etc.

That list will keep you busy for a while. Expect to be overwhelmed. Everyone is overwhelmed on a new job. They call it drinking from a fire hose because you take in so much new information

Carry a notebook around with you and a pen you like to write with. Write down anything that sounds like it might be useful later: coworkers’ names, their job titles, any tidbits they share with you – you’ll forget a lot of it otherwise.

Doing new things is one of the scariest parts of life and one of the most exhilarating. Give yourself a huge pat on the back for getting the job and stepping into new territory on your path.

Today, lay out the clothes you’re going to wear tomorrow & your notebook and pen. Check tomorrow’s weather.

If you keep a journal, today is a great day to write in it. You are mighty. Your muscles have gotten bigger and bigger throughout your job search.

HAVE FUN TOMORROW!