Career, Friday Five

Friday Five – 5 Things To Know When Starting A New Job

November 4, 2016
NYC Blogger: 5 things to know when starting a new job

Photo by Kate Kelly aka Pure Irish Sugar

Happy Friday! It’s been a super busy and productive week this week in all aspects of my life and I couldn’t be feeling better. I don’t know what it is about being organised that just makes me so happy. It’s gonna be a hectic few weeks in the run up to Christmas between balancing work, blogging and my social life (so tough I know) but I think I have myself in a really good place (I hope I’m not jinxing myself here).

Speaking of work… Today marks 1 full year since I started in my current role. I almost wrote ‘new role’ there, because I still describe my job as my ‘new job’, even though it’s been one full year. That’s how fast the time has gone, it still feels new and honestly it feels like yesterday when I walked in for my first day. As my 1 year mark has been approaching I’ve been thinking of a few things I wish I’d known or even just remembered when I started my new job that would have made the process a little more settling. So in line with the day that’s in it, today’s Friday Five is about 5 things you need to know or remember when starting a new job…

1. You’re Not Supposed To Know Everything

When you start a new job there are so many new things you’ll need to learn. It could be a new skill or a tool, or even just where the different conference rooms are. You’re not going to know everything right off the bat and that’s totally fine. You’re not supposed to! This leads nicely on to my next point…

2. It’s Okay To Ask Questions

If you don’t know how to do something or what you’re supposed to be doing, don’t be afraid to ask. I think asking questions is often perceived as a sign of weakness, as in that you don’t know what you’re doing or you can’t do your job but that’s so wrong. Asking questions shows that you’re eager to learn and that you want to make sure you do an amazing job.

3. No One Knows What They’re Doing

My boss said this to me on my first day and I couldn’t agree with it more. No one knows what they are doing and we’re all just trying to figure it out as we go along. This is so true in the fast paced and ever changing world of marketing and especially in the world of social media (which is what my job is all about!). Probably even more so in the world of blogging.

4. Don’t panic

Starting a new job can be very overwhelming, but whatever you do, don’t panic… It’ll get you no where. There were times when I was doing my Ph.D. that I was absolutely miserable and couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s only now I see the extreme value in the training it gave me.

One of those things was to not panic even when I felt like I was drowning and there was no way in hell I was going to meet my deadlines. Somehow I always did. I always found a way to get it done. So whatever it is that’s stressing you out, don’t panic! You’ll get it done. You’ll always get it done!

5. Don’t Compare Yourself To Other People

As with anything in life, comparing yourself to other people will get you absolutely no where. To be honest, I think you’d drive yourself insane if you were constantly comparing yourself to your co-workers. Just because your co-worker has a skill you don’t have doesn’t make you less competent. You need to look at the bigger picture and realise you probably have skills and knowledge they don’t. Everyone is hired for different reasons and everyone has something to offer. Instead of comparing yourself to your co-workers, use that energy to learn from them and develop your skill set. It’s the best way to learn.

Have you anymore points you’d add? Let me know and have a great weekend,

Lorna x

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1 Comment

  • Reply Emma November 7, 2016 at 8:28 am

    Great post Lorna!

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