The wait is over. Your brain prepared plans and reactions for being accepted and rejected.
They called you back, you got the job. However much time passed, it seemed like forever. You fought to keep them equal, trying not to expect too much or fear the worst. No matter how your exterior appeared, you were stressed.
The fate of the next phase of your life was in the hands of a stranger – stress is only natural. But now, you have a job. Maybe even the job, maybe your lifelong career. Now you begin a journey down a new path, and you can most likely expect a mixture of feelings and reactions as the proverbial rubber hits the not-as-proverbial road. Your task will be to keep the following in perspective:
Relief
Breathing easy is quite welcome at the finish line of a job/career search. You have either successfully reached the goal you have been actively pursuing for the bulk of your life, or you are at a means to an end. Either way, you have taken a positive and productive step, and it is important to celebrate this victory. Building inner confidence, security, and peace can guide you through the stages of reality that follow.
Overwhelmed
Maybe the first day was easy but tedious, with little more than paperwork and introductions. Sometime in the first week, though, your work load most likely begins to flow a little heavier. As your peers and superiors begin to trust you more, your responsibility will grow, and you may find yourself struggling. You may even start to wonder why you wanted this job in the first place. If you find yourself thinking this way, it is important to remember the victory you celebrated when you were hired. Recognize that there will be challenges, and learn to see each challenge as an opportunity to grow and not as a setback to your success.
Culture Shock
You may find that your new job is next to nothing you expected it to be. Even if you studied the subject for years, preparing for a career in the field, learning the practical realities of a career in action can be startling. Maybe the expectations are higher than you think, or maybe they’re lower. There are a hundred ways life can look different behind the curtains when you hold something in high esteem for a time. What is important is to gauge your preconceptions about this job carefully. Try to combine them with all you’re learning now, and find a middle ground that helps you function as you grow into your position.
Perspective is everything, don’t forget that. Your perspective will get you places your expectations cannot. When your expectations fail, your perspective can turn everything around. By learning from the past, seeing things from other points of view, and staying optimistic about your future, you become adaptable to any situation.
Start small, and never stop. Congratulate yourself daily on a job well done. Repeat your new title to yourself, assigning it value and pride. Remind yourself where you came from and where you’re going, and above all, revel in every success.
And one more thing: Congratulations!
Interested in developing proven career success techniques or in securing cutting-edge career focused material, including interview best practice techniques or how to write effective resume/cover letters? Visit www.edu-cs.com for a complete listing of available support. You may also contact us directly: [email protected] to see how we can help you.
Rikki Payne, Career Consultant, Editor, and Writer
Education Career Services, www.edu-cs.com
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Education Career Services: www.edu-cs.com
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