The first day at a new job can be an intimidating and uneasy experience, even for the most extroverted among us. New setting, new management, new environment! There is plenty to be anxious about and it's totally justified. However, I think there are some simple tricks that will make the first day jitters slightly less overwhelming.
1. Plan Out Your Route
Take the time before the first day of work to plan out your route to work. The last thing you want to do on the first day is stress out about being late or getting lost. Be sure you know EXACTLY where you are going. If possible, do a test drive the day before. Just do not forgot to account for traffic.
It'll be a good idea to...
2. Leave Earlier than Normal on the First Day
Even if the GPS says it takes 10 minutes to get work, try leaving a little bit earlier on the first day. It's better to arrive with time to kill than to get lost, not be able to find parking or get caught behind an overturned truck on the first day. Arriving early and with time to spare is a good way to walk in with a bit more ease on day one.
Just make sure that you...
3. Get a Good Night's Sleep Beforehand
Sleeping is not an easy task for me especially when I am anxious. Do your best! Try to get at least eight full hours of restful sleep. Turn off your electronics and find something that soothes you so you can relax.
But before you go to bed, be sure to...
4. Prepare for the Morning the Night Before
Pick out your outfit. Make sure it's ironed and neat. Prepare breakfast; make sure it's something you can easily heat up and then consume in the morning. Make sure all your morning coffee and other necessities are easily accessible--the last thing you want to do before entering a brand new environment is to be lost in chaos in your own environment.
And I did mention breakfast, so...
5. Make Sure You are Well Nourished
Eating when I am anxious is difficult--but it's worth it. Even if you have to eat small or settle for a breakfast shake, make sure you're not going in on an empty stomach. Hunger increases anxiety and you are less likely to be able to focus, which you'll need to do plenty of on your first day, if you're hungry.
And it's good idea to...
6. Dress to Impress
Even if on the interview they've told you that it is a casual working environment, consider dressing up as you would on an interview (or maybe a tier below) on the first day. As silly as it sounds, it will help relieve the anxiety of being under-dressed, especially since everyone's definition of casual is quite different. You'll feel slightly more professional and more at ease--and it gives you time to examine just exactly what the dress code is really like, so you can see for yourself. Obviously if you're working somewhere with a uniform and you have that, wear that but make sure it is clean, ironed and ready to go!
It isn't easy being the new kid on the block and if you already suffer from anxiety, the first day can be daunting. While nothing will totally eliminate the first day nerves, hopefully you find yourself slightly more prepared and at ease by following these tips. What are some first day tips you'd like to offer?
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