New Job Nerves

Rosco32

Morning all,

I'm due to start a new job Monday next week. It is an IT-based role. I have been in IT since I was 19 (now 41), so I have the experience and have a lot I can bring to the table. The problem I have is extreme nervousness. I've never felt like this before when starting a new job, and I'm not sure why I'm feeling this way. Can anyone offer any advice on how to deal with nerves, anxiety etc? Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place. 

Thanks in advance

diystarter7

Hi
You are not alone, millions like you.
Did you see where you will be sitting etc, meet the others?
Do you have any questions, if so ask the manager.

I'm very nervous and dreaded work every Monday or walking in when everyone else was there but as soon as I got in, my nerves were over

if it is really bad, the nerves possibly consider a chat with doc?

First day etc - be prepared clothes ready etc, plan yor trip to work and arrive a lot early and hand around near a cafe/etc and enter the building - you will be ok as they saw somethings in you that they want, they want you

Good luck

Rosco32

Thank you for your advice. No, I didn't see where I'd be sat. Since Covid, no-one longer has a permanent desk. They are all hot-desks. I forgot to say that I'll be working a few days in the office and the rest at home, which I have done for years. I think it's because this is a new company and there is huge potential to progress, and I'm worried about failing. Even thinking about it gives me stomach cramps. I'm sure once I get there on my first day I'll be ok, but feeling like this leading up to it is the worst.

piesagittariusstick

Your "fears" are 110% relatable - I think it's completely normal to feel anxious before your first day at a new job. I doubt anyone can be "at ease" that early on.

Btw, have you been switching jobs a lot on the past? If yes, then you know that the best way to make things work is to be yourself and focus on becoming a valuable team member before long. So, since you got the know-how and don't need much guidance, I'm sure you'll fit right in even during your first week there!  

diystarter7

Rosco32 said:

Thank you for your advice. No, I didn't see where I'd be sat. Since Covid, no-one longer has a permanent desk. They are all hot-desks. I forgot to say that I'll be working a few days in the office and the rest at home, which I have done for years. I think it's because this is a new company and there is huge potential to progress, and I'm worried about failing. Even thinking about it gives me stomach cramps. I'm sure once I get there on my first day I'll be ok, but feeling like this leading up to it is the worst.

Thank you, I am exactly like you.
Speak with family/friends you can trust get it off your chest.
Be prepared to meet many nice helpful people and also someone that wanted the job but did not get it
You are the chosen one, you are not expected to know everything.
Don't say too much, I'm sure you won't go OT
Soon, you will note that there is at least one other person there that you can trust.

Re first few days in the office and then a few days at home - sounds even better.
In the time in the office, as far as possible get to know people that you may be talking to/dealing with most often and who appear most helpful etc

Just posting here reduces the worry to an extent IMHO
Good luck

Rosco32

piesagittariusstick said:

Your "fears" are 110% relatable - I think it's completely normal to feel anxious before your first day at a new job. I doubt anyone can be "at ease" that early on.

Btw, have you been switching jobs a lot on the past? If yes, then you know that the best way to make things work is to be yourself and focus on becoming a valuable team member before long. So, since you got the know-how and don't need much guidance, I'm sure you'll fit right in even during your first week there!  

Thank you. I've been in my current job just over a year, and prior to that I was in my previous job for two years. I left that role, and I'm leaving this role as there has been quite a few redundancies, and with a mortgage to pay like so many others I decided to jump ship. I think the nervousness is because this is a big law firm I am going to work for and the expectations are high. I can do the role, I think I just need a word with myself!

Rosco32

diystarter7 said:

Rosco32 said:

Thank you for your advice. No, I didn't see where I'd be sat. Since Covid, no-one longer has a permanent desk. They are all hot-desks. I forgot to say that I'll be working a few days in the office and the rest at home, which I have done for years. I think it's because this is a new company and there is huge potential to progress, and I'm worried about failing. Even thinking about it gives me stomach cramps. I'm sure once I get there on my first day I'll be ok, but feeling like this leading up to it is the worst.

Thank you, I am exactly like you.
Speak with family/friends you can trust get it off your chest.
Be prepared to meet many nice helpful people and also someone that wanted the job but did not get it
You are the chosen one, you are not expected to know everything.
Don't say too much, I'm sure you won't go OT
Soon, you will note that there is at least one other person there that you can trust.

Re first few days in the office and then a few days at home - sounds even better.
In the time in the office, as far as possible get to know people that you may be talking to/dealing with most often and who appear most helpful etc

Just posting here reduces the worry to an extent IMHO
Good luck

It was a long recruitment process. There was 3 that applied for the role, and I was successful, which I'm over the moon about. I remember not really feeling too nervous during the interviews, and I was just myself. Maybe that's the mindset I need to have when I first start. Be myself, take the time to get to know people and everything will be ok. I feel better just posting on here and reading responses. Thanks again

TELLIT01

Being nervous is completely normal.  They may be worse this time because you will only be spending part of the time in the office.  It's much easier to integrate and get a feel for the office 'vibe' if you are there all the time.  Although you say you are used to spending time working from home, did you do this from the outset in other jobs?

Rosco32

TELLIT01 said:

Being nervous is completely normal.  They may be worse this time because you will only be spending part of the time in the office.  It's much easier to integrate and get a feel for the office 'vibe' if you are there all the time.  Although you say you are used to spending time working from home, did you do this from the outset in other jobs?

Yes, I've done it for years. Few days a week in the office, and the rest from home. I am a people person and enjoy been around others, so I'm sure I'll be fine. I'm hoping on my first day, that once I get there, all my nerves just disappear.

Charlotte_Ca

Hey! First of all good luck in your new role and congrats for getting this position.

I've got experience with anxiety as I have suffered from this and I'm still currently learning how to cope. So, I can give some advice.

1. In a nutshell, anxiety is created when we think of things that we cannot control. It is created from fear and fear is making us imagine things. So, try to challenge your thoughts. E.g. you are saying you are anxious because you might fail. Why you think you might fail? Because you will have to learn new systems? If that's the case then say to yourself something like: "If I don't know something I'll ask them" or "whatever happens I'll make it work" etc.
2. Control your breathing. When we become anxious our breathing changes, it becomes faster. So, if you try to control your breathing then that can help with anxiety.
3. Anxiety is also created my negative thoughts. So, the moment you understand that try to think of something positive. Don't dwell for too long on negative thoughts. The mind cannot think of two things at the same time.

There are more things of course, but just thought to write the main points. Whatever happens is not the end of the world.

Rosco32

Thank you so much for this. I think trying to control my breathing is a great way to help with the anxiety. I am really excited and looking forward to getting started, but I think I'm possibly over analysing the situation!