Starting a new job can be tough, especially when things are not working out as you thought they would. The stress can take a toll on your mental and physical state, and adversely affect your productivity level. The anxiety is further exacerbated by the fact that you are on probation and there s is a need to prove yourself. You need to bring your A game. You need to show them that they made the right decision, at least that is the voice inside you saying.
There are many reasons as to why one might struggle in their new job. It could be missing the deadlines as one is trying to catch up with your new tasks. It could be not meeting your first months’ targets — this could be the relationship with the boss that is proving to be challenging. For others, it is the difficulty of fitting into the new organizational culture. There are things that you can do to deal with this problem.
1. Identify the root cause
struggling new job identify root cause
You can get lost in the emotions and bad feelings and fail to see what is the actual cause of the problem. This is because you are trying as hard as possible to fit in and deliver on the promises you made during the interview. Take some time to reflect and identify the reason as to why you are struggling. This will enable you to put things into perspective and find the root cause of the struggle.
2. Speak to someone
Don’t be an island. Don’t lock yourself in your own struggle. Open up to someone that you can trust. This is why it is important to cultivate some friendships at work when you join. You could turn to this person and share your anxieties. However, make sure that you can trust this person with this piece of information. If you haven’t cultivated this type of relationship, you can share this with a friend off work. Sharing helps you unload stress and anxieties. It helps you to vent and let go of the bottled-up emotions.
3. Create a Plan of Action
strugling new job create action plan
After identifying the root cause of the problem, come up with a plan of action to solve the problem. If it is not meeting the targets, then identify ways you could deal with this. Is there anyone that you need to reach out to increase the number of leads. If it is a system that is used in the new organization that is giving you a hard time, can you speak to someone who can help you understand it more? If you are struggling to cope with your new boss then can you get pointers from someone else who is reporting to him/her? Create a plan of action that can help you solve the problems that you are facing.
4. Time Management is Key
The first weeks and months at work can be stressful because of the learning that you have to do. You are running around during the onboarding, trying to learn about the different departments, people’s names and personalities, and while making sense of the organization’s culture and expectations. It might seem that the time is not yours. Try to have a checklist of things that you have to do on a daily basis. It will help you see if you are trying to do more than required. It will also help you see the value of the work that you are doing. Sometimes, it is easy to be self-critical, telling yourself that you are not doing anything. However, crossed items in your checklist will energize you.
Remember to make time for your personal life, family, and friends. Don’t let the job suck the life out of you. Having a work-life balance will prevent burnout, stress and other unwanted conditions that can affect your productivity.
5. Positivity and Realistic Expectations
struggling new job create positivity and realistic expectation
As you navigate the seeming difficult first weeks at your new work remember to stay positive by telling yourself that this is part of the ride and many others go through this patch. You are not alone. There is always a learning curve that you need to pass through. Stay positive by surrounding yourself with positive vibes and energy. Listen to uplifting voices in songs and other creative outlets. Read inspirational stories that will inspire you to get up every morning and give your best.
As you stay positive, remember to set yourself realistic expectations in your first weeks at work. There is a tendency to wanting to do more in your first week because you believe it will show your boss that they made the right decision. Don’t expect that you will move mountains in your first weeks at work. This is the time for you to learn about your new environment and acclimatize yourself with the new work culture.
The first weeks at work can be challenging. So, always remember to stay focused and positive. Find inspirations in things around you to push on. Set realistic goals and cross out the things you accomplish to generate the energy levels and inspiration to move forward.
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