Preparing for your new job.
Starting a new job can bring new challenges and is an important step in your life. Paritas has put together some tips to help you prepare for your new job.
When we place you into employment we will contact you on a regualr basis to see how you are getting on.
The day before.
The day before you start your new job, it is quite normal to feel anxious, question your ability and have a bit of a crisis of confidence. You may feel nervous and have second thoughts about going at all.
However this may also be mixed with feelings of excitement and a positive sense of ' moving on'' and looking forward to earning some money.
It is important to try and focus on the latter.
The day before you start your new job try doing something that you are good at and enjoy; for example, see friends, eat out, hobbies etc and then in the evening perhaps read or watch a film.
You know yourself, so it is advisable that you carry out whatever routine and coping strategies you have developed that help you feel less anxious i.e talk things through with someone, go for a run, take a bath etc.
The day you start
Make sure you have a breakfast even if you don't feel like eating. Low sugar levels can produce feelings similar to anxiety.
At work
Before you start , remember anticipation is always worse than the event.
It is understandable that you will feel nervous - it doesn't matter. You have done well to be here.
Take everything step by step - every hour is an achievement. A few anxious moments does not mean the whole experience will be the same.
Regularly take a moment to focus on your breathing - if it is too fast, try to slow it down with a few deep breaths. As you do so, the physical effects of anxiety will decrease.
You may make mistakes - it's ok, it's your first day/week.
Every day completed is a huge achievement to build upon.
It isn't always easy to do, but ask if you don't understand something. Try to be assertive - don't say yes to everything just because you are new to the job.
Avoid "All or Nothing" thinking - you haven't failed if you forget something, get flustered or say something you wish you hadn't.
Use your breaks to really have a break. Leave your work area and get some air etc.
Well done- You have completed your first day!
End of the day
When you arrive home it may be a good idea to change out of your work clothes even if you don't wear a particular uniform. It is good to mark the end of the working day and the beginning of free time. This simple act may help you adopt a more relaxed mindset as you let go of the events of the day.
Expect to feel very tired at the end of your first day. You have had to take in a lot of new information and burnt a lot of nervous energy.
It is likely that you will also feel very tired at the end of the first week. This will continue for a few weeks until your body gets used to the new routine.
Even though you feel tired you may have difficulty sleeping. Your mind may race as you reflect on all the new experiences. You've heard it before, but avoid caffeine. Try herbal tea or milky drinks.
Not enough sleep can have a significant impact on your mental health. Contact your G.P if this becomes troublesome.
If you have any concerns about your new job then do speak to your manager or somebody in the Paritas team. Don't hesitate to contact your G.P or a mental health professional if you feel at any point your mental health may be deteriorating.
Enjoy your job!