Simple Ways to Fight the New Job Jitters

Simple Ways to Fight the New Job JittersSimple Ways to Fight the New Job JittersStarting a new job is incredibly exciting (translation incredibly nerve-wracking). Figuring out the ins and outs of your job description is only the tip of the iceberg- organizational culture, new personalities, and an unfamiliar office mean youre constantly learning new things. And while the adjustment period feels new and different for everyone, some of us struggle with feeling downright overwhelmed.If this sounds like you (and you have the bitten fingernails to prove it), weve gathered four ways to conquer your nerves and take these new experiences in stride.Wake Up EarlierEver notice how your hands clench the steering wheel when you have five minutes left for the last 15 of your commute? Know that sinking feeling when you miss your train and have to wait for the next one all too well?When you cut your commute too close and are rushing, you begin your day flustered and worried. But you can make all (OK , most) of that angst disappear- all you need to do is leave earlier. Set your alarm 30 minutes early (in case you need to hit snooze once or twice) and aim to get to work at least 10 minutes early every day. Make it your goal to have your coat hung up and coffee in hand pre-9 AM. Youll eliminate all of those useless jitters, and start your day with a positive baseline. (Bonus supervisors always like the early birds.)Set Up Your WorkspaceWhen you move into a new apartment, it doesnt feel like your own until your boxes are unpacked and it feels like home. While you cant (and, frankly, shouldnt) personalize your office to the same degree, you should apply the same principle Youll feel mora settled once everything is geared up.So set up your email signature and record your outgoing voicemail message on your first day. It will feel good to see your name next to your new title every time you click Compose, itll have you prepared to communicate with the outside world, and itll get you fam iliar with any new technology.And, dont forget about your desk. While you may want to take time to observe how personalized your colleagues desks are (are family photos omnipresent or nowhere to be seen?), bring in a few office supplies that make you feel good, like the Paris notepad your BFF gave you or a pen with your alma maters name.Schedule a LunchIf its fitting in with a new group thats the root of your jitters, remember that everyone has to eat, and ask your colleagues to grab lunch. Youll feel much mora comfortable when you get to know a few people a bit better. A simple, Hey, have any favorite lunch places around here? Want to join me to grab a bite? works perfectly.Ask them questions about their job, but also feel free to use this time to talk about things that arent work-related- are they sports fanatics? Are they originally from this area? Youll bond over lunch and have a conversation starter next time youre all in the break room or want to ask someone how staff meetings usually go.Work On Your Self-TalkQuick quiz If the new database or client tracking system doesnt come naturally to you, do you think a) This is impossible, b) I stink at this, or c) This a great opportunity for me to practice on this piece of technology, because, hey, thats what the first week is for?It seems obvious- but too many of us talk down to ourselves, which in turn makes us feel bad and ramps up our nerves. If you find yourself getting frustrated, remember that youre bound to face some roadblocks during this time, and give yourself a little pep talk (just, well, not out loud). Youll feel better and your new colleagues will see you as someone who is calm under pressure.Finally, remember that youre going to do a great job- thats why they hired you Getting over your nerves is a skill that takes practice, but staying calm and positive will make you feel better about your new job and help you in the future as well. Like when youre adjusting to a new promotionPhoto of woman goin g to work courtesy of Shutterstock.