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Problems and Solutions for the First-Time Professional
Someone once said, “All glory comes from daring to begin”. Entering the workplace can be intimidating at first, with new roles, responsibilities and challenges. But taken with the right attitude, this roller-coaster can prove to be the ride of a lifetime. Here’s a low down on some common problems you may face as a first-time professional, as well as some basic solutions for these “teething” troubles. Coping with anxiety: Every major change accompanies some stomach-churning anxiety, and feeling tense about the first job is nothing new. Ensure that you spend your leisure time in activities that keep you happily occupied, even if means some mindless entertainment, and keep your mind completely focussed on the task at hand, when at work. Doing this will keep you busy and prevent stress-inducing, “over-thinking”. Pre-concieved notions: It’s a proud moment for families when the youngsters begin their careers. Chances are that everyone from your mom and dad to your friends and relatives will inquire incessantly about your job, perhaps compare you with another cousin or friend, and offer “free advice”. Listen in with a smile, but avoid absorbing too much of the banter. It’s better to go with an empty slate, instead of clouding yourself with pre-conceived notions about the job and the company. It’s the start of your career, and you cannot build a foundation based on what other’s think, however good or bad. Let your own better judgement prevail, because what may not work for others may work very well for you. Starting afresh: Transitions are always hard to deal with, and many newbies initially fail to realize the line that separates college from the workplace. Just because your workplace may have a “young crowd” and is easy on traditional hierarchy, does not imply that it is an extension of college. It is a competitive arena, where you need to prove your mettle to move up. You may have been the batch topper, or the most popular student in college, but the workplace is an altogether different playing field. So do not carry any baggage from your college days, and prepare to start afresh. It may seem daunting to work on your “reputation” all over again, but give yourself some time and patience. An attitude to learn is always an asset, wherever you may be. Grasp the work, understand its nuances, and perform. However, do not over do it. You’re young and right out of college, any attempts to sound like an “old chap” will, in most instances, fall flat! Picking work attire: A lot is made out of “corporate grooming” and dressing to please. Indeed looking good has become important business these days and is considered extremely important in making the right first impression. So do take care to dress appropriately and have your hair and shoes sorted. Well-ironed semi-formals almost always work on first days, after which you can decipher whether the general attire is formal or casual. But always remember to keep it simple and comfortable. Tight, ill-fitting, wrinkled, or faded clothes are as much of a no-no as dressing up like a fashionista. Also keep a deodrant and hair-comb handy, just in case the need arises. Too much expectation: Although you may be raring to prove your ability on the first job, too much ambition and expectation can become an issue. It is good to be inquisitive and ask intelligent questions about what your seniors desire of you. However, if you aspire to land that dream assignment immediately, hold your horses. It is only rarely that we instantly get what we hope to. In most cases, it will take time, effort, and some form of trial by fire. Prepare yourself mentally to fight off the pessimist demons that may assault your hopes in the early days. Dealing with leisure: Don’t be surprised if the the first few days on the job are spent on your desk, killing time as you watch your experienced colleagues go about their duties. They too, at some time, may have gone through a similar period of uncomfortable leisure. Use the opportunity to observe the subtle dynamics at work, the way people talk, dress, and behave. What time they come in, and when they usually leave, what are the popular watering holes around office and who frequents them. These little hints will come very handy when you eventually get to the grind. Some harmless net-addiction in between can also be a useful time-killer. But ensure that you read up useful job-related information and articles online. At any point, it’s much better being seen surfing The New York Times than playing farmville on Facebook! Additionally, avoid strutting around too much, talking incessantly on the phone, or with someone new who may have joined with you. Socialising is great, but the first few days are best spent on a low profile, observing the silent dynamics at work, instead of trying to jump into the fray without judging the players, and learning the rules of the game. Know your boss: It’s done, you’ve signed the papers, come in on the allocated time, and have had the necessary introduction session with your boss. However, knowing your boss by name and face is entirely different from “knowing” him/her. Your boss is likely to be a busy person, and if you go out-of-sight after the first meeting, chances are you’ll become out-of-mind pretty soon. Make it a point to check in with the boss, and ask if you can help with anything. Acknowledge him/her if you brush into the person, instead of throwing nervous glances. Sometimes a simple “hi” can transcend into meaningful conversation, or even a career launcher. But avoid over-doing this, at any cost. Office politics: You may have heard of this surreptitious term before, and if truth be told, it exists everywhere. Wherever there is competition and too many competitors for some plump roles, politics will come into play. Its an age old wisdom, but at the risk of being cliche, its better to keep off than jump in, lest you get burnt even before you begin. You are too new to get soiled by office politics. As tempting as it may sound, stay off the gossip and the gossip mongers. If asked to speak, measure your words. If the co-workers are ranting about a senior colleague, listen but do not comment. A diplomatic “I’ve hardly started work” will be sufficient. Even if someone or something is annoying you, keep such thoughts to yourself and share with someone reliable at home, or a close friend not related to your industry at all. One of the biggest signs of maturity is not allowing yourself to get carried away by emotions, and learning to control what you say and how you put it across.
Editor's note: Most articles submitted to Chillibreeze go through a selection process. Only 30 percent of submitted articles are accepted for publication on the Chillibreeze.com featured article list. All accepted articles are edited and proofread for glaring errors of punctuation and grammar. Sentence structure is changed in certain cases and sometimes, entire sections are rewritten. If you notice any errors that have slipped through the cracks, do let us know! (Email us at info at chillibreeze dot com). Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in November, 2011. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.
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