Look at you, feeling as if you are losing yourself on that desk. Trying to impress your colleagues and Manager so they recognize your talents, new leaf huh?!. Why forget so early that you earned the position you are in today or that you are capable of doing the job?

I believe that after the last conversation we had on changing careers, you found your wings and flew on the option that was best for you. I hope you found your passion, as well. If you didn’t you can read it from here

I am not here today to tell you to quit your job but how are we navigating into a new job or career? or it is all the same?

How can we adjust to a new normal? The culture, the attitude and new challenges as we also learn to understand different habits found under this new environment? Noting that we also have to fight the imposter syndrome you have been struggling with since you joined this new journey? A TOUGH ONE

You may find it difficult to readjust to a new line of work, but if you take the appropriate steps, you should be able to make a change with relative ease. I made a few key things that can help you adjust to your new journey.

Be patient with yourself

It takes time to adjust to a new job/place, so be patient and give yourself time to adapt. Set realistic expectations for yourself and understand that you will make mistakes along the way. Your choices and recommendations will be questioned, maybe in so many ways that you will doubt yourself. Stay calm, learn to understand first before complaining, and smile and give it time despite it being hard.

Seek feedback

Seek out feedback from your supervisor, colleagues, and mentors so that you can identify areas where you should improve in your performance. Remember our conversation on Mentors, do you keep updating them on the changes, challenges and successes? You should. Get out of that fear of being questioned by them. I hope you choose the good ones.

Build relationships

Establishing positive “working relationships” with those whom you will be working alongside during the transition is essential to its outcome. Spend some time getting to know your co-workers by engaging in small talk, going to business activities, and looking for things that you have in common with them. As you do so, avoid unnecessary attachments

Avoid being the first to speak or implying that you are better than others, why seek the spotlight that fast? The day will come for you to be in the spotlight without much effort. All you need at this point is comfort with these folks as you will one day need their support or vote in rooms you don’t attend, don’t be a nuisance.

Embrace new learning opportunities

Take the initiative to learn as much as you can about your new role, the organisation and the industry in which it operates. Participate in training sessions when available, and educate yourself with online courses, industry publications or books. Spoon feeding in these areas is okay but are you sure that the spoon that is feeding you, will carry you through this? So, ENGAGE!! As you engage ask questions and challenge yourself.

Be open to new ideas

Maintain an open mind with flexibility towards change, and be willing to adjust your approach to new circumstances and responsibilities as they come along. As John C. Maxwell insisted in his book, The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication, it is important to have an open mindset. Accept that there may be better ideas than those that you know; I am not saying yours are average; they are good but can be better. Let me share a quote from Maxwell with you

“It’s important to remember that an idea doesn’t have to be your idea to be good. What’s important is that every idea be brought to the table so that the best idea can win”

“If you want more and better ideas, learn to collaborate with others”

Take care of yourself

During the process of transitioning to a new career or job, it is critical to practise self-care in both the physical and mental aspects. Get an adequate amount of rest, move your body, and maintain a nutritious diet. When you need support, seek it from your mentor, family and close friends.

By implementing these tips, you will successfully adjust and enjoy the place, build meaningful relationships, and reach your full potential.

Let’s do this!! Chin Up and move!!

With Love,

Your Office Friend