#lol is workblr a thing
I ended up reflecting on this question more than I expected and saw how far I’ve come with the work I do, so I turned this question into a full post/article! Thank you to the person who sent this a long time ago, and I’m sorry for responding so so late!
Quick background: my first work experience happened way before COVID, but I also started a new job two weeks before our country went into lockdown. I’ll be anchoring my responses from these experiences. Please note that things may be different for anyone!
On a work desk tour
You can check out snippets of my desk setup on my Instagram Stories Highlights (filed under - work: upd, work: abs-cbn, and desk mini-tour)! My high school/uni study space is my dedicated work space now that I’m working from home (since March).
I’d love to do an official mini-tour as well because the way I currently use this space is way different from my school days, and it’d be nice to reflect on that! I’ll post more pics - or maybe make a vlog soon??
On first day jitters
Small disclaimer: some of these tips might depend on your employer’s hiring and onboarding process, and you know *gestures vaguely* COVID, but these are things that helped me a lot in my first job as well as my interns before their first day!
First things first, breathe! Although it’s normal to be nervous about starting a new job and stepping into a new environment, you can mitigate some of the anxiety by preparing days (and even weeks) before.
- Coordinate with your recruiter or HR. Aside from pre-employment preparations, ask them if they can give you a tour of the area and show you where the following places are: where to clock in and out, your work area, your immediate superior’s office, your teammates’ area, HR department, cafeteria, and the nearest lavatory from your office. These places are crucial to your survival on your first day. You can always familiarize yourself with the other surroundings as the days pass anyway.
- Refresh your memory about the company/organization. Sure you might have done your research for the job interview, but that doesn’t mean you no longer need that info. Browse their website and revisit their mission statement, org chart (if available), and other important details.
- Plan your outfit! The dress code is usually explicitly stated in the employee handbook/orientation (or you can ask HR about it). You can even get some outfit ideas from the people you come across in the building. It’ll help you adapt to the company culture and blend in.
- Make sure you pack a notebook and pens. And water! Check with your recruiter/HR if you need to bring other documents or supplies too.
- Optional: do a dry run of your commute to work. I usually do this early on (sometimes in the job interview and/or job offer stages) to make time adjustments.
- If it’s your first day and you’re already working remotely, try to have a plain background when attending video calls! This puts the focus of others on you and what you say rather than what’s around you in the room.
Lastly, try to relax the way you normally do. It’s easier than done, but remember that you were chosen out of the many candidates for a reason. You got this!
On making friends
Normally, someone else will make the first move to welcome you to the team. In any case, set a goal to talk to at least one person that day. This person can be your new teammate or someone who’s next to you/near your work area (okay now that I think about it, my first friends at work are always the receptionists and security guards rather than my teammates). You can make small talk (what do they do, how long have they been in the company, etc.) and even ask if you can get lunch together. Do keep in mind though that they may not be available to talk often or for a long time because of their own tasks.
People will naturally gravitate towards you the first few days. Take advantage of it and do be kind and respectful.
On showing up even if you’re tired
The first 3-5 months will be challenging because this is a period of adjustment for you. You’re navigating social circles and figuring out norms all while getting acquainted with your work. It’s a lot! But this also a good time to reconnect and remember your personal whats and whys - what is it about this company that made me want to work here? what is my favorite part of my job so far? what do i wish to achieve with this job? This may help you build purpose and motivation as you go to work everyday. Also, if things get overwhelming, it’s alright to take a step back and breathe. You have the skills to do the job, but it doesn’t mean that you need to have it all figured out at once.
In the long run, set clear boundaries, use your leaves or PTO, and use up that one hour ✨ unpaid ✨ lunch break. This is for your mental health and peace of mind. You are giving 7 or 8 hours (or more) of every day to your job but this is not all there is to it. A lot of people are very passionate about what they do and strongly identify with their job, and that’s okay too! Just remember to cultivate your inner life - make time for your hobbies and things that are important to you, hang out with your friends (ideally not your work friends + do this responsibly please), and take care of yourself.
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Felt like the previous paragraph was a pep talk to myself so yeah! We’re all just figuring things out one day at a time. You’ll be okay. I hope anyone who comes across this still finds this post helpful especially since COVID has drastically changed the way work works! For new or follow-up questions, don’t hesitate to reach out via DM or my ask box!
