In our last return to work post, we discussed returning to your place of employment after an extended career break. Once again, we will look at this idea but with a slight difference.
So your allotted time for your break is nearly up. You decided when you took your break that you would not be returning to your previous employer. Now you are ready for a new challenge, and suitably refreshed from your break. But, a new job is daunting…very daunting! Especially after a career break, where you might feel your skills need some dusting off. Fear not, #CareerCounsel is now in session.
Before you start
So you aced the interview, and accepted the offer. Now you have a bit of time to nervously await your first day. Beat those nerves down immediately.
- You know what is going to be expected of you in the new role, otherwise you wouldn’t have accepted, right? What can you do to give yourself a bit of a skills refresh? Let’s say you work in Digital Design, for example. Give yourself some tasks to complete within a time frame, and work out what needs some more practice before the big day.
- Why not ask your new employer if you could visit the workplace one lunch time? Maybe you could share lunch with your future colleagues to be? There is no harm in proposing the idea, and will probably show the team that you’re eager to meet them. At least one barrier will be overcome, and you will have an idea of who you’ll be working with before you start.
- Think about what you want to achieve from this new opportunity, and keep these in your head whenever thoughts turn to the first day. Positivity neutralises all the fear and nerves, so you can look forward to the great things you have coming your way.
The first day
- Give yourself some extra time to adjust to the routine and commute, whatever the method you travel to work. You won’t worry about being late, with your hair all out of place, if you prepare and pace the time.
- Get to know your surroundings straight away. Don’t scuttle into a corner to eat lunch alone, this isn’t school! Explore the area if it’s unfamiliar, so you can find your new lunchtime favourite or where you can grab some extra bits after work. You may not know it, but familiarity plays a huge part in getting settled quicker than usual. Rather than feeling like a lost sheep, you’ll be grounded and ready to fit right in.
- Sit down with your employer, and be open about what skills you feel need refreshing. They understand you’ve been on a career break, and don’t see it as an issue (you wouldn’t have got the job if they did!) so they won’t think your concerns are an issue either. In fact, they’ll want them addressed so you can settle in quickly, for the greater good of the entire team.
First days are nerve wracking, regardless of a career break or not. We hope this edition of #CareerCounsel will ease you into it.