‘Embracing the ‘Roller Coaster’: Navigating Emotions of a New Job
Congratulations - you got the new promotion!.
You have overcome the nerves and are just walking into your new challenge.?
It may sound spooky, but I can almost guarantee what will happen next.
It is a roller coaster of emotions, with twists and turns that can leave you exhilarated, anxious and everything in between.?
I know this because I experienced this each time I took on a new challenge - I have seen it in colleagues, friends and clients.?
Be forewarned. Be forearmed.
By understanding typical emotional fluctuations, you'll navigate confidently through the ups and downs.
Now, what exactly is this intriguing revelation?
Phase 1: Early Days
As you start the role, a surge of excitement envelops you.?
You'll be introduced to enthusiastic new colleagues who are genuinely excited about your arrival (they already have a bunch of tasks prepared for you!).
You're about to embark on a rapid learning journey; learning about the company, its values and its people.
You'll astonish yourself with your capacity to soak up information effortlessly as you adjust to your new environment.?
You are ‘ACING IT’
Phase 2: The Honeymoon is over!
Just as a roller coaster has unexpected twists, the initial thrill is soon accompanied by moments of frustration and self-doubt.
The workload is now mounting. Everything is new. Tasks that only took moments before now take ages. The IT systems are different. You have to learn new processes, signing into each tool and application. Everything takes an age.
You still have to work out who are the movers and shakers, key individuals who will help you make things happen.?
Colleagues who initially seemed so friendly and collaborative are now proving to be difficult.?
There are many people making demands of you.
You are being pushed to expand your skills, learn and adapt quickly. You have to dig deep. To be resilient.??
This is a vulnerable time. You may be thinking ‘Why did I give up my previous job?’
Worrying that ‘I will never be able to do this’.
I promise you - all these emotions are normal.
I can almost guarantee that even the impressive person you admire also had these doubts.
Now you may be thinking - ‘Oh No - what have I done?’
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Phase 3: Climbing onto the Plateau
The moment will come when you start to get some victories - both small and substantial.?
These triumphs will validate your hard work and serve as a reminder that you have the resilience and capacity to overcome hurdles.
Over time the once overwhelming aspects of your role will become familiar. You will laugh and wonder what all the fuss was about!
Gradually, you'll decipher the dynamics of your colleagues, finding the most effective ways to collaborate with them and derive optimal results.
You will start to make your mark and contribute meaningfully to your team and the organisation.
It won't be perfect. There will be things that niggle at you. You can see lots of room for improvement. But it's OK.?
If asked about your new job you respond:?
‘It's OK. Busy. A lot of Work - but OK'.
Phase 4: The Full Circle
Some people are content to settle for 'OK,' but others aspire to more.?
They aim to become a? 'Great High Impact Leader’; the kind of person they would want to work for. This is probably you if you are reading this.
They aim to create a purposeful working environment aligned with their beliefs and values. To create a haven where people feel secure and can thrive.
When you're in that place, work no longer feels like a chore.
‘You are Rocking It!’
In short, beginning a new job mirrors a roller coaster journey, encompassing varied emotions and experiences.
The shape of the journey is a given.?
The variables are? - How ‘Low’ will you go? And how ‘High’ will you end up?
Anticipating uncertainty readies you, easing its endurance.
Every challenge you face during this time adds to your personal growth and achievements.?
So, get ready, hold on, and savour every moment of the exciting ride ahead.
For more Top Tips on how to thrive as you start a new job see my article:
12 Top Tips for New Leaders -Navigating the First Crucial 90 days