Starting a New Job? How to Handle the Anxiety that Comes with a Career Change
Change is never easy. You don’t know what to expect and your brain may be going a thousand miles a minute trying to plan for any outcome.
When you change jobs, although some things may be the same as they were, many differences may also come your way.
You may have a new wake-up time, dress code, start time, or commute. You’ll have a new work location, coworkers, and tasks.
While this type of change may feel overwhelming, there are ways to cope with this anxiety. If you’re starting a new job, here are some tips for handling the anxiety that comes with a career change.
Allow Yourself to Feel
It can be easy to want to dismiss your true feelings if you’re feeling anxious or stressed. In the past, you may have tried to push those feelings aside so that you didn’t have to deal with them. But the truth of the matter is that you won’t be able to process how you’re really feeling until you acknowledge those feelings.
It’s okay to feel down, anxious, and stressed sometimes. It happens to everyone, especially with a situation as big as a life change like changing your career or job. Allow yourself to feel so that you can process those emotions and move forward again.
Try to Be Optimistic
When you’re starting a new job, it may be easy to convince yourself that you’re not good enough or that you don’t belong. Your mind may even convince you that if you don’t do certain things you may lose the job or get fired. Try not to think so one-sided. Instead of always jumping to conclusions or to the worst-case scenario, try to consider all of the possibilities, positive and negative.
Write down all of the scenarios that you come up with. This simple approach can help change your perspective and way of thinking so you can think a little more positively about different events going on in your life.
Take Care of Yourself
When anxiety hits, a lot of people dismiss their own wants and needs because their anxiety tends to take over. This time in between ending your past job and starting your new role is the perfect time to dedicate to yourself. Find a new routine to set you up for success in your new role. Make sure you’re eating healthy and well-balanced meals, drinking enough water, aiming for at least eight hours of sleep each night, moving your body, and dedicating time to your hobbies, interests, and passions.
Implement Coping Mechanisms
There are many different coping mechanisms out there to help reduce stress and anxiety and improve one’s overall mood. Try a few of the different coping mechanisms or relaxation techniques to see what works best for you. It’s never a bad idea to have a few of these techniques and mechanisms ready to go for the next time you may be feeling anxious.
Seek out Mentors
Relationally Network
Identify Interests and Passions outside of work
Meditate
Practice yoga
Write in a journal
Seek Additional Support
If you’re having a hard time managing the anxiety that comes with starting a new job, you’re not alone. You’re not expected to have all of the answers to everything in life. You were nervous when you started your last role and then you became more comfortable and confident in yourself to do the work. The same thing will happen in your new role. There will always be a learning curve when it comes to something new.
If you feel like you need a little extra support managing your emotions and finding ways to cope, we’re here for you. Contact me today to set up a consultation.