Surviving the 1st Day at a New Job

This is an article about what to do after you've secured employment. If you're not at that stage yet, I suggest reading Interviewing Advice.

I'm writing this as someone who has been a Stay-at-Home-Mom for a year and is now going back to work. It's a scary thing to re-enter the work force. In order to make the first day go as smoothly as possible, I started to write a list of everything I want to remember to survive that first day. I thought other people could benefit from these tips so I wanted to share. I hope they help!

Good luck

* Before your first day, read the Handbook - most places of employment give out an employee handbook. Get to know the policies and procedures of the company where you'll work. If there's a schedule (teachers!), get to know that well!

* The night before your first day, write a checklist of everything you'll need as you head out the door the next day: keys, phone, purse, lunch, snacks, etc and tape it to the door. Pack as much of your lunch as possible.

* The morning of your first day, wake up early, maybe do some exercising or yoga (helps give you more energy and releases endorphins which make you happier), dress to impress and do your hair. This is so important, mainly because it will give you confidence which is crucial for the first day of work. Looking good = feeling good and being confident. It will also help you make a good first impression. Eat a healthy and nutrition breakfast. May I suggest eating an apple instead of drinking a cup of coffee? It gives you just as much energy but is much more natural and healthy for you. Don't forget your lunch!! Leave early to arrive at work early.

* While you're actually at work, be nice to people and work hard. You might be surprised how far these simple principles will get you! Ask intelligent questions and write things down that you won't want to forget. Utilize post it notes, notepads, planners or whatever works for you. Don't be shy; you only get one chance to make a good first impression.

* Here are some ideas to help you get through the day if you've been out of work for a while and might be less than thrilled about returning... Focus on the positives. Remind yourself why you're doing this; what benefits are going to come from you working? ShayCarl says "Happiness is a choice." Choose to have a good day and make it happen. Smiling will help you stay positive and help with that great first impression that I keep mentioning. Think about what you're going to do on the weekend so you can have something to look forward to.

* My last piece of advice: Try not to be shy. This might be an easy one for you; maybe you're naturally outgoing. However if you're anything like me, this might be a struggle for you. Give yourself a pep-talk before walking in. You can do this! Be friendly and confident and it will make your first day so much easier!

GOOD LUCK!

Visit my Inspiration / Motivation board on Pinterest for, well... inspiration and motivation. If you have an office or cubicle, maybe even print one or two of them out and hang them up!