Talks with Shift Shock
Imagine yourself starting your new job, you feel as prepared as possible, but when you start working, suddenly it doesn’t go as planned; jobs are more complicated than you thought, your coworkers have their own teams, and you’re left confused. This is called a shift shock. It’s the unpleasant surprise you get when your new job isn’t exactly what you thought it would be. Shift shock can happen if the job description was completely different or your boss is nowhere to be found. But how do you know if you’re fighting shift shock?
The first sign is feeling unprepared. You thought you knew how to do this job, but suddenly, you are presented with complex software and obligations. Another sign is that you feel overwhelmed by endless tasks. You may face disappointment, as a bad workplace, although it was advertised as something completely different.
You might think that something like this would be easy to overcome, but that’s not exactly the case. Ignoring the shock of the shift may not hurt you immediately but it can affect your mental health in the long run. It has the power to destroy your self-confidence and make you doubt your performance or ability. Shift shock is annoying, but also manageable. The key is to spot the signs early and take action before it becomes a career problem. So, let’s start exploring how to fight it and find your peace of mind.
What Causes Shift Shock?
Miscommunication About Expectations
The job description is designed to attract you, and is often full of promises about the team environment and opportunities. But unfortunately, the reality may be different, as your actual duties and job description are completely different. But why does this happen? Sometimes companies exaggerate job postings to attract the right people. Or maybe the role has really changed since the description was written. A wrong expectation doesn’t mean you made a wrong choice. There’s nothing wrong with feeling frustrated, but you should fix this right away.
Corporate Culture Adjustment
Let’s talk about the adjustment of the work culture, which is trying to fit into the new work environment. Maybe your new colleagues have already formed friendships and share inside jokes, which makes you feel uncomfortable. Or, everyone is dressed casually, and you’ve arrived in business attire. It’s possible that your peers are completing their tasks quickly, and you’re still figuring out how to use tools and software. Adapting to a new workplace culture is difficult, and although understanding it takes time, below, you’ll find ways to speed up the process and feel comfortable much faster.
Skill Gaps
No one starts a new job knowing everything. You may apply for a new job and find that the tasks you are required to do do not match your skills. Don’t worry. Companies hire you for your skills, not because you’re an expert. So, if you feel unprepared, remind yourself that everyone has been a beginner. Skills gaps are common because, as we mentioned, job descriptions are sometimes exaggerated. And most workplaces know that you will need time to learn. No one expects you to master every tool and process within the first week.
Full Information
When you start a new job, you are expected to learn a lot in a short period of time. You need to memorize passwords, train on procedures, learn about policies, use new tools, and be introduced to your new peers. And if the people responsible for your training don’t allow you to process things at your own pace because they move too fast, you may feel your brain is overloaded with information. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t. It just means that your new workplace is throwing more at you than you can handle.
Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt where you may feel like an impostor when it comes to your abilities or accomplishments. Even if there is strong evidence to show how good you are, that doubt can still exist, and it’s more common than you think, especially among new employees. This is due to the stress that comes with starting a new role, which makes you second-guess everything you do at work. So, you start feeling overwhelmed and completely unprepared for what you applied for.
5 Strategies to Overcome the Problem
1. Mental growth
To combat the shock of change, you must first change the way you think. Stop believing that you have to be perfect at your job. You don’t have to do this; you must read first. Instead of worrying, focus on the process and celebrate even the little things, like using the software without help or finding a problem yourself. Even if you make mistakes it’s okay. You will learn from them and get better. So, stop stressing about doing everything flawlessly and aim to increase your skills as much as possible.
2. Open Communication
To avoid confusion and frustration when taking on new responsibilities, communicate as much as possible. Ask questions if you have them, whether it’s about the company’s email rules or when you take time off. Also, start connecting with your peers. If you are shy, start slowly by greeting them. The same goes for your bosses. Always talk to them about your concerns, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It shows that you care about doing a good job, and they may praise you for it.
3. Reasonable Terms
You should be gentle with yourself when you start in a new workplace and set realistic goals for your progress. For example, if you have big tasks that are bothering you, break them down into smaller tasks or steps. Also, put yourself first. Not every task is urgent, so make a to-do list and focus on what’s important. There is no need to try to be an overachiever from the beginning; that will burn you fast.
4. Support System
Trying to fight the shock of a shift on your own is not good. You need to have a support system that includes peers, friends, and family. For example, you can find counselors at work. These people are knowledgeable and can save you from stress. They are good people to ask questions and get help from. You can also network with other new hires to vent and share experiences. And don’t forget how important it is to share the burden with your loved ones, as they can bring a new perspective, seeing everything from the outside.
5. Boarding Services
Don’t forget about the onboarding equipment your company provides. Training programs and workshops can really help you navigate the difficult aspects of a new role, so be sure to participate, ask questions, and be actively involved. Next, company manuals, FAQs, and internal tools are also useful resources during onboarding. Save those and refer to them when you have questions or run into a problem.
The conclusion
Shift shock may feel overwhelming at first, but it’s important to remember that it’s completely normal, as most people experience it when starting a new job. The good news is that it is manageable if you approach it with the help of the strategies above. Choose the ones that suit you and try them as soon as possible. Whether it’s setting up a quick meeting with a colleague or taking the time to plan your activities, small actions can make a big difference in making this transition easier for you.
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