A fairly common fear: the first days in a new office.
And it is that although no psychological state arises in us spontaneously without the context having played a role in it, in the case of anxiety this is even clearer.
It is a state of intense activation of our nervous system that appears when we perceive some real or imagined risk. In this article we will see what can be done when this source of anxiety is something that we frequently interpret as a threat: the fact of starting a new job.
- Related article: “The 7 types of anxiety (causes and symptoms)”
Anxiety when starting a new job: why does it arise?
No matter how good a resume we think we have, there are professional situations that we feel are beyond us, even if we are technically qualified to perform the work we must perform. These are some examples of it .
1. The rate at which we must learn is too high
Something as simple as having to navigate a new office while someone teaches us how the work dynamic works and who our superiors are, for example, can overload our ability to retain information , something that triggers anxiety.
This information can be reviewed and consulted again later, but when this happens to us it is difficult to know how to maintain an objective perspective of what is happening: we only notice that we are bombarded with different data in different locations that we must memorize as soon as possible.
2. The desire to make a good first impression
Another aspect that usually generates anxiety in a new job is the desire to offer a good image to others, since they do not know us. But this can be difficult for those who find it cumbersome to socialize in formal work contexts, since in these situations there are certain protocols.
Of course, it is also true that there are people who are insecure in informal interactions and who, on the contrary, feel comfortable in an environment less prone to improvisation, such as work.
3. The trial period
Not all jobs have an initial trial period, but in those where it is used, it can become an anxiety bomb for those predisposed to stress.
4. Workflow Discomfort
Even if we know that we present a good image and that our skills are more than enough to successfully meet the company’s objectives, there is still another factor that can produce anxiety: feeling exasperated by having to operate with a workflow that we consider poorly designed .
This frustration that produces how time and resources are wasted simply because superiors do not want to rethink the organization of work accumulates until many times we explode.
What to do to combat this type of work stress?
If you need help because you don’t know how to deal with the stress of starting a new job, follow these tips below.
1. Write down your doubts
When you notice that there is something you don’t know, instead of succumbing to catastrophic thoughts, write it down and keep it handy . This way you will learn much faster to work well.
2. Make sure you allocate your time well
Even if you are just starting out, you probably already have a reasonable number of tasks to attend to from day one . In order not to give in to anxiety, plan a schedule that helps you keep up with your responsibilities and, incidentally, to see which parts resist you the most as the hours and days go by.
3. Focus on the task that you can solve in a few hours or minutes
When working, try not to think about everything you still have to do , and instead think about the task you are doing at the moment. In this way you will always have in mind a goal capable of motivating you in the here and now, and the chances that you will be distracted by stressful thoughts will be lower.
4. Train relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques will help you oxygenate yourself better and less notice the effects of fatigue , muscle tension and other annoying symptoms of anxiety. In addition, you can apply them almost anywhere, even in the office.
5. Have located the person you can ask
This person does not have to fulfill the role of mentor in a formal way; Although it is preferable to have someone to supervise and guide you, this possibility does not always exist. In any case, when you have doubts, order them according to their importance and ask someone qualified to answer them, without any shame.
Of course, in the event that responding to you is not one of their functions, make sure to make it clear that it is an informal conversation as a favor.
6. Go to the psychologist
Psychologists have a lot of experience treating anxiety problems , since it is one of the most common alterations. If your company doesn’t have one, look around your area or consider online therapy, which you can do from almost any quiet place with an Internet connection.
In addition, many psychologists specialize in this form of remote psychological assistance , so it is difficult for problems of coordination or understanding of the technology necessary to have these sessions to arise.
Bibliographic references
- American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
- Rynn MA, Brawman-Mintzer O (October 2004). “Generalized anxiety disorder: acute and chronic treatment”. CNS Spectrums. 9 (10): 716 – 23.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.