Dealing with shift shock
Imagine starting a new job feeling as prepared as possible. But when you actually start working, things suddenly don’t go as planned. The task is more complicated than you expected, your colleague already has his own group, and you are left confused. This is called shift shock. It’s the negative feeling of surprise you get when a new job doesn’t quite match what you imagined. Shift shock can occur if your job is completely different or your boss is nowhere to be found. But how do you know if you’re battling shift shock?
The first sign is that you don’t feel ready. You thought you knew how to do this job, but suddenly you’re given complex software and responsibilities. Another sign is that you feel overwhelmed with never-ending tasks. You may even experience disillusionment, such as a negative work environment, even though it was advertised as something completely different.
You might think that something like this would be easy to overcome, but it’s actually not. Ignoring shift shock may not cause any immediate harm, but over time it can negatively impact your mental health. It can shatter your confidence and make you question your performance and abilities. Shift shock can be frustrating, but it’s also manageable. The key is to recognize the signs early and take action before your career is in jeopardy. So, let’s explore how you can fight it and find inner peace.
What causes shift shock?
Misconceptions about expectations
Job descriptions are designed to attract you and are usually filled with promises about the team environment and opportunities. Unfortunately, however, the reality may be different, with the actual job duties and job descriptions being completely different. But why does this happen? Companies sometimes exaggerate job listings to attract the right candidates. Or maybe the role has really changed since the description was written. Even if your expectations are off, it doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. It’s not your fault for being irritated, but this needs to be addressed immediately.
Adapting to corporate culture
Let’s talk about adjusting your workplace culture. Basically, it’s about trying to adapt to a new work environment. Maybe your new co-worker is already a friend and you’re sharing inside jokes, which makes things awkward. Or you come in business attire while everyone else is dressed casually. You may even be figuring out how to use a tool or software while your coworkers are completing tasks faster. Adapting to a new work culture is difficult and takes time to figure out, but here’s how to speed up the process and get comfortable as quickly as possible.
skill gap
No one starts a new job knowing everything. You may get a new job and find that the tasks you need to perform don’t match your skills. Don’t worry. Companies hire you because of your potential, not because you are an expert. So if you feel unprepared, remember that we were all beginners once. As mentioned earlier, job descriptions may be overstated, so it’s normal to have skill gaps. And most workplaces know that you need time to learn. No one expects to master all the tools and processes in the first week.
information overload
Starting a new job requires you to learn a lot in a short period of time. You need to remember passwords, train processes, learn about policies, navigate new tools, and introduce new colleagues. You may also feel like your brain is overloaded with information because your training moves so fast that your training director doesn’t allow you to process things at your own pace. However, that doesn’t mean you’re incompetent. That means your new job will impose more on you than you can bear.
Imposter syndrome
Imposter syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt that makes you feel like an imposter when it comes to your abilities and accomplishments. Even when you have solid evidence of how capable you really are, such doubts can still exist, and they’re more common than you think, especially among new employees. This is because the stress that comes with taking on a new role can cause you to put off everything you do at work. Therefore, you begin to feel overwhelmed and completely unprepared for what you have applied for.
5 strategies to overcome problems
1. Growth Mindset
To combat shift shock, you first need to change your mindset. Stop thinking that your work has to be perfect. This is not what you should do. You should learn first. Instead of worrying, focus on your progress and celebrate even the small things, like using software without help or solving problems on your own. It’s okay even if you’re wrong. You will learn from them and become better. So, stop stressing about doing everything perfectly and aim to improve your skills as much as possible.
2. Open communication
Communicate as much as possible to avoid confusion and frustration when taking on new responsibilities. If you have any questions, such as company email etiquette or when to take breaks, please ask. Also, start communicating with your colleagues. If you’re shy, start by saying hello. The same goes for your boss. Discuss your concerns often and don’t be afraid to ask for help. It shows that you care about doing a good job, and they may compliment you on it.
3. Realistic goals
When starting a new job, you need to be kind to yourself and set realistic goals for your progress. For example, if you have large tasks that seem overwhelming, break them down into smaller tasks or steps. Additionally, prioritize them. Not all tasks are urgent, so create a to-do list and focus on what’s important. There is no point in trying to become a super achiever from the beginning. It burns out quickly.
4. Support system
Trying to overcome shift shock yourself is not ideal. You need a support system of colleagues, friends, and family. For example, you may have a mentor at work. These people are experienced and will save you stress. They are the right people for you to ask questions and get help from. You can also connect with other new employees to vent and share your experiences. And remember the importance of sharing burdens with loved ones. Because they bring a fresh perspective by seeing everything from the outside.
5. Onboarding resources
Don’t forget about the onboarding resources your company provides. Training programs and workshops can be very helpful in navigating the challenging aspects of a new role. So be sure to get involved, ask questions, and be active. Next, company handbooks, FAQs, and internal tools are also helpful resources during onboarding. Save these and refer to them if you have questions or run into problems.
conclusion
While shift shock may feel overwhelming at first, it’s important to remember that it’s completely normal, as it’s something many people experience when starting a new job. The good news is that it is manageable if you deal with it with the help of the above strategies. Pick something that resonates with you and try it out as soon as possible. Whether it’s setting up a quick meeting with a colleague or taking the time to organize your tasks, small actions can make a big difference in easing this transition.
