Reasons You're Nervous About a New Job

After months of searching, you finally get a job offer. And, despite your excitement, you have nerves that just won't quit. It's perfectly normal to be nervous about a new job, but most people don't understand why they feel that way. By knowing the reasons you're nervous, you can begin to take measures to ease your worries.

Nervous About Burning Bridges with a Current Employer

If you were fired, you don't need to worry about this. But, in the event that you are leaving a current employer, you might have concerns about ruining your relationship. After all, your departure will cause trouble for your employer. They will need to find a replacement, train them, and handle your workload until the new employee is up to the task.

In truth, your current employer probably understands that you need to do what's right for you. Even though they might not like you quitting, they understand it and won't hold it against you. As long as you give them adequate notice and work hard until the day you leave, you won't burn any bridges.

If you're really concerned, you can offer to help the employer find a replacement. You don't want to jeopardize your new job, but you may be able to time your start date so that you give your employer extra time to hire and train someone.

You Don't Want to Lose Your Identity

It's not uncommon for people to tie their identity to their current job. Therefore, the idea of quitting could make you feel as if you'll lose yourself. You might worry that you won't be the same person if you start a new job or that your life will change drastically.

Although you spend most of your day at work, you can't define yourself by your workplace. You're much more than your job, and leaving your current role won't change you. While it may change your schedule or your daily duties, the transition has no bearing on your personality.

As you prepare for the new job, remind yourself of who you are. Think about what made you succeed in your role and how you can carry that over to your new position.

You Don't Think You'll Like Your New Job

Part of human nature is to fear the unknown. Even though you probably agonized over the job offer and only accepted the job because you knew it was right for you, it's likely that you have some doubts. You could lose sleep thinking about all the ways in which you might hate your new job.

If you find yourself going through a list of all the things that could make your new job miserable, stop your thoughts. There's a time and a place to worry, and this isn't it. Remind yourself of why you accepted the job in the first place. Did you have a great rapport with the manager? Perhaps the schedule is much more flexible than your previous one.

When positive thoughts don't seem to get rid of the negativity, take action. Research your new employer and use social media to find out who your new coworkers will be. As long as you picked your employer carefully, you have nothing to fear.

You Don't Think You Can Handle It

Oftentimes, people move from one job to a better, more advanced one. If you're not making a lateral move, you might be afraid of failing. After all, are you really up to the task? You may feel as if you are a fraud and incapable of the promises you made to the hiring manager.

Unfortunately, this way of thinking could be what keeps you from being successful. You need to be confident and aware of your own abilities. If you start to doubt your skills, take a minute to look at your accomplishments. Did you do anything that made you stand out? Furthermore, examine your resume and remind yourself that you did everything on the document.

One way to ease your fears is to go back to the job listing. As you look at the job listing, think of the ways in which you check off the requirements. Think back to your interview and remind yourself of how you answered the questions. In all likelihood, you were honest. You probably have many transferable skills from your current position as well as other assets to offer.

Fear of Being the New Guy

Even if you have an outgoing personality, you probably don't want to be the new person in the workplace. At your current job, you have friends and know all of the procedures. People know you, and you know what to expect from them.

Once you start the new job, you'll be the "new guy." This title is often unwanted and might make you uncomfortable. Because no one knows you, there will be a period where you need to prove yourself. You also have to take time to get to know everyone in the office. Starting over is scary and might cause you constant stress.

Before you begin your job, put yourself into some uncomfortable situations. Join a club or talk to a stranger. As you get better at introductions and small talk, you can begin to feel more confident about your new job.

When you start your job, make an effort to introduce yourself. You don't need to be the mysterious new person. Give everyone in the office an opportunity to meet you, and make sure you have a lasting impression. At lunch time, make the rounds and sit with everyone else. If people invite you out for drinks, join them. With some effort, you won't be the newcomer for long.

Make the Most of Your New Job

If you start out your new job feeling confident and eager, you're on your path to success. But, if you let your nerves take over, you might not make the right impression. Do whatever it takes to calm yourself and start your new job off well.