As a post-grad, getting started out at a new job is nerve-wracking no matter what the age range is at the office. You might feel shy, nervous, or even scared, but don’t worry! This is completely normal. You will also feel the need to fit in. This is major especially when you know that you’ll be seeing your co-workers five out of the seven days of the week. Every week. Naturally, this makes you more driven, because you want to show everyone that you are the perfect candidate for the position.

The only treatment for your office jitters is to remember that you were hired for a reason. Your interview went well, and your boss saw great potential in you. So remember that! When it comes to fitting in: take it slow. Your co-workers will ease up to you sooner or later. Don’t forget to be yourself no matter where you are – just like this crazy Bears fan.

Office Problem #1 – System overload

Some might expect to get thrown out in to the wild on their first day, but every great company will train their new employees when they start. This means you will be learning 15 things at once and you will most likely feel overwhelmed by the end of the day.

Solution
Don’t be scared to write things down and refer to your notes later. Trust me, you will need these notes once you are on your own, and you will be thankful you had them in your workbag.

Office Problem #2 – Working outside of the office

This is SCARY because you are used to having all of your books at home on your desk from your school days. Working out of the office may seem stressful if you don’t know how to prepare all of your files you need to take home. Forgetting a file at work while working outside of the office is a big-time hassle and looks really bad on your reputation.

Solution
Growing up in the digital era, we’re used to having everything in the palm of our hands. Companies are investing in document management software (like Contentverse) that enables them to have their entire team work remotely and access any file from anywhere. Of course, document management software has plenty of other benefits, like being completely secure and allowing you to collaborate with everyone in your new company. This is an effective software to use especially while being the new employee in a fast-paced office environment. You won’t have to worry about forgetting documents on your first big project because in reality – it will happen. Make your life a little easier.

Office Problem #3 – Gossip

No matter the gender or age, gossip always happens in an office. This is very crucial because you don’t want to get involved in whispers while being the new person.

Solution
If you get caught up in gossip, brush it off. You really don’t want any problems as a new employee. Don’t be afraid to make friends, but be that person who is friends with everyone. You’re not in any place to choose sides.

Office Problem #4 – You will realize that being busy is way better than doing nothing

When you start your first office job, you hope that you can have a couple days where you can slack off… but you’ll soon realize that the problem is boredom. Spinning around in your office chair makes the day go by much slower. You will also conclude that not only do you hate not doing anything, but you also will feel miserable if you aren’t busy. You don’t want to spend time looking at the clock and counting down the seconds. Plus, being productive leads to promotions and exposure to new activities to fatten up your résumé.

Solution
At the beginning of the day, write some major tasks you need to get done. If all of your tasks are finished and your projects are in on time, ask someone else if they need help. This is a great way to make new friends with co-workers and learn more about the company. Don’t hesitate to ask someone if they need help. You will feel much more productive.

Not much of an office problem #5 – Fridays don’t really mean it’s the weekend

Ah yes, it’s Friday and you think that it’s time to party it up with your friends, but the only thing you look forward to come Friday is being able to dress casually. Not all offices allow this, but if your office does, be thankful. After four days of business clothes, you will yearn for those jeans and casual top. This means that your boss is giving you a break.

Solution
To make your Monday’s less stressful, hit the dry cleaners on Thursday right after work. You will have clean clothes by the beginning of the next week so you won’t have to worry about dressing properly for work.

Your first office job only means a new chapter that you are beginning in your life. Being employed is such a great way to feel like all of your hard work and effort you put into school has finally paid off. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because the only thing you’ll gain out of a question is useful information.

About the Author:

Samantha Lebbos is an experienced writer who studied broadcast journalism at Bradley University. While working as a radio traffic producer in Chicago, she is also a correspondent covering events and interviewing today’s top entertainment artists/athletes. Samantha writes for several different online blogs, including Elite Daily. She loves working and attending concerts, writing, traveling, and learning about new cultures around the world.