Eight things you shouldn’t do when you start a new job
I remember my first job like it was yesterday. I had a whistle in my mouth and blindingly white $25 Big W joggers on my feet. My enthusiasm was nothing short of extraordinary, as I believed selling the local newspaper was better than sliced bread. I was 10.
I believe having a part-time job throughout our educational journey is of paramount importance for becoming a well-rounded individual. Instilling key values from a humble beginning such as discipline and integrity, a part-time job also plants the seed for future career aspirations to grow.
Nowadays, the average human will have 12 to 15 jobs in their lifetime, making holding down a job for longer than a year seem like a rarity.
While you need to nail the job interview, what is often left in the fine print is how to actually keep the job and thus, how to progress your career. Here is what not to do when starting a new job.
Don’t be complacent
The early weeks of any new job are filled with clammy palms and nervously stuttered speech. It’s refreshing when Gus from down the hallway gives you his first smile.
But after that, don’t become complacent. It’s not the time to slacken your belt; instead, it’s a time when you should be shining. Continue to push yourself and learn, and show your manager that they made the right decision to hire you.
Don’t be the first person to leave
Even if you have a party to go to/friend to meet/episode of Game of Thrones to watch, don’t be the one packing up as soon as the clock strikes 12 (five, more likely). If you do, it signals to your colleagues that you’re not willing to go the extra mile, and that there’s a lack of dedication. Put in the hard yards early on and reap the flourishing crop in the months (hopefully years) to come.
Don’t bitch or complain
Self-explanatory, but we all need a gentle reminder from time to time. You’re the new person, and thus, unfortunately, have little-to-no status or respect. Your every move is heavily dissected, so keep your thoughts in your mind and your head held high.
Don’t think you know everything – you don’t
Albert Einstein said, “The more I learn, the more I realise how much I don’t know.”
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong affair, and there’s always something you don’t know. As soon as you feel like you’re no longer learning and aren’t going anywhere in your position, it’s the right time to say, “Adios.”
Don’t become too comfortable with your boss or manager
Respect will always go a long way. A friendly comment here and there will always be acceptable, however, remember time and place. While Friday night knockoff drinks with your boss may seem like the right time and place to joke, Monday morning in the first meeting of the day won’t be. They’re your superior for a reason, and they have a job to do. Be friendly, but keep the winks/inappropriate jokes/nicknames to a minimum.
Don’t give up
Some jobs are like off milk mixed with wet socks: bad. But think of every experience as an opportunity for growth, a way to pick up new skills, and another dot point on your resume. You never know what’s just around the corner.
Don’t be ungrateful
#Blessed. But seriously. Be the glass half-full person in your office/outdoor area/coffee shop. A good attitude, smile and gratitude for the people you work with and all that you have is infectious, and you can’t help that people will want to be around you.
Don’t stop learning
Use every experience as a stepping stone to a lifetime of wisdom, experience and understanding. While this may not be your dream job, it most certainly is leading to something great. Grab every experience with both hands, and remember, do not turn up for work late on your first day.
Other important things to remember:
Don’t tell your colleagues you’re applying for another job.
Hungover whinging is never OK at work.
And do not go out for a coffee and not ask anyone else. It’s plain rude.
Avril Treasure
Avril studies Journalism at Notre Dame in Sydney. In her spare time she enjoys playing cards with her grandfather, drinking one too many margaritas and pondering hypothetical questions.