Why starting a new job feels so awkward?
Starting a new career is exhilarating, but the unknown environment might initially be unsettling. You may feel like a newcomer to the workplace no matter how many times you’ve changed jobs. What are some strategies for surviving the initial social awkwardness? Can a newcomer feel at ease right away? What can you do as the one doing the welcoming to make things easier for the new team member?
Understanding the causes of the challenges associated with such changes can help.
Your mind is completely unprepared for this new setting
A key function of your brain is prediction. The program is made to make sure you live through any situation. On the first day of new work, one’s thoughts are likely all over the place. We often do nothing when worried or unsure about what to do. We also tend to keep quiet for fear of being misunderstood.
They use their language among themselves
Each group has its own set of abbreviations for certain roles or procedures. A new vocabulary will await you when you start your recent work. Those well-versed in the company’s internal lingo may blurt out phrases that make little sense to outsiders. You can feel awkward asking someone to describe unfamiliar terms whenever they use one.
You have not yet joined the pack
Many of your new coworkers already have established relationships. That means you’ll still have to try to integrate into preexisting social networks and make new pals. The fact that you haven’t yet found a solid support system among your coworkers is the most difficult aspect of starting a new career. Happiness and contentment in one’s work have been shown to depend heavily on one’s social network. As an outsider, you may feel even more alone if you observe groups of people enjoying time together and discussing their common experiences.
Conclusion
Remember that you, more than anybody else, are concerned about the unpleasantness of starting a new job. Your new coworkers are all going about their normal activities. The bright side is that most worries will last around six weeks. You’ll get into new routines, learn that you already know half of the jargon being hurled at you, and make a few friends who can help you navigate the social environment.