I wrote an article about feeling overwhelmed at your job that focuses more on a job you’ve had for some period of time.
Questions started coming in about feeling overwhelmed with a new job and that triggered me to write this article focused on that particular issue.
That said, if you’ve been at your job for some time and you’re feeling overwhelmed, check out this article. If you’re new (a few months or less), continue reading.
The Build Up
You’ve started a new position at a new employer. Everything has been building up.
You were so excited when you landed the interview. Nerves kicked in during the actual interview itself, but you made it through like the shining star that you are.
You nailed it and were offered the job. The excitement set in after and you couldn’t wait to get your foot in the door and show them what you can do.
Nervousness started to set in after the initial excitement of being chosen for the position. You finally make it to the office for your first day at work and it goes downhill from there.
You’re overwhelmed with new people and unique names and overwhelming tasks and confused as to who reports to who.
In my younger years, I left two jobs within the first two weeks of starting employment. It wasn’t because the people weren’t nice. It was because I wasn’t following what I was being taught. I felt overwhelmed with poor instructions and couldn’t get used to the office culture.
I was young and had a side job as a waitress so left those two positions without giving it a second thought. You are reading this article because you want to stick it out. Things can get better and there are steps you can take to help it along quicker.
Dedication
Obviously, you’re dedicated to making this work. You are searching for answers on what to do online so you aren’t exactly running for the hills just yet.
Dedication is hard to find when you’re surrounded by new people that barely know you and you owe nothing to. It’s so easy to call it quits as you most likely haven’t formed a relationship with anyone that you work with.
It makes it easier to stay and find a solution to your feelings of being overwhelmed if the pay is worth your while or the benefits are outstanding.
If you are dedicated to make this work, find the good things and focus on those when you’re feeling like giving up. There has to be something that made this job stand out when you accepted the position.
Find The Root Of The Problem
Do you know why you’re feeling overwhelmed?
It may be exhausting because you’re having to be on top of your game each and every day because you are new. Maybe there are some deeper concerns that you have or you aren’t quite sure why you’re feeling this way.
Let’s try to get your mind to pinpoint where these feelings are coming from with some questions. Take a moment and think about each of the following:
- Do you feel exhausted because you have to be on top of your game each and every day because you are new?
- This new, exhausted feeling will wear off. It comes with time. This takes patience.
- Do you feel like you’re over your head when it comes to getting the job done? Your skillset isn’t up to par?
- You were savvy enough to search for an answer to feeling overwhelmed online. Could you be savvy enough to research the topics that are plaguing you in the office? I 100% believe you can.
- Do you not understand the systems they are using?
- I’ve struggled with outdated or complicated systems in the past. Almost every system out there is on YouTube. See if you can find anything on the system that they are using.
- Take the time on your breaks to explore the system on your own. I learn better when I’m left alone and not trying to follow someone else’s moves. Maybe I have control issues, but taking the mouse in my own hand helps me learn – it could help you as well.
- Is your training not going well and you aren’t following what your trainer is saying?
- Some people just suck at training. Note taking is extremely important. Write down everything that they are doing.
- I judge a new person by the notes they are taking. If they aren’t taking notes when I am training on something new, I can guarantee they are not going to remember what I am teaching them. Take notes not only for yourself, but for the people around you to know that you are taking your new position seriously.
- Are there too many new faces?
- You’re a single new person. Your name and face is going to be easy for everyone to remember.
- You have the ultimate struggle because you have a huge amount of new faces and names you’re overwhelmed trying to put together. Know that no one expects you to remember them after the first day or even first week.
- When you’re introduced to someone, repeat their name after they introduce themselves. This is proven to help you remember.
- Do you feel like you aren’t fitting in?
- I’d like to be able to say you immediately find someone that shares personality traits with you and you immediately click and have a work BFF. Most likely this isn’t the case. People may be hesitant to “hang” with you until you’ve got a few weeks under your belt. Do not take this personally.
Home Life
Stress or being unorganized at home can definitely impact your feelings at work.
Make sure you’ve got your life at home in order. It will help if you aren’t stressing about something outside of work. I feel like our minds can only take so much going on at one time before something has to give.
Some tips to settle down the home life during this difficult time at work:
- Have a monthly calendar posted at home. You can keep track of any family upcoming events.
- Make sure you have a spreadsheet or journal with your budget clearly written out.
- Last thing you want to stress over is paying bills- set up automatic payments where you can. If you’re uncomfortable with automatic payments, make sure your budget/journal clearly marks your due dates.
- Make your weekly meal plan over the weekend for the following week. Don’t stress about food the day of or try to make last minute runs to the grocery store.
- Try to find time to exercise! This can clear your thoughts and put you in a better mood.
Be Likeable
Make sure that you are being approachable. Smile at everyone that you meet or pass by.
First impressions are so important. Make sure you are smiling and greeting everyone in the establishment, not only those that you work closely with.
Keep your lunch plans open for the first few weeks. Take a prepared lunch with you, but be ready to accept if anyone offers to take you out to lunch.
Stay off your phone when you’re being trained or listening to others speak. Actually, try to stay off your phone completely except for during breaks for the first few weeks. You’re more likeable when you are giving your full attention.
Stay Organized
You should be more organized than ever. Your peers will take note of your organizational skills early on. Impress them!
If you’ve been at the job a few days or weeks and haven’t pulled out a pen and notepad to take notes, now is the time – it is never too late.
Make sure you’re keeping track of everything. Organize your organizational skills. Have a notepad just for taking notes on new things you are learning.
Perhaps you need a few pages dedicated to writing down the names of the people you meet. Keep a page on passwords or website portals that your new company utilizes.
Calendars are so important! Make sure you’re utilizing a calendar that works for you. It may be a desk calendar or the calendar on your phone.
Keep track of every task that is asked of you and what you’re supposed to be doing throughout the day. Little things can be missed when you’re feeling overwhelmed so nothing is too little to be placed on your calendar as a reminder to get it done. The feeling of accomplishment when you cross something off may just give you the confidence boost you need to hurry up and complete the next item.
Don’t Doubt Yourself
Sometimes we are our own biggest critic. Our flaws stand out to ourselves more than anyone else. Know that if you’re feeling insecure and left out, you may be the only one in the office that sees this side of you.
Keep your head high and don’t doubt what you are capable of. You can move mountains and get this job done.
Remember why you accepted in the beginning.
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