So you just landed a new role – congratulations!
It’s an exciting time, full of new opportunities. But starting a new job can also be downright scary. Here are six common trends – three to enjoy; three to avoid – to watch for as you settle into your new position.
3 treats to enjoy in a new job
First, the good stuff. Here are three treats to savor when you first start a new role.
You’re the golden child
Those new to the organization have the keys to the castle – that is, before the next new hire shows up. Take advantage of this time to push through requests for changes and gather additional resources, including staff and equipment.
Staff changes are more readily accepted
Make evaluating the staff you’ve been given a priority. If you wait too long to suggest changes, you’ll receive much more pushback than if you propose these changes early on.
You can establish work/life balance
The biggest treat you can give yourself is the ability to leave work at a decent hour – and to leave it behind when you do. Starting a new role is a perfect time to establish boundaries. You haven’t set any expectations regarding your availability and how quickly you’ll respond to requests.
At the same time, tread carefully. Think through your moves before setting a standard that may throw you off balance.
3 tricks to avoid
Ready for the darker side? These three tricks can petrify a new hire in any role.
Bait and switch
Sometimes the job you’re hired for turns out to be completely different than the job you are doing. This realization can be frightening, but don’t despair.
Give yourself time to settle into your new role. Time will help you understand if the unexpected duties you’ve been assigned are temporary or long-term. If it’s the latter, you’ll need to meet with your boss to review expectations – your boss’s as well as your own.
Remember, this conversation goes both ways. You want to be happy in your new role, and your boss also wants this, especially given how difficult it is to fill IT positions. When meeting, present your case. Point out what’s different than what you expected. Give examples to ensure that your boss fully understands your concerns.
Ideally, adjustments will be made and you’ll be satisfied with the outcome. If not, you’ll need to consider whether you wish to remain with your employer or find a position that better aligns with the work you want to do.
[ Also read 7 tips for dealing with a narcissistic boss. ]
Unmasking your boss
We’re usually on our best behavior when meeting someone for the first time, especially when we’re interviewing or being interviewed. For that reason, the boss you thought you were getting might turn out to be entirely different in reality.
If this happens, step back and evaluate: Is your boss more bureaucratic than you expected? If so, consider whether you can fall in line and remain satisfied in the role. On the other hand, if your boss’s style is more laissez-faire, you might want to keep thorough notes so you have a record of your achievements before review time.
Meeting a new boss
What if the boss who hired you leaves, and you end up with a new boss whom you don’t care for?
First, make sure you’re giving your new boss a fair chance. They may turn out to be a great leader and advocate once you adjust to the change.
However, if things aren’t working out, look into whether you can get reassigned. If that doesn’t work, perhaps there are ways you can help your boss get promoted so that you’re no longer under their direct supervision. If all else fails, you can always fire up your job search.
[ Check out essential career advice from 37 award-winning CIOs! Get a variety of insights on leadership, strategy, and career development from IT executives at Mayo Clinic, Dow, Aflac, Liberty Mutual, Nordstrom, and more: Ebook: 37 award-winning CIOs share essential IT career advice.
