How to navigate new roles and workplaces

This article is written by Shabana Ansari, Research Specialist, Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada.

• The problem: It is natural to feel a bit lost when we embark on a new job or career.

• Why it matters: The important thing to keep in mind is that we have the tools and resources to help us navigate challenges at work.

• The solution: We only need to know where to look – it could be a friend at work, someone we trust on our team, mentors who have been in roles we are in currently, or even books and articles like this. 😉

I landed my first job right after university. It was at a pharmaceutical company, and the idea of analysing drugs and chemicals every day for the rest of my life was exciting and terrifying at the same time.

Since then, I have had the privilege of working across the private, not-for-profit, and public sectors in various roles—journalism, communications, quality assurance, public relations, client service, research—in three cities across three continents. These days I am trying to make the world a better place, in my own small way, as a public servant.

Well-meaning friends and colleagues continue to point out that it takes years to get up to speed in a new career, especially in a new country. However, a life of exploring exciting and meaningful roles–in India, UK and now Canada–has taught me a thing or two about the power of self-awareness, adaptability, and resilience.

Here are some of the things I have learned while starting out in a new role/career/industry/sector over the last two decades:

There will always be people at work that you can’t stand or find difficult to work with.

1. Show off what you know and acknowledge what you don’t

When you are new in a role everyone just assumes you know nothing. So, instead of being annoyed at people’s lack of faith in your abilities, learn to embrace it.

No matter where you are in your career or how brilliant you are at your work, accept that the learning never stops. So, ask relevant questions that will help you understand your responsibilities and how to carry them out efficiently.

Seek advice from more experienced colleagues, and don’t try to pretend you know something when you don’t.

On the other hand, if you have a skill that will help you do your job better, do not hesitate to showcase it and use it to your own advantage and to help others.

2. People only have as much confidence in you as you have in yourself

While it would be ideal if workplaces were full of kind and compassionate co-workers who support you each time you stumble and fall, the truth is that you are your own best advocate and cheerleader.

You may be great at what you do but if you let hesitation or self-doubt come in the way–while pitching a new idea or trying to convince your boss why you need to be given more responsibility, for example–you will not make others feel confident in your ability to do a great job.

While embarking on a new career or industry, self-assurance is the difference between who thrives and who gets left behind.

3. Be there early—but don’t stay too late

When you are the new kid on the block, there is this unwritten rule that you will be working longer and harder than anyone else. Many new employees don’t even take lunch breaks during their first few weeks, for fear of looking like a slacker, which is unhealthy and counterproductive.

While sometimes you must put in extra time–especially if there is an important project you are working on or if a deadline is looming large–it is important to not let this become a habit. If you are working long hours every day you are setting yourself up for burnout and harmful work habits.

At the same time, getting to the office (or home office, for those of us working remotely) a few minutes earlier not only creates a favourable impression on co-workers but also ensures that you begin your day with a clear mind without feeling rushed.

4. You may hate your boss even though you love your job

Having a difficult or unreasonable manager seems to be the number one reason most people quit their dream jobs. While you may be a wonderful employee, it is helpful to evaluate the reasons why you can’t (or shouldn’t have to) put up with a horrible boss.

Also, you could consider altering the way you react to their behaviour, so you are able to de-escalate the conflict and protect your mental health. Figure out what it is about your manager that you hate and determine if there is anything you can change or address to improve the situation.

Talking to a trusted colleague, or even HR when things seem like they are getting out of hand, can sometimes bring clarity and a possible resolution to the problem.

5. Quitting because you hate your colleagues is not a guarantee that things will be different at your next job

Working with a manager or colleague you don’t like is not an easy situation to navigate. However, leaving your dream job and hoping that you will end up working with someone more pleasant or likeable elsewhere may not be an alternative for everyone–due to many reasons including lack of family support, financial constraints, etc.

There will always be people at work that you can’t stand or find difficult to work with. And learning to get along with them–or to do your job well in spite of them–is a valuable lesson in patience and professionalism.

However, there is also wisdom in setting boundaries and prioritising your own well-being. No matter what the popular opinion is, you are the best judge of whether a workplace or manager is the right fit for you or not. And in these situations, stepping away and finding a team that supports and values you is often the best option.

We’re more adaptable and resilient than we often give ourselves credit for. With time, patience and practise it is possible to shine at everything we do.

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(Image Credit: Unsplash)