The 5 Stages of Landing a Sweet New Job-The Muse

The 5 Stages of Landing a Sweet New Job-The MuseThe 5 Stages of Landing a Sweet New JobI recently got a new job, and it (still) scares me every day. Im not frightened in the horror-film, Freddy vs. Jason type of way. However, I am scared because I dont know the answer to these two questions How in the world did I end up here, and whats going to happen next? Its frightening, exciting, and palm-sweat inducing- all at the same time. For me, it unfolded in five distinct stages. Since Im guessing Im not the only person who rides this emotional roller coaster, I thought Id share them with you. Bonus Ive also included how to survive each one.Stage 1 WaitI Got the Job?I spent approximately two weeks in shock when I landed my new job. I welches wrapping up my current position, but my mind welches spending all its time trying to catch up and process how I got the offer and what it meant. I wasted loads of valuable time sitting at my desk, wondering, Wait- me? Thats time I couldve spent asking myself a much better question How can I be successful starting on day one?The key lesson in this stage is that its OK to take time to celebrate (and process your shock), but you also need to be ready to hit the ground running. Make sure you understand the basics of your new job, and what you need to do now (take a refresher course, read a management book, buy a new office-appropriate wardrobe) to be ready on your first day.Stage 2 Can I Actually Do This?As soon as I finished questioning why I got hired, I started the job and immediately began to question whether or not I could do it.However, the time you spend wondering if youre up to the task takes time away from what really matters- getting better at your new job. Everyone has doubts, but entertaining them steals focus. How do I get over my fears? By reminding myself of this secret Im learning If they didnt think you were able to do the job, they wouldnt have hired you. Confidence is a muscle, and it needs to be stretched and flex ed accordingly. My best days so far have been the ones when I embraced my fear, reassured myself, and sprinted forward into the abyss. (Im still alive and kicking, so it cant be that bad.)Stage 3 Are They Going to Fire Me?Early into my new position, I sent an email that I thought could get me fired. It had no expletives, and it was well-worded and error-free. But I didnt know the person who would be receiving it and felt super nervous to reach out for the first time. (Spoiler alert Im still employed.) Being in new places and doing new things comes with a fair share of confusion and stress. I used to think that the more senior you get, the more structured your role becomes. That is absolutely false. In my experience, the higher you move in your career, the less formal structure you end up having, so you are tasked with creating it, empowering yourself, and tischsetting your priorities. Fear sucks. But inaction because of fear sucks even more. More autonomy means more responsibility, so its up to you to set your own boundaries and find out the activities that are going to drive real value. Dont fear the failure. Fear inaction. Remember, no one knows everything about what theyre doing- and no one expects you to know what youre doing in the beginning. Having questions, getting confused, and making mistakes doesnt mean youre going to get called to the principals office. Stage 4 Wow. I Need Help.Finding friendly co-workers who will show you where the copy machine is located is just the beginning. In this new environment, youre going to need mentors and sponsors. Meaning, people around you who care enough to give you feedback about where you can improve who are transparent enough to share their mistakes and who are caring enough to remind you of who you can be, especially when you cant see it. These sponsors and mentors comprise a larger idea in our collective careers- they sit on your Personal Board of Directors. This group will morph and change, but their objective is simple to provide you with the greatest insight to keep growing your career. Seek out these people, and start building relationships with them. Most importantly, dont be afraid to ask the questions you arent sure about. Those are the ones that matter.Stage 5 Whats Next?My new job was less about updating my LinkedIn profile and more about updating my dreams. New positions come with a caveat Youre there to change something for the better. You will be pushed, stretched, prodded, and pushed again. The other side of that is Im in a different space- personally and professionally- than I was two months ago, because I took a risk. In his New York Times bestseller Mastery, Robert Greene describes the successes of the worlds greatest thinkers and innovators as misconstrued as linear. The reality is more nuanced. He writes, Your whole life is a kind of apprenticeship to which you apply your learning skills. Everything that happens to you is a form of instruction if you pay attention. That apprenticeship is exactly where I find myself right now. Growing, questioning, and exploring what I want to do, and how I can get there. Thats what a new job really is- exposure to an entirely new arena that is unfamiliar, but full of opportunity. Whatever youre dreaming about professionally is definitely possible, but you have to commit to a process of growth. But, believe me The risk of trying something completely out of your comfort zone is worth it, every single time. Photo of emotions courtesy of Shutterstock.