If you have been reading my blogs or following my YouTube channel, you’ll have noted my rants on unemployment and how hard it has been for me to get a job. Well now I have it; in two weeks’ time, I finish my first month.

Many people who are near and dear to me are very happy for me; they always ask “so how is it? Are you enjoying yourself? It must be very nice to get out of the house right?” Others say “welcome to the workforce….” you get the drift. What I have noticed is that most people view getting a job or being in employment as a very positive thing.

'' I'm getting engagement''

What I am referring to is the reaction I’m getting from people; they’re reacting the same way they would if I announced that I’m getting married or that I am expecting a child (within wedlock).

'' I'm expecting...''

This got me thinking. Why? Why is this reaction so prevalent? I can understand that they’re happy for me (especially after my long struggle) but don’t they remember how it was when they first got their first job? It was nerve wrecking and daunting. Always wondering if you’re doing the right thing or not. I for one did not go through induction and I’m constantly wondering if what I’m doing is correct or incorrect. I have the best boss in the world hands down and I give all the praise to God because I’ve heard of a few horror stories from people who’ve had really mean horrible first bosses. However as great as he is, he’s also very busy and going to him for every little thing really isn’t an option (not because he’s ever implied it) but because as a new employee you need to show initiative and innovation of your own. You need to impress and prove every day and every hour that hiring you was the right decision.

It’s a mixture of emotions, a lot of inner turmoil and conflicting thoughts. No one and nothing can prepare you for such an experience…. so I wonder why no one ever tries. I would have appreciated a warning of some sort…. Something along the lines of “girl I’m not trying to get you down or ruin the high of getting a job but this is how it was for me the first time round….” Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t have any unrealistic expectations which haven’t been met. I’ve just never felt this lost in my life. I feel this overwhelming feeling of having to acquire a bunch of new and extremely technical skills (many that I was unaware of) that I have to succeed in.

Here are a few useful things I’ve learned so far:

Dress the way you want to be addressed!!!

I cannot stress this point enough. The way you look speaks volumes and it can open many doors.

Fortunately or unfortunately we live in world where looks are very important. The way you carry yourself is also very key.

Develop tough skin!!!

This is key. It is essential to survival especially if you’re working in an office environment or as part of a ‘team’. You will meet all manner of people, some nice, others generous, some kind, some helpful, others who are rude, some who seem very nice but are the exact opposite, others who completely ignore you, some who don’t give a damn about you….you get the drift. You may also be isolated as the newbie; you may find that everyone is part of a group or clique that no one is willing to let you be a part of (so high school right?) You may also make several mistakes which you will be reprimanded for so you need to develop tough skin 

Turn to God

Don’t get overly emotional or overthink every little action. Take every moment as it comes and just breathe. React appropriately and always always always commit everything you do to God.

When you’re set tasks that seem insurmountable, whisper prayers underneath your breathe; God is king over everything that includes the work place too. This is probably the most important and helpful piece of advice I can give to you. 

‘Play nice’ with everyone

As I previously pointed out, there are those who will seem nice but are actually opposite then there’s those who will be outwardly rude and show that they don’t give a damn about you.

The most natural reaction would be to reciprocate. Instead I find that it is wiser to either ‘play nice’ or avoid the person all together or find a way of dealing with the person without animosity. Office drama is an unnecessary addition to every day stresses. 

Learn, Apply and Grow

Getting your first job is a learning experience. Everything is brand new, a bit like school. Don’t be shaken or negatively overwhelmed by the new skills you need to acquire instead take things as they come, learn, apply and grow. Improve as you grow and perfect your manner of working.

Education only unlocks the door to employment…the rest is on you!!!

This took me by surprise. I thought that you study in order to end up in a career that is related to your area of study but that is not always the case actually more often than not it is contrary (Just ask around, you’ll be shocked o.o). I don’t mean that if you study medicine you’ll end being a lawyer, no not at all. Sometimes a certain degree can allow you to be in a completely different field than what you studied for.

In my case Development studies ended up opening doors for me in agriculture, YouTube and even blogging (disclaimer I’m not employed by YouTube and neither do I make money from blogging I just use those as examples of activities that I do and love that I never would have been exposed to). It happens people... so just be open to change don’t be so obsessed with the way things should go or be; you might just miss where you’re supposed to be.

Until next time ^.^