Addressing Shift Shock
Imagine starting at your new job, feeling as prepared as you can be, but when you begin working, suddenly it’s not as you planned; the tasks are more complicated than you thought, your coworkers already have their own groups, and you’re left confused. This is called shift shock. It’s the feeling of negative surprise you get when your new job doesn’t exactly match what you imagined. Shift shock may happen if the job description was completely different or your manager is nowhere to be found. But how do you know you’re battling with shift shock?
The first sign is feeling unprepared. You thought you knew how to do this job, but suddenly, you’re presented with complicated software and responsibilities. Another sign is you feeling overwhelmed by never-ending tasks. You may even experience disillusionment, such as a negative work environment, although it was advertised as something entirely different.
You may think that something like this can be overcome easily, but it’s not exactly like that. Ignoring shift shock may not harm you immediately but can take a toll on your mental health over time. It has the potential to wreck your confidence and cause you to doubt your performance or competency. Shift shock is frustrating, but it’s also manageable. The key is recognizing the signs early and taking action before it becomes a career crisis. So, let’s begin exploring how you can battle it and find your peace of mind.
What Causes Shift Shock?
Miscommunication About Expectations
The job description is crafted to attract you, and it’s usually full of promises about the team environment and opportunities. But unfortunately, the reality might differ, such as your actual duties and the job description being completely different. But why does this happen? Companies sometimes exaggerate job postings to attract the right candidates. Or maybe the role truly changed since the description was written. Misaligned expectations don’t mean you’ve made the wrong choice. You’re not in the wrong for feeling frustrated, but you should address this immediately.
Adjustment To Company Culture
Let’s talk about workplace culture adjustment, which is basically trying to fit into a new work environment. Maybe your new colleagues have already formed friendships and share inside jokes, making you feel awkward. Or, everyone’s dressed casually, and you’ve arrived in a business outfit. It’s even possible that your peers are completing their tasks fast, and you’re still figuring out how to use tools and software. Adjusting to a new workplace culture is hard, and even though figuring it out takes time, below, you’ll find ways to speed the process up and feel more comfortable as soon as possible.
Skill Gaps
Nobody starts a new job knowing everything. You may enter a new job and find that the tasks you’re required to perform do not align with your skills. Don’t worry. Companies hire you for your potential, not because you’re an expert. So, if you’re feeling underprepared, remind yourself that everyone was once a beginner. Skill gaps are normal because, as we mentioned, job descriptions sometimes exaggerate. And most workplaces know you’re going to need time to learn. No one’s expecting you to master every tool and process during the first week.
Information Overload
Upon starting a new job, you’re expected to learn a lot in a short period of time. You need to memorize passwords, train on processes, learn about policies, operate new tools, and get introduced to your new peers. And if the people responsible for your training don’t allow you to process things at your own pace because they move too fast, you may feel your brain overloaded with information. However, that doesn’t mean you’re incapable. It just means your new workplace throws more at you than you can handle.
Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome is the feeling of self-doubt where you might feel like a fraud when it comes to your abilities or achievements. Even when there’s solid evidence showing just how capable you really are, those doubts can still be there, and it’s more common than you think, especially in new employees. This is due to the stress associated with starting in a new role, which makes you second-guess your every move at work. Hence, you start feeling overwhelmed and completely unprepared for what you applied for.
5 Strategies To Overcome The Issue
1. Growth Mindset
To battle shift shock, you first need to change your mindset. Stop believing you must be perfect at your job. This isn’t what you’re supposed to do; you’re supposed to learn first. Instead of worrying, focus on progress and celebrate even the small things, like using software without help or figuring out a problem on your own. Even if you make mistakes, it’s okay. You will learn from them and become better. So, stop stressing about doing everything flawlessly and aim to grow your skills as much as possible.
2. Open Communication
To avoid confusion and frustration upon taking over new responsibilities, communicate as much as you can. Ask questions if you have them, whether it’s about the company’s email etiquette or when to take your break. Also, start communicating with your peers. If you’re shy, start small by greeting them. The same goes for your supervisors. Talk to them frequently about your concerns, and don’t be scared to ask for help. It shows you care about doing a good job, and they might even praise you for it.
3. Realistic Goals
You must be gentle with yourself when you begin at a new workplace and set realistic goals regarding your progress. For example, if you have big tasks that overwhelm you, break them down into smaller tasks or steps. Plus, prioritize them. Not every assignment is urgent, so make a to-do list and focus on what’s important. There’s no point in trying to be an overachiever from the start; that will burn you out fast.
4. Support System
Trying to battle shift shock on your own isn’t ideal. You need to have a support system consisting of peers, friends, and family. For instance, you may find mentors at work. These people are experienced and can save you from stress. They’re the right people for you to ask questions and get help from. You can also connect with other new hires so you can vent and share experiences. And don’t forget how important it is to share the burden with your loved ones, as they can bring a fresh perspective, seeing everything from the outside.
5. Onboarding Resources
Don’t forget about the onboarding resources your company offers you. Training programs and workshops can really help you navigate the tough aspects of a new role, so make sure you participate, ask questions, and actively engage. Next, company handbooks, FAQs, and internal tools are also useful resources during onboarding. Save those and refer to them if you have questions or face an issue.
Conclusion
Shift shock can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s important to remember that it’s completely normal, as lots of people experience it when they start a new job. The good news is that it’s manageable if you approach it with the help of the above strategies. Pick the ones that resonate with you and try them out as soon as possible. Whether it’s setting up a quick meeting with a colleague or taking time to organize your tasks, small actions can make a big difference in making this transition easier for you.