These tips can apply to a variety of first days. First day of school, college, work. They say there’s a first time for everything, that’s the cliché, but I don’t think they prepare you for it. I’ve had my fare share of first days, and all of them begin with not knowing anyone. So, my first tip to you, is to definitely go prepared and open minded. Prepared for anything that can come your way, anything they can ask you to do, with a notebook and a pen, your computer – if that’s the case – water and food. Open minded because, unless you know exactly what your job description is, you can do almost anything, from getting coffees to
having a meeting with the CEO.
I guess this second tip is not for everyone. I tend to not raise my expectations towards something I can easily get excited about. Not because of the I’ve-been-burnt-in-the-past-thing, but because you really should mentally be prepared for whatever. I’m not saying to get there and show you don’t care, but adjust your expectations to avoid getting them too high and feeling disappointed – for example.
I think this one goes without saying because we should always be friendly. Wether you’re on a new job or a new classroom. A smile, a good morning or a have a nice day can be pluses, not only in your life, but other people’s lives. Never get there with your nose high up but don’t show up with your head down either.
Something I learned the hard way. Always, always, always ask. Don’t be shy or afraid. Even though I believe that there are stupid questions, on the first day, never. Everything is new to you so it’s important you feel at ease doing what you have to do or knowing where you have to go. Don’t know how to read a file? Ask. Don’t know where the bathroom is? Ask. Wanna go to lunch with me? Just ask.
Like every other person, they also had or are having their first day. Don’t worry if it doesn’t go your way – remember to adjust expectations – or if you do something wrong. Almost everything can be fixed. Try to relax, talk, ask, breathe, eat, drink water or any other thing that you like and, at the end of the day, treat yourself with something nice. Yesterday, I split a pizza with M. It’s always good to reward you even if your day went well. It’s tough being the new kid on the block.