How To Overcome New Job Anxiety

Believe it or not, new job anxiety is pretty common. 

Even if a person doesn't suffer from the disorder, they can still experience the inconvenience. 

Being anxious about a new job can cause a plethora of emotions and if you aren't coping in a healthy way, it can have a negative impact on your performance. 

The first step to overcoming it is to understand what it is and how there are ways to handle it to ensure a more positive outcome.

What Is New Job Anxiety?

The excitement alone can be overwhelming especially after what may have felt like an exhausting, endless job search for the past few months. 

During a time when you should be relieved and joyful, you're now bombarded with worrisome thoughts about messing it up, dealing with significant changes, imposter syndrome, etc.

It can be even more challenging if you already suffer from anxiety to begin with, which is why it is essential to understand that being anxious about a new job is completely normal and it would actually be alarming if you didn't experience it at all.

New Job Anxiety Symptoms

Being anxious about a new job can feel like an emotional rollercoaster. 

The first step to coping is by identifying the symptoms you may be experiencing and tackle them head-on. Here are some symptoms of new job anxiety:

• Constant Worrying
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Memory Loss
• Imposter Syndrome
• Feeling Tense
• Losing Interest or Irritability

How To Cope When Feeling Anxious About A New Job

Just know that you are not alone. 

The feeling can be frustrating and uncomfortable but the good news is, it won't last forever. 

In fact, there are effective coping methods that can help speed up the process where you will be back to normal in no time and it will feel like you've been doing the job for longer. 

Here are a few tips on how to cope with feeling anxious about a new job:

Be Prepared: Preparing ahead of time can avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

Plan out your workday and get organized so that things go smoother.

Give Yourself Time To adjust: Don't expect to be a pro right away at your new job.

Let go of the need to be perfect and enjoy the experience. 

Besides, they chose you for the job!

Try Journaling: Writing down your thoughts can help you think more clearly and release tension.

Confide in someone you trust: Talking to a family member or a new work friend can help ease your mind and you may even be able to share their own tips on how to cope.

Soft belly breathing exercises: Breathing exercises can help calm down the racing thoughts

Feeling anxious about a new job should not keep you from going down without a fair fight. 

Change your mindset and realize that the dark thoughts that creep up are just there to challenge you. 

Signs Your Employee Is Suffering in Silence

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, it is highly essential that employers and supervisors become more aware of this matter.

Oftentimes, employers and/or supervisors may not realize that their employee is suffering in silence. 

Symptoms can come off as poor work ethic where it can be someone who is actually a great worker who is just suffering mentally.

They may feel uncomfortable with communicating what they are going through or too afraid to speak up in an irrational fear that they may be harshly judged. 

Instead of completely icing them out, keep in mind that practicing emotional intelligence in management greatly contributes to managing workplace morale.

Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Excessive missed days of work
• Constant need for reassurance
• Decline in performance and productivity
• Physical complaints such as migraines or upset stomach (aka nervous stomach)

Being more aware of these symptoms can help you identify them in order to effectively accommodate your anxious employee.

How To Accommodate An Employee Who Is Struggling

In a variety of ways, anxiety in the workplace is a common problem for many workers. 

Although there are effective ways to cope with feeling anxious about a new job, it's still very important for employers to be proactive in helping employees manage anxiety to maintain workplace morale and encourage a more productive workforce. 

Anxiety in the workplace is often caused by:

• Heavy workloads
• Poor management 
• Long working hours:
• Unrealistic expectations
• Conflicts with colleagues

Conclusion

New job anxiety can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. 

However, it can take about 3-6 months to become fully comfortable which is why having realistic expectations is essential. 

Spreading awareness and practicing healthy coping methods can help speed up the process of feeling anxious about a new job and inspire many.