The First Job Series #1

Your first job & the first year of that job, is going to be a “Roller-Coaster” ride. Whether you live in the United States of America, Africa or India, whether you have started your first job at 20 or 35, some lessons remain JUST THE SAME.

When I interact with fresh graduates/ post graduates, there are some things I wish they all knew before entering the corporate world. These are bare basics. No exotic mantras. Just very simple things that if I knew on my Day 1, I wouldn’t have had as many panic attacks as I eventually did :P (Just Kidding)  

So, here are some nuggets that I have been able to gather and would want to share in the first post :

1.       It’s okay to make mistakes

Everyone does. Your manager too must have made a few. Don’t kill yourselves over it. Be quick to learn and move on. Remember, making new mistakes is far better than repeating the same old ones.

2.       Keeping a Notepad and Pen handy

Keeping a little post it and a pen/ pencil handy is always recommended. You never know what your manager, mentor or a senior leader might just say something important on the go. Believe me, you don’t want to rely on your memory all the time. Do just scribble it down whenever possible.

3.       Stay Humble

You may be the most sought after one in the department. You may be the most qualified professional on the floor or holding a degree from Oxford University. You might just be having dinner with the CEO every other week and are having their number on speed dial, but none of these reasons are good enough to become arrogant.

Staying grounded takes you a long way. Things might be in your favour at the moment. But it doesn’t take long for the wind to change its’ direction.

4.       Learn to work with people you dislike

You are going to have to work with people you may have ethical clashes with. You are probably a hard-core vegetarian and the other person lives, breathes, eats and smells of chicken. You believe in following a process and other person believes in getting the work done, either by hook or crook.

You think cigarettes are bad. Your colleague feels it’s the only thing that’s keeping them alive. Whatever be the case.

You have got to “Agree to disagree”. Accept the differences and focus on what’s important.

5.       Work, is a PART of your life.

Just like marriage, work is a part of your life. It is not your “Whole” life. No matter how rewarding a job may be. No matter how satisfied and elated you may be, having a hobby (which has nothing to do with your work, work space and excel sheets) is Super important!

I am saying this from personal experience, recreational activities of any nature, act like the “Reboot” button. It helps you reset for the drill next day.

Do share your 1st Job experiences and lessons learnt.

Cheers!
Shrishti