What no one tells you about working
Everyone who has a job considers it’s a ‘real’ job. Essentially any form of work you get paid for is a job and real enough! However, most people think of their first full time office position as their first ‘real job’. Here are some things to expect that no one will tell you about.
Using your initiative is crucial
Throughout your education you’ve had to meet deadlines and take accountability for things. The difference in your first job is that there is no one there to remind you or push you to do things. In the workplace you have to get things done without anyone reminding you or holding your hand. People who do well in their careers go above and beyond without being asked.
Your attitude is important
Results are important however attitude is a key factor if you want a successful career. Your demeanor in the workplace and your attitude towards tasks and your colleagues is going to be noticed by everyone around you. How people perceive you is really important and a lot of that comes down to how positive you are and the fact that you are pleasant to be around.
Not everyone wants to be your friend
Offices are complicated places and you’re going to work with all kinds and personalities. You might meet some terrific lifelong friends at work – but you may not. Along with the person you hit it off with right away you might come across a lazy colleague or an unpleasant boss, don’t expect everyone to like you.
Your job description is just a starting point
In the ‘real world’ you’re probably starting at the bottom. The best way to work your way up is to take initiative and do your best at any tasks you are asked to do – even beyond the boundaries of your required job duties. It’s a good idea to take on extra duties if you can, that way you’ll make yourself indispensable.
There’s not much time off
In education you get lots of holidays, in the work environment annual leave is usually 20 days a year plus bank holidays which are 8 days per annum. It will be up to you figure out when to take time off and how to manage your holidays effectively. Make sure you book your holiday requirement plenty of time in advance and get the appropriate approvals.
You have to sleep more
When you are young you can bounce back pretty quickly from late nights and partying. However, its very difficult to do well in your job if you are overtired. When you start work you are definitely going to be more tired than usual. You’re probably getting up earlier, commuting and working is more draining than education. It’s crucial that you make time for rest and have some early nights.
You won’t have lunch every day
Lunch is usually a given, you know that at some point in the day you are going to get a little break. Unfortunately in the workplace the most crucial thing is getting your work done on time. Sometimes you will have to make concessions to make that happen and that could mean skipping your lunch break.
It’s not about you
Employers like to employ people who are team players, many organisations give preference to candidates who have played in team sports ie: netball, football etc whilst in education. Employers believe these people tend to ‘get it’ faster than other people straight out of education. In the workplace it’s very important that you are able to think about your team goals rather than your individual prospects.
If you make a mistake the stakes are higher
No one is perfect, especially people just starting out in their careers. But because you are new to the workplace you will not know everything and occasionally you will do the wrong thing. If you make mistakes when you are in education there will be problems – but not critical ones. What you have to remember in the workplace is that the impact of mistakes could be far-reaching and affect your colleagues and possibly your employers performance.
Getting paid every month is wonderful
You probably don’t need anyone to tell you this. It’s pretty obvious that getting money in your bank account every month is a nice feeling – especially if it’s more money than you have earned before. Remember with additional money comes additional opportunities, so it’s a good idea to think carefully about both short and long term goals. Start planning the future: a holiday, a car, leaving home. Think about what’s important and start planning.
So, to summarise leaving education and starting work is a huge step but be warned its very different. It will take some adjustment and it won’t always be an easy road, however you are at the start of your career and the world is your oyster.