You made it through the extensive interviews, detailed assessments, numerous references and tough negotiations. Congratulations! Now... it’s your first day at your new job and instead of being excited, you may be worried.
The average length of unemployment, according to the Wall Street Journal, is the highest right now since record keeping began in 1948! Those who have been laid off for months on end, but are now re-employed, are still coping with job loss scars: suffering stress related symptoms such as anxiety, damaged self-esteem, and insomnia.
Even though many are relieved once they finally land a job in this grueling job market, feelings of victimization still exist. Many people are surprised by the aftershocks of job loss that can derail their success in their new workplace.
Experts say that these aftershock feelings occur most among those who find jobs after lengthy unemployment, previously earned low pay, or have gone through multiple layoffs. They have lost confidence in themselves since they have been out of the workforce for so long and many fear that they will be laid off again in the near future.
It is important to fully prepare yourself so you can overcome these “jitters” and be successful in your new role. Preparation starts during the job search process, and continues on to when you land a job offer, and when you start your new job.
Before starting your new position, remind yourself of what you have to offer. This will help you feel confident in yourself.
When you feel anxious, “Review your five biggest career accomplishments and relive the feelings they inspired,” says a chief executive of a career-coaching firm in Miami in the Wall Street Journal.