4 reasons why you are nervous about a new job

Are you nervous about the new job you are starting after the weekend? That is normal. New job anxiety is a very normal thing among job seekers. Starting a new job will be an exciting period of your life where you get to meet new people, experience new things, and expand your professional network. As exciting as it sounds, starting a new job can be intimidating at times. You will have tons of thoughts like, “What if I don’t measure up?” or “What if I don’t like the new workplace?.”

Everyone is nervous about some aspect of the job search. Did you know that 38% of Americans are afraid of interviewing? Another 33% are afraid that an employer won’t see their resume. Negotiating the salary with a new job offer makes 16% of US job seekers nervous, while 13% are afraid of being turned down for a job offer. Here are 4 reasons why you might be nervous about a new job:

You are scared of hurting the feelings of your current employer

If you have been working with the same employer for a couple of years, the thought of leaving them hanging as you accept a new job offer from a different employer will make you feel guilty. While loyalty to your employer should be high on your list of priorities, you must also be concerned about your career goals and career advancement. Want to avoid feeling guilty about your current workplace? Give your job your all until the moment you leave the company.

You define yourself by your job

If you are like most employees out there who define their self-worth and identity based on their current job, the thought of moving on to a different career may make you want to freeze in your tracks. Starting a new job will be unsettling at first. But remember that you are doing it for your own career development. Not sure whether you are making the right call? Take a weekend off and asses your career values to see what you really want out of a job.

You think a lot about hating your new job

“What if I hate the new job?” is a thought that is bound to live rent-free in your mind for the next couple of weeks. However, once you start working at the new workplace, connect with the people there, and form meaningful relationships, you would start to see the beauty of your new career. Are you leaving your current workplace because you felt it is a toxic work environment? Then. It is normal to fear that your new office will also be the same. But, you should consider the possibility that your new employer may have established a great company culture where everyone feels welcomed.

You are having an episode with imposter syndrome

It is normal to feel from time to time that you don’t have what it takes to do something properly. With the pressure of having to start at a new job in a few days, imposter syndrome may rear up and tell you things that are not true. Whenever you are having a moment of doubt about your capabilities and skills, remind yourself of all the awesome things you’ve achieved at work before. Educate yourself on the scope and role of the new job and learn any skills that you think you might need in the future.