Scared of a new job...why?

Question

I'm starting a new job next week. I know I am qualified for it, it is just a word processing/typing job. And I have been a secretary/receptionist for 5 years at different places. I am terrified though. It is a temp, but long term. I didn't want to stay in the temp area, but my current job is ending in a week, and I have no other offers and need a job. This new one pays very well for what the position is.

The thing that worries me is they described the environment similar to high school...a lot of gossipy women in an a larger office setting. I've been in a bad office before where it was like high school but everyone was backstabbing and mean. They said that this place the people aren't mean, just really gossipy.

I have a little expierience in the field too. I just don't get why I'm so scared. It's not like you have to keep the job forever. I'm just scared of change. And plus what if I don't do a good job, or no one likes me. One girl quit due to the gossipy environment.

The agency said there is no fee or penalty if it doesnt work out. They will find me another position without any penalties. Accurancy is the most imprtant thing on the job due to the fast paced typing you will be doing. I've never done a straight typing job before, I dont know if I can handle it. I feel though, it is of no loss to me just to take the job and try it. Mine is ending in a week, no other offers yet, and no penalty if I choose to quit the typing job because it is not for me. Is that the right way to think of it? Kind of no harm no foul.

The agency said that this position may go perm. for the right person.

Also, the job requires a nice dress code. Nice blouse and slacks not khakis. I'm not used to that. I am going to have to go out and buy all new stuff. I just hate to do that for a temp job, but I'm trying to think positive. Don't know if I would be happy with a typing job permanently though.

Answer 1

Being in any new environment makes most people nervous. Try to change your attitude into a positive one and get in there, do your best and don't give anyone any reason to gossip about you. Give yourself a reasonable goal...say 2 or 3 months to try things out. If it doesn't work, be honest with the temp agency, let them know you gave it 100% of your effort but it's not working out and why, and get reassigned to another postiion. Who knows?? Maybe it won't be as bad as it's been made out to be and you'll enjoy it. GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 2

hello,

you are getting more pay because you may not be getting some of the benefits of a full time employee, like vacation time and paid holidays.

You have an assurance that if it doesnt work out that its a no-foul situation and the agency will place you somewhere else. The temp agency knows all about groups of workers, what its like to be a temp, and getting people to work together , so they are used to dealing with any conflicts that may occur.

It is best for you if there are any problems , that YOU are not the source. That means be polite to everyone , focus on your work, dont get caught up in any little groups that may exist. Like high school, you dont want to be a cheerleader or at the most popular girls table , you want to be the dedicated student who just moves around , is barely noticed and who gets her work done well and quickly.

Find out who the office supervisor is, and you can ask the temp agency if you should call them first or the office supervisor , if you have any problems.

Relax a little , you know you can do the work , you are just nervous about a new group of people . Always remember that as a temp, they dont have to like you , because you wont be there permanently.

Answer 3

1. Anxiety . This is normal for any new job and as you are working for an agency it is more stressful
2. Calm yourself. You are competent so do not let your sense of competence down
3. Gossip. You can ignore it, laugh it off and say really? and get on with your work. YOu can be friendly without paticipating.
4. break your routine by standing and walking around your desk
If the gossip starts change the subject to a hobby or a movie. That will show you are willing to be friendly but don't care about the gossip
5. You need a job do don't diss a good paying one till the right one comes along. We have all been in this place and it does get a little scary but after the first day will be a breeze.
All the best. Make it work!!!

Answer 4

I don't blame you for feeling afraid, but just go in and do the job they pay you to do, not listening to the gossip and happenings around you.

I work for an employment agency and no there is no fee or penalty if this doesn't work out for you. They want the right fit in there and not every person they place is always the right fit for a position. Keep communication open with your agency. If you didn't have a good history with the agency, they wouldn't be sending you to another assignment, so I am sure they like you enough to take your word for it if things aren't clicking at your new assignment.

We offer permanent placements here, so maybe your agency does to, make sure they know you are looking for a perm position and maybe they can find you a temp to perm position. Good luck. Don't be scared, just go in, do your job and think positive.

Answer 5

The first thing that concerns me about this is the fact that the work environment is described as gossipy. If the employer is describing the office as gossipy and stressful they should be curbing the negative environment in the office instead of trying to get someone to enter into the environment 'prepared'.
All offices have a group of gossips, a group of 'teacher's pets' and perhaps even a bully. The office managers should be keeping the atmosphere hospitable however.
I would recommend that you just go to work that first day open to learning all you can and trying to get along with everyone.
Perhaps the fears are just nervous jitters and the job will be much better than expected?!

Answer 6

It's normal to be nervous to be starting a new job. Try not to feel insecure about your skills and abilities. Go into it with the attitude that you are a professional who behaves professionally in a work environment. These people are going to be your coworkers, not your best friends, so there is no need to get involved in their petty b.s. Tell yourself you will rise above their level and remain detached and just do your job. Plus you do have the safety net of asking your agency to place you somewhere else if you really can't stand it.