#46 – Don’t forget your lunchbox

It’s like your first day of school all over again.

Bags packed, boarding the train, dreading the new teacher in charge, hoping you make friends with whoever’s sitting next to you.

Whether you’re starting a job for the first time or in my case, finally going into the office for the first time, there are a few tips to turn a daunting first day into the start of an exciting new chapter.

Check in on the Friday

There is a story to this one where I nearly got fired on Day 2 of a two-week clerkship. Sometimes I think about publishing my CV and seeing if it ends up in the Horror section next to the Stephen King novels or Mark Neeld’s coaching memoirs.

Either way, just make sure you know exactly when and where to meet on Day 1.

Notepad and pen

Whenever a waiter takes my order, I always feel more comfortable when he writes it down. The co-worker or manager also notices when you jot down notes from your induction or meeting.

You can also write these down on a phone or tablet, but it tends to look a little like you’re playing Clash of Clans and not paying attention.

Elevator pitch

Get ready to meet a lot of new people. As both an introvert and a stutterer this scares me to no end.

But even if you’re as bubbly and outgoing as champagne on roller skates, you’ll have to introduce yourself a lot. That introduction will be the first impression you make on people, so it doesn’t hurt to practice it in the mirror that morning

Good vibes

And that being said, try to smile while doing it. Positivity is not only contagious, it lets other people know they can trust and approach you. A team that trusts each other performs better, and down the line you can help each other with work overflow.

Bring your lunchbox

Always bring lunch with you on Day 1! Eat in a common area if possible and see people when they’re away from their desks. There you can ask about any tips or tricks; like where to park, where to get free stuff, or where to get lunch.

Next week: Catch–2022