Starting out in a new job can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. You want to perform at your best, but everything is new – the people, the tasks and the expectations. If you feel lost or insecure, you’re not alone. Research shows that around 30% of employees feel overwhelmed in the first three months. This period is a learning phase, not a test you have to pass with flying colours.
Every new job takes time to adjust to. Even experienced professionals need time to get to grips with new environments and systems. So think of this time as a natural part of growth, not a failure.
Step 1: Be honest with yourself
If you feel you can’t handle the work, stop and think. Ask yourself what exactly is difficult for you. Is it the amount of tasks? The workload itself? Or communicating with colleagues? The more accurately you understand the problem, the easier it will be to solve it.
Write down the main challenges and the feelings you have with them. Just naming the problem often reduces stress. When you know what’s holding you back, you can start taking small, concrete steps forward.
Step 2: Talk to your supervisor or colleagues
You don’t have to manage everything on your own. Many new employees are afraid to admit they have a problem, but asking for help isn’t weakness – it’s a sign of maturity. Talk openly with a supervisor or colleague you trust. Explain what you find difficult and ask for advice or feedback.
Most employers appreciate honesty. They’d rather support someone who wants to work on themselves than watch them struggle in silence. A short, open conversation often solves more than weeks of stress.
Step 3: Organise your day
New employees often feel lost because they don’t have their rhythm yet. Try creating a simple schedule for the day. Prioritise what you need to do first, what can wait and what you can ask for help with.
Focus on one task at a time. Celebrate small victories – completing a report, learning a new system or understanding a process. Progress comes one step at a time, not overnight.
Step 4: Keep learning
Every new job is a chance to learn something new. Ask questions, read and observe how others work. The more you learn, the more your confidence grows. If the company offers training, take advantage of it. If not, find short online resources on your field.
Learning shows your interest and helps you adapt faster. Even 15 minutes a day dedicated to new knowledge can make a big difference over time.
Step 5: Take care of yourself
Stress and fatigue can make even simple tasks more difficult. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet and take breaks throughout the day. A short walk or a few deep breaths will help clear your mind.
You’re not a machine. You get the best results when your body and mind are rested. Balance is the key to long-term success.
Step 6: Give yourself time
No one becomes an expert in a week. Adjusting to a new environment takes time – often several months. Don’t compare yourself to colleagues who have been there longer. They too were once in your exact position.
Be patient with yourself. Every mistake teaches you something. Every little success proves that you are moving in the right direction.
You’re stronger than you think
Just because you’re having a harder time in your new job doesn’t mean you’re not up to it. It means you’re growing. Progress comes when you leave your comfort zone – and that’s what’s happening.
Stay positive, learn and believe that it will get better. Your efforts will soon translate into success.
You can do it with us
We understand that changing jobs brings challenges. That’s why at Atena we guide people not only through the search for a new job, but also through the first steps in it. Our goal is to make you feel more confident and find satisfaction in your job. If you’re not sure where to move next, we’re happy to help you find a job opportunity that’s a good fit. With good guidance, any start can turn into a success story.
