New Job, Completely Overwhelmed

[ld2186]

I started a new job 4 weeks ago. I'm working as an editorial assistant at a major academic publisher in Boston. This is the job that I had hoped for and dreamed about! I feel like I should be happy, but I'm just stressed all the time.

Everyone is so kind and intelligent, but there's so much work to be done. This is my first "real job" out of college, so I'm having a hard time adjusting to the whole thing. Any advice? I really want to do well and could see myself staying with this company and (hopefully) moving up in a couple of years.

There was little/no training for the position. It's a "sink or swim" environment.....which I didn't expect. And there's constantly a ton of work. I just feel so flustered all the time, I get anxious and then I end up making more mistakes. My boss is really great, but I hate to be making mistakes and disappointing everyone.

Any advice for getting through these first months? And for making a good impression? Thanks!

[Rage]

Try to find a mentor that would be willing to take you under his/her wing (not your boss, and someone who is fairly successful and respected - don't pick the office rogue). Set up information lunches with that person. I would recommend someone who has been with the company awhile and isn't going to see you as any form of competition. You want to make sure the relationship is genuine. Additionally, schedule a one on one with your supervisor to get a feel for what his/her expectations of you will be. Talk about your excitement factor and your willingness to be a team player. Ask how you can best contribute. A good boss will tell you their expectations and hopefully you will be set up for success.

By the way - congratulations. It is times like these where you will really learn about yourself and your desire to succeed. In a few months, you will be running circles around the processes and proud of how far you've come. I imagine alot of your anxiety is based upon the unknown as you learn new things and try to do a good job.

[winneythepooh7]

Don't be afraid to ask for help, or just questions in general. In my opinion, I think potentially good places often turn to bad places to work because of lack of supervision, support and oversight to employees.

I also think that as a supervisor, common sense issues aside, you can't get mad at your employees for doing the job incorrectly if they were never trained for it in the first place.

Lastly, we often become even better employees from the mistakes we make ;).

[ld2186]

thanks guys, that's all good advice