I’m about a month into my new job, and I still love it! For that, I am too grateful.

But there’s one thing I figured out that I can’t stand—being the newbie.  And it’s basically broken down into three parts: meeting new people, proving yourself, and knowing the unwritten rules.

Meeting New People

There are about 100+ people in our office complex. I met basically all of them. No one said I remembered all of them, but I did meet them all.

Each conversation went something like this:

“Hi! I’m Hope.”

“Welcome, Hope! You’re going to love it here. Now, I’m going to tell you what my name is and the department in which I work thinking that you’ll remember it. When in actuality, you’ll forget about me once you meet the next person.”

(the next day)

“You’re Hope, right?”

“Umm… yes! Heeeeey… there… buddy! You doing good?”

I could have just asked what their name was again, but for some reason, that’s just something I refuse to do. I have to act like my memory is tip-top.

Sometimes I try to look them up or ask someone else who I just talked to; but for the most part, I just wing it. Maybe I should make flash cards or something. Naaah…

Proving Yourself

After all the new faces are out the way, there’s the “proving yourself” period.  That’s when you have to show that you know what you’re doing and that you really were the best choice for the position. During this period, you basically work under the impression that you’re under a constant magnifying glass.

I don’t like not knowing how to do everything, and learning curves are not my thing; so for me, this is a very painful time to live through.

This is also where you ask why they do things a certain way, suggest easier ways to perform tasks, you know… all the things that make you seem like God’s answer to their job inquiry.

That would be assuming that you actually have good ideas, though.

Uncovering the Unwritten Rules

Aaaah the unwritten rules. This is the time when you have to get a feel for what you can/can’t do and who you are/aren’t feeling.

“Does everyone show up to work a little tardy for the party? What’s the real dress code? We don’t all have to go to that mandatory meeting… do we?”

“So, does everyone kinda think that guy’s creepy? Is she that bossy all the time? She’s a bit too nice. Is that a front or nah?” (Yeah.. I’m hip with the terms. )

Let’s not forget the science of perfectly easing in your full personality into the mix. Did you lay it on a bit too thick during the interview process? Well, it’s only a matter of weeks until they find out the true you. For me, that just means they find out how sarcastic and assertive I can be. No biggie.

Everything is usually learned within three months, though (sometimes sooner). So, endure for that long; and you should be just fine.

And lucky for me, we’re about to hire another person soon, so I won’t be the newbie for long! Haha… suckers…