The Struggles of Transitioning to a “Real Job.”
Since college I’ve had three major transitions in my life. Going to college. Studying abroad. Getting a job.
Transitioning to college was great. Social interactions were easy for one reason: we were all in the same situation. It was everyone’s first time being on their own and being in a new world that no one had experienced before. If you’re in a social situation and you don’t know how to act, you look to your peers for advice. When everyone is in a new social situation… who do people look to?
So it’s easy to be confident in a situation like that. Well, it’s easy to fake confidence in a situation like that… because nobody can tell the difference. They don’t know if you were the dork in high school or the prom king. You’re working with a blank slate, and all you have to do is “act as if.”
Studying abroad was different. Knowing how to act in a different culture was really hard for me since I had never done it before. I was really quiet and reserved until I completely understood the “American stereotype” and the New Zealand culture.
Fast-forward to now. I started working in Corporate America last May. And I’ve got to admit… I’m not comfortable yet. I don’t know specifically what it is… but somethings not right. It’s similar to how I felt in New Zealand. I’m quiet. I’m not talking much in meetings. Sometimes I feel like I’m a fly on the wall, observing everything that is happening.
Transitioning to the working world is hard because there’s so much to adjust to at one time, like:
- Waking up at 6:30 each morning. I hate it. I don’t function well in the morning and I’m not sure I ever will.
- There is a culture to learn about the working world… Especially corporate politics. Which is fascinating, but annoying at the same time.
- There is a ton to learn about the company itself: key players, culture, the industry, and the organizational layout - just to name a few.
- Being fresh out of college gives you no credibility… Which means people probably won’t value your opinion and you’ll have to work extra hard to make any sort of change.
- Most of the projects you’ll work on have already started… so you’re the new person that’s playing catch up. Not only do you have to learn the background on the project, but you have to learn about the people, their roles, and what each person wants the project to accomplish.
There’s a learning curve to adjusting to the “real world.” I’m guessing it’ll take roughly six to nine months before I start to feel comfortable again. Maybe I just need to suck it up and stop bitching… Or maybe this is something that is part of every transition to the working world. Any thoughts?
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Transitioning is tough but it happens all of the time, moving from college to the real world, moving to a new state, etc. But without those transitions how exciting would life be?
But I agree: Its always tough being on the bottom rung of an organization.
@eschapp – Transitions are fun… Even if they’re frustrating. It seems like every time I have a huge transition I learn more about myself.
And yes… it does suck being at the bottom all over again.
Well, I’ve been ‘corporate’ for over 10 years now, and there are parts I still haven’t adjusted to. Certain aspects I’ve gotten used to, but others I doubt I ever will
You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way. As Alex Levit puts it, They Don’t Teach Corporate in College
Hi Andy,
I couldn’t agree with you more. I am in the same situation. I studied abroad (Australia) and came back home (India) some 3-4 months back and recently took up a job, finding it as hard as you. I don’t talk to anyone and they think I am being rude n all. But I guess a few more months and we’ll be on track and you are not alone!
Good Luck.
I felt the same way when I was working at my corporate job last year. That’s why I left. I just felt like they weren’t utilizing my full potential. When I looked at the managers, I just couldn’t see myself being then in 5-8 years. I want to be better than that.
That’s why I’m out here living the startup life. Come join me bro!
btw… when is the podcast coming out?
- Jun
@Allie – Alex is awesome… I don’t understand how she can keep coming up with enough content to write as much as she does!
@Kanika – How was Austrailia? I was in New Zealand for a semester… it was like a five month vacation, so I’m sure adjusting to the working world after your trip must be rough…
@Jun – Hey Jun – good to hear from you… and sorry about not getting that podcast up. It totally slipped my mind. Expect it next week sometime… I’ll shoot you an email to let you know.
PS – Great interview on TP Entrepreneur!
This is very insightful, thanks for sharing. I am doing a project for Notre Dame this month on how young alumni transition to the work world so it is also very relevant. I forwarded your post to the client.
I think you are not alone and some of what you are experiencing you will feel again as you transition to other companies. But the first time is definitely the hardest. The culture of business has nuances that take years to really decode and each company is its unique snowflake of a subculture
Find a mentor… be discerning with whom you choose and make sure they’re open to “showing you the ropes.” But if you can create a relationship where they can be your “sounding board” and they, in-turn, can provide insight as to the culture/players/roles within the company, then you’ll feel more comfortable. And then you’ll be able to grow within the culture instead of coming in and being perceived as in interloper… (whether that’s in your mind or theirs)
It’s kind of like getting a “local” for a translator (studying abroad reference). Although you may “know the language,” they know the customs and culture… Once they open the door it’s much easier to communicate and interact confidently…
Keep trudging away… The corporate world needs minds like yours. If just to tip the table a bit to make it grow more than horizontally…
Keep Cooking!
Andrew
@Andrew – Great point about finding a mentor… It’s amazing how much one or two people can shape your life.
And I love the reference to a “local”… That’s why Couchsurfing.com is such an amazing website!
@Carol – Check out http://www.brazencareerist.com/2008/10/23/the-struggles-of-transitioning-to-a-real-job There is a discussion going on there that you may be interested in.
My favorite comment was from Holly Hoffman who talked about how college gave us all these freedoms… and then they were all taken away when we started working… I think that’s part of the reason why the transition is so hard.
And lets not forget about how our educational systems set us up for failure by their outdated grading methods… but that’s a conversation for another day.
I hate the morning too, can’t function either – and what’s worse is I can’t drink coffee.
I think the worst part is getting dumped into the flow with all the projects in progress already. Feels like getting dumped in a river in which you still can’t swim.
@Piotr – Thats a great analogy. I feel the exact same way.