Over 6 month ago, I started my first big girl job after university. I had just handed in my dissertation and was desperately searching for job opportunities. Money was running low and quite frankly I was getting more and more demotivated every time I moved money from my savings to my current account.
- Initial Expectations vs. Reality
- Workplace dynamics
- Work-life balance
- Professional growth
Now almost a year after after starting my job , I wish I could say I have settled in and I know what I’m doing but that would be far from the truth. Quite frankly, I am almost as confused now as I was then, the only difference is a little bit more money and a little bit more clarity- now that I think about it , that is progress in it’s self.
I have quite a few thoughts-okay okay, more than a few thoughts- about my life now that I’m a ‘career woman’ and I’m more than happy to share.
Initial Expectations vs. Reality
This is like the biggest blow of all because there was what I thought my job would entail and what I am actually doing now. Definitely not the same. I can’t go too deep about it but that is one of the biggest reality check that I had to come to terms with. To add on top of that, I had people that were previously in the role tell me that the role was basically underpaid and overworked when they were doing it. So that was also another reality check.
Next thing was my dressing, I definitely thought I would be dressing more corporate than I do now and maybe I should but I don’t know and I don’t care as much anymore. I think I am happy with coming in corporate casual and in my next corporate job , I will try to put in more effort to be a bit more corporate in my dressing.
Workplace dynamics
First off, everyone gossips. Yes, even I am guilty of it. and I’ll tell you this now, anyone that does not gossip at work just hasn’t found someone they are comfortable with or trust to talk about the next person- or they just don’t gossip but I think that is highly unlikely. To be honest, it makes me a bit skeptical of people because I am not delulu enough to not believe that these people do not talk about me behind my back. Notwithstanding, I think it is a bit bizarre how boldly certain people talk about other people, it might be hypocritical of me to say but I just don’t think a manager should be gossiping about her fellow managers with the managees. Gossip Up not Down.
The next thing is the office politics. It’s very weird. and if you care to be kept in the loop of what is going on for just incase purposes, it can be alot to placate a lot of people and build strong relationships.
Work-life balance
Let’s just say I am thankful that I already have friends because if I didn’t I don’t know what I would make of my social life by now . I’ve been living and working in this city for almost a year and I have not made any new friends here because most of weekdays is taken and my weekend belongs to me.
If you think about it, capitalism has gaslighted us by encouraging us to have a great work-life balance , while also making us come in to work for 7 hours 5 days a week, which is also the same 7 hours most places are open. To the point where if you needed to go to the bank, you would have to step out during working hours or go on the weekend.
Here’s my question; If we have to work 5 days a week to fit in all our work responsibilities, what makes you think that 2 days would be enough to fit in all our life responsibilities?!
Professional growth
My job is not teaching me anything life wouldn’t have thought me. Some of the skills that I’ve developed a little bit in this job is behavior management, de-escalation and resolution of conflict, setting boundaries , building relationships and how to tell professional lies. Some of the skills I have that I have not been able to apply to this role are Coding, Editing, Data Extraction and Analysis etc. I feel like I am not being challenged in a way that I would like and the type of challenge I would like does not fit into the responsibilities and requirements of this role. It is a difficult one to admit especially because I have allowed myself to be in this role for this long but I think it might be time to move on.
How long did you stay in your first full time job? and did you like it?
See you same time, next week?
– Ebi💖
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I stayed in my first job for a total of 7 years. It wasn’t a job I was crazy about and the pay was not the best. However, that position really molded me and I was able to further my career based on my first work experience. My recommendation is to stick it out for a year and then start applying elsewhere even though it feels like you’re not learning anything. Learning to navigate the corporate world successfully is a vital skill.
7 years, wow! That’s awesome. In regards to sticking it out for a year, that’s the same thing my family and friends have suggested so it is what I plan to do. I agree, I think navigating the corporate dynamics is much harder than the role itself. Thanks alot for your comment!
This was an enjoyable read. Congratulations on completing your first year! I agree, everyone gossips in the workplace and those who don’t just don’t have a trusted person to do so with. Whoever came up with this whole work-life balance thing clearly forgot most people have to work 5 days per week. I still don’t understand how they think it is possible to do everything in 2 days, I am convinced capitalism is here to destroy us. Are you thinking of leaving your current role and finding something better that challenges you?
Thanks! Exactly, I thought I would never be a partaker of office gossip until I met a co-worker that thinks exactly the same as me, it’s really refreshing if anything and it’s not like it’s anything negative, it’s what I would consider a safe space. Right! I’m such a huge advocate for hybrid working or 4 day work week, it just makes sense. At some point yes, I know that I will have to. Thanks alot for your comment!