It still feels surreal writing this, because I have worked at my first job for almost 5 years, it’s became like a muscle memory, a habit, a subconscious action to work there. I’m sure many people, especially growing up in your 20s, have experienced leaving your first job, so lets talk about it.
Handing your notice in
Because it is your first job, you will have never had to hand your notice in.
It feels like a scary and hurtful action to do, when you have been a part of something for so long.
I remember drafting my message for AGES, because I wanted to say all of the right things, make sure everyone knows how much I appreciate the experience, etc.
There are a lot of companies that may require you to hand your notice in in person (my living nightmare), or through email (preferred lol). But whatever you have to do, make sure you do it with the confidence and security of this being the right decision, because it is.
It depends on the environment which you are leaving. I am lucky enough to be leaving this job because there has to come a time when you realise you can’t stay at your part time job that you have been working in throughout school forever.
However, in some cases, unfortunately you might be handing your notice in because you dislike the environment you are working in, or you feel forced into leaving because of a person or policy, etc.
If that’s the case, you don’t have to add all of the ‘fluffy’ nice stuff to your notice message. Keep it professional, and add nothing that they could use against you for the worst. Make sure, again, that you are confident in your decision.
Leaving behind your co-workers
Co-workers do become like a second family.
Think about it, you’re seeing them more than some of your actual family, so you are going to form close bonds with them.
Leaving them behind can be one of the hardest parts of leaving your first job and getting a new job.
Tell me why it feels like a breakup?!
There are some co workers who I will have gone from seeing minimum 3x a week, to probably 3x a year, which is sad to think about.
Co-workers, good and bad, become a massive part of your journey and shape you into who you are as a person.
You are just starting to find yourself as a working individual. You are finding your feet, questioning where you stand, and being treat with (somewhat) respect.
The biggest thing is making sure that you keep in touch with the people you did get extremely close too.
It’s so natural to drift apart, but keeping in touch can be as small as a ‘how are you doing’ every few months!
The nerves of starting your new job
Honestly, I don’t think anything can prepare you for easing the nerves of starting something new and unknown.
You just have to push through the first few weeks, and then you will get yourself into a groove and start feeling more comfortable.
You’re always going to feel like a fish out of water when you start something new.
Imposter syndrome is a thing, and you will probably feel like you don’t belong there for a while, but once you get more and more comfortable with the job and the team, it will starting feeling more like yours.
Prepping for your new job
Leaving your first job and starting another, especially if it’s a short period of time, is hard to adjust too.
There’s a lot of things you have to think about, like if your previous job had a uniform and your new one doesn’t, you have to essentially buy a whole wardrobe to fit with your new job.
This doesn’t have to be a negative thing!! I have spent countless hours on Pinterest looking at smart casual office wear, and it makes me super excited to put all of my outfit inspo together!
Starting a new job (in my mind) gives you an excuse to buy new stationary right?! Going into your new job feeling confident with all of your new things is so exciting!
Going from part time / retail hours to 9-5 hours
Although the days will be longer, have a structure and a routine is going to be amazing! Especially because I am a Virgo and thrive off a routine and being able to plan everything.
Working in retail meant I was working an early shift one day, and the next day starting later and finishing late. There was no structure and no routine.
So yes, getting used to more hours in the day will be difficult, the ability to plan my days and have that structure is going to feel so good!
Not to mention the weekends off!!!
Working in retail has always meant that I work weekends, so never having to work a weekend again?! That sounds incredible!!
Adjusting to something new is always going to be hard at the start, but when you find your groove, and figure out how to fit in seamlessly with your new group, you will be fine!
I would like to know when my new co workers take their lunch breaks and tea breaks throughout the day lol!
Thank you for reading <3
I hope you enjoyed reading this post about leaving your first job! I know it’s a SUPER scary thing, trust me, I am going through the same thing right now!
It’s something that’s inevitable when going through your 20s. You are going to start new jobs and be the new girl for a while. But this is all pushing you outside of your comfort zone, and gaining you more skills that you think!
Socialising with the same people and getting comfortable in your life is easy, so when you are taken out of that environment and have to challenge yourself, you will grow!
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