Latest news with #newjob
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
I moved 22 hours away to start a new job. A couple I met by chance took me in, and now they're like family to me.
I was excited to start a new job in a new city, but also a bit nervous. A chance meeting with a couple in a cable store turned into a years-long friendship. Their kindness helped me adjust to my new surroundings. When thinking about family, whether they are distant relatives or close loved ones, we rarely would consider outsiders, let alone strangers. But that hasn't been my experience. While it may sound like a lot of work, making new genuine connections can be easy; sometimes it's as simple as finding a common interest with a person. As random as it might sound, that's exactly how I was able to meet a lovely couple at a cable store in Nebraska. For someone who had just moved 1,500 miles away from my hometown of Virginia to work as a journalist for the local news station, the last thing I ever expected I'd do is talk to strangers. But in retrospect, everyone was a stranger, including my new coworkers. After a 22-hour drive from Virginia Beach to Kearney, my parents and I had finally made it to our destination, and all that I could think about the entire way, as we reached each city limit sign was "What have I done?" My parents were about to drop me off in the middle of nowhere. "Why aren't they stopping me?" I thought as we got closer. It was bittersweet — celebrating a huge accomplishment, stepping into my career, all while getting emotional at each restaurant during the road trip. It wasn't until then that I realized the importance of spending time with family. The smallest things made me cry: watching my dad go up to the breakfast buffet at Shoney's for seconds and thirds, and seeing my mom ask for French vanilla coffee creamer. I contemplated telling them just to take me back home, but I had to commit to my decision. Picking up my keys from the apartment leasing office seemed to be the only thing that could cheer me up — sure, I was sad, but who wouldn't feel accomplished moving out of their parents' house? They were set to fly back home that following Monday, so helping me get settled was our main goal for the next few days. Everywhere we went, it felt as though we stood out as a Black family in Kearney. But like most talkative dads, mine didn't care, and he'd have small talk about sports with random people to get a feel of the environment. Setting up my cable service was a priority. Little did I know, it would be a turning point for me. As we were choosing cable plans, my dad started chatting with a white couple who were also setting up their services. They began telling us the ins and outs of living there — helpful information that I needed to know. A few people shared insights with me on the area, but to hear it from actual residents made a huge difference. As a Black woman in her early 20s moving to a strange place, the couple made me feel welcome. They were aware that I relocated for work and shared that their daughter had also just moved for college, so we had something in common. Assuming that the connection was just a one-off situation where I'd never hear from them again, they proved me wrong. My mom and the man's wife became Facebook friends, which made me even more comfortable with the idea of reaching out. After all, the connection was completely normal, just two mothers posting about how much they love their kids. After months of living in Kearney, finally accepting that I needed a wholesome bond to make me feel at home, I decided to take the couple up on an offer to go to church together. And there I was on a Sunday morning with people I met at a cable store. Was I nervous? Of course. But about 20 minutes into the service, it hit me that there are genuinely good people in the world. So when they invited me out for brunch afterwards, there was no hesitation in my mind — I even rode with them to the restaurant. On the ride, they shared more details about the area, helping me to become more acquainted with my environment. They made me feel comfortable, and at home, something I needed at the time. Since moving back to Virginia, our relationship has been limited to Facebook updates, but at least I know that I will always have family in Nebraska. Read the original article on Business Insider
Forbes
09-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
4 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting A New Job
4 Mistakes To Avoid When Starting A New Job Starting a new job is an exciting and rewarding journey. You meet new people, adapt to a new environment, face new challenges, and explore new opportunities for growth. However, that excitement comes with the fear of making mistakes or leaving a bad impression. The truth is, you need not know everything right away. Having the right mindset and behavior matters more. In fact, a study by Leadership IQ revealed that 89% of hiring failures are due to poor attitudes, not lack of skills. To help you start strong, here are four mistakes to avoid for a smoother transition into your new role. One common mindset when starting a new role is, 'It's too early to demand or negotiate. I should just follow along for now.' But that's a big, costly mistake. Yes, you've worked really hard acing every interview, and now that you've finally landed a new job, you might not want to risk anything. However, by delaying things, you're missing out on a lot of money and the opportunity to build credibility early on. So, don't be afraid to bring up salary, bonuses, performance reviews, and other things to negotiate. For example, if you didn't get your desired salary, you can ask for additional paid time off or a more flexible schedule. Talk about training opportunities, or suggest a more reasonable timeline for performance reviews. You might not always get what you ask for, but you will gain respect for speaking up. It also reflects your confidence, strong communication skills, and commitment to your role. When we say onboarding, we often think it's the job of HR or the team to help us learn the ropes. Sure, they will conduct orientations, walk us through tools and programs, and train us on different parts of the job, but it doesn't stop there. A successful onboarding process requires new hires' active participation. Being a newbie doesn't mean you should just keep quiet and wait to be told what to do. Instead, ask questions, especially when you're unfamiliar or still confused about certain processes. For example, if you're having difficulty using a project management tool, approach any team member. Ask for tips and best practices to help you get the hang of things faster. By being honest and proactive, you save time for everyone. It also shows your eagerness to learn and contribute to the team. So stay curious and engaged! While there's a lot to look forward to in a new job, don't forget the less exciting but equally important matters. Take time to understand taxes. Ask about Form W-4 and other documents you need to accomplish. Review your employment contract thoroughly, including the probationary period, termination and notice provisions, confidentiality clauses, and non-compete agreements, if applicable. These may sound boring and technical, but you should know what you're getting yourself into and your respective rights and responsibilities. Ask HR for any clarifications regarding leave requests, work hours, health insurance, and other benefits. Staying informed helps prevent unnecessary conflicts and allows you to focus on excelling in your new role. The first few weeks or months are crucial in making a positive impression at your new job. Your responsibilities will grow, and regular evaluations will show your progress — or the lack of it. So spend your time wisely, and connect with the right people. For instance, instead of reading all available resources or finding the perfect design for a presentation, talk to your manager and the people you'll be working with. Get involved early on by asking these questions: What are the team's biggest problems right now? What areas do you need help with? How can I contribute to the team's goals? Keeping your efforts aligned with the team's mission and vision helps position yourself as a dependable team member. Finding a new job is already a big win. But you don't want to waste that opportunity on mistakes that are easily avoidable. So, be more proactive, understand the boring but important aspects of the job, and channel your energy into contributing to the team while growing professionally. Rooting for you!
Independent Singapore
03-06-2025
- Business
- Independent Singapore
‘I feel underqualified' — New hire considers quitting her job less than a month in, as she's 'left to struggle without much help'
SINGAPORE: Feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, one Singaporean employee is already thinking of leaving her new job less than a month after starting. In a recent anonymous post on Reddit's 'Ask Singapore' forum, she opened up about her rocky start, sharing, 'I feel underqualified for the role, left to struggle without much help, and don't think I could add any value to the company. I feel like quitting already.' Under her post, many kind-hearted Redditors reassured her that feeling lost or overwhelmed in the first few weeks of a new job is incredibly common, and reminded her that it often takes time to find one's footing in a new environment. One wrote, 'It took me 7 months to understand my role and make sense of what I am doing… Just be patient with yourself if it's not a toxic role… If it hits your core and it's tough 24/7, then find a job now and quit once you have a new one.' Another encouraged her to stay on a little longer, saying, 'Try and stay for 6 months!!! I think feeling overwhelmed in the first month is quite normal for many, but it gets better.' A third chimed in with a practical reminder, writing, 'Unless your mental health is /severely/ affected right now, stay on. You would NOT want to be jobless and have bills to pay that just keep coming.' Others, meanwhile, offered practical advice. One suggested, 'Learn the ropes of your role and responsibility even in your free time. Invest time in learning, and your adjustment will take less time. It helps big time if you can find some kind of a mentor; talk to your supervisor/manager and request a buddy system. Tell them the faster you learn, the more productive you will be. Just keep hustling; you'll look back at this thread and just laugh at it.' How long does it take to settle into a new job? According to Rednax Recruitment , it usually takes around three to six months for someone to really feel comfortable and settled in a new job. That period gives new employees the chance to learn what their role involves, get a feel for what their boss and company expect from them, and adjust to the overall work culture. But it's important to remember that this timeline isn't the same for everyone. How quickly someone settles in can depend on a bunch of things. For example, some people pick up new skills faster by jumping right in and doing the work, while others might need more time with training or guidance. The company culture also matters because if it is a friendly and supportive place, it is easier to feel at home faster. On the other hand, a high-pressure or fast-paced environment might make things more challenging. Read also: Man finds out his colleague earns S$500 more than him, asks if he should speak up or stay silent Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)
CBC
13-05-2025
- General
- CBC
City's new wildlife resources co-ordinator hired to create harmony between humans and wildlife
Dom Ferland was hired earlier this spring in the brand new job. He thinks most of his time will be spent dealing with problems caused by beavers.
