You’ve done it! You’ve got your very first job. Congratulations. You’ve beaten out hundreds of other hungry graduates for the position, and you’re ready to start your rise to the top of your industry. And lead it. Watch out world, you’re a-coming.
Before you get to the top, however, there are few things you’re going to learn along the way. Here’s our take on expectation versus reality on starting your first job.
1. The job itself
Expectation: Fresh out of college, you’re ready to apply all of the wonderful things you learned during your four-year degree. Your new manager better be ready to be bowled over by all of your amazing ideas.
Reality: You know nothing. And nobody is in the slightest bit interested in your ideas. And the faster you realise that, the better for everyone. You have no idea what you’re supposed to be doing. And the longer you’re there, the less you’re sure why you were hired.
2. That first pay cheque
Expectation: You’ve worked hard(ish) all month, and this the moment you’ve been waiting for all your life. “I’m going to be rich. Rich beyond my wildest dreams!”
Reality: It turns out people have to pay this thing called tax. And another little item known as rent. And insurance. And electricity bills. Your precious pay cheque starts disappearing faster than your belief that your Arts degree was worth all the time and effort.
3. The wardrobe situation
Expectation: What with all that money you’re earning, you’ll soon be after to afford one fabulous outfit after another. You’ll take the time each morning before work to arrive polished, fabulous and powerful.
Reality: Your perfectly polished looks lasts for about a week. Two weeks, tops. Soon you’re sleeping in until 8.10, throwing your hair in a bun and throwing on the first clean outfit you can find. If you could wear sweatpants to the office, you would.
4. The workmates
Expectation: Finally, new sophisticated, professionals to get to know. You’ll learn from their experience and share important ideas with each other. Mutual respect all round.
Reality: These people have no chill. The drama, the cattiness, the backstabbing. Sometimes it feels like you’re stepping back into secondary school. Your main aim is to keep calm and rise above it all.
5. The weekends
Expectation: Sure, you know you’ll look forward to the weekends. But that’s normal, right?
Reality: You live for the weekends. Friday afternoon is your happy place.
6. The career path
Expectation: You’re going to excel at your new job. A couple of months into the role, you’ve got your eyes set on that promotion.
Reality: You’re totally right. You work hard, prove yourself to your managers. And before you know it, you’ve got that promotion and a snazzy pay rise coming your way.
Sprite, the truth is refreshing.
