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Realistic Expectations
By Heather Carpenter | May 27, 2008
No matter what stage of your career you are in it is difficult to determine what you are worth. This is especially true if you have never worked in the industry to which you are applying. In addition to not understanding your monetary worth it can also be difficult to determine what role you are qualified for and what that role entails.
This is my attempt at giving all new job seekers a dose of reality:
- Never underestimate the mundane. When starting a new job be sure you are open to the unexpected. When your job description says “and other tasks as assigned” be aware that they may not be tasks you love. If your boss asks you to make coffee, water the plants or take turns cleaning the kitchen embrace the task as if it were the most important thing in the world. Your willingness and eagerness to be a team player will not go unnoticed. Neither will your positive attitude. Soon your boss will be asking you to help with a large project or join her in meeting with important clients. If she sees how willing you are to help in mundane tasks she will feel confident you will also be successful in more important ones.
- Be positive, it’s contagious. Anyone who has ever worked with “Debbie Downer” knows the feeling of dread that overcomes you when you have to go to work. You spend more time at work then anywhere else in your life, so you want to be sure the environment is positive. Always say positive things and encourage your peers to see the sunny side. Optimism and cheer are contagious and can make for a great contribution to work culture.
- Learn to please your boss. Bosses come in every shape and size, and no matter how aggravated you may become with your boss you need to learn how she ticks and how to make her happy. Am I asking you to brown nose? Yes, I guess I am. This does not mean you bring the boss coffee everyday or make her lunch; instead find out what kind of work she expects of you and perform to the best of your ability. And never let your boss’ sour mood or anxiety over a project effect your ability to do your job. If you need to take a few minutes and vent to yourself outside in the privacy of your own aggravation go right ahead, but never let your boss or co-workers see or feel your frustration. A boss wants to see that you can handle everything that is thrown your way.
- Salary. Your salary may be lower then you initially thought. Not all professions make $50,000 a year right out of college, so be prepared for that. Visit www.salary.com or another site that allows for salary analysis and determine what you are worth in the market. Keep in mind the size of your employer and other benefits they offer. Sometimes it is worth trading a benefit for a salary (100% paid health insurance is worth a lot of money). If salary is an issue ask how often raises are granted and in what percentage. Know all of your facts before you reject an offer on salary alone.
- Workspace. Although many of us imagine we will have our own offices when we start a “real job” it is usually not the case. In fact, many professionals will never have their own offices, so let’s debunk that expectation now. Workspace can range from your car (if you are a salesman) to a cubicle in a noisy office to a table in the staff lounge. Depending on the size of the company, the work culture and the budget workspace can vary considerably. Remember, it’s not where you work but how well you work, so don’t let anything stand in your way.
- Hours. When deciding on your career it is important to be aware ahead of time how much you actually want to work. Sounds crazy doesn’t it? Every industry and profession has different expectations of their employees. For example, an accounting firm may work 4 day summers but 80 hour weeks during tax season. In sales you are often responsible for your own accounts, so if dinner time is the only time a client is available you need to make sure you are also available. And in any environment that is consumer driven you must be sure you are willing to work the hours where there are peak consumers, with no grumbling. Additionally, when you first start a job you may need to work extra hours as you overcome the learning curve. Do your research so you know what to expect ahead of time.
- Workplace culture. We have all heard the saying, “It wouldn’t be work if it were fun.” Although this used to be the case, many employers are trying to integrate some fun into the workplace. More employers then ever are offering break rooms with Guitar Hero, Wi, pin ball machines and other games. Employers are offering gym memberships, massages and healthy food options. Other employers are offering casual work environments or telecommuting options to try and attract top notch talent. If you do not feel comfortable in a suit everyday, or you cannot imagine a workplace where fun is acceptable you want to be sure you are researching company culture before beginning a job. The best opportunity to do this is during the interview process. Ask questions about work culture, observe employees in work, and ask for a tour so you can see what fun, or not so fun, things exist.
- My co-workers will be my new best friends. Although this is sometimes true, it is often not. Work is often the first place in your life you are put into a situation with colleagues of varying age. Additionally, although you are new and may have spare time to get to know others, your colleagues have assignments they are trying to finish. Don’t be disappointed if it takes a little while to find where you “fit” in your new place of employment. It will all come together eventually.
For more information about what to expect in the “real world” read Terry Arndt and Kirrin Coleman’s book Life After Graduation: Your Guide to Success available to www.lifeaftergraduation.com.
Topics: General |