Question:
New job stress - any tips?
Answer:
Sounds like you are much too conscientious. Seriously don't get at all
upset just because the *management* sent you an e-mail and didn't tell
you anything else first. The older I get the more I marvel that 80% of
UK companies don't go bust the way they are mis-managed.
I used to get all huffed up when our little outfit was let down by our
suppliers, and I couldn't run it like I really wanted, it only gave me
hypertension. After several years trying to change and make it all
different I have realised that it cant be done. These days I have a much
more laid back approach to it all, and have finally realised that if I
were to collapse with heart failure right now, the world would go on Jus
the same.....
Change your attitude. Just feel superior because they ballsed up by not
telling you in the first place about the staff meetings, and you didn't
do anything wrong
I'm having a look at receiving the French TV stations atm :o)
and need to pick your brains re telecomunications.
I may be going to Afghanistan, to help out with tele medicine,
but their communications system is very basic.
So I need to know about satellite ISP's (I can sort this out)
and wireless networking (the cheap and cheerful stuff)
Go to the next 'scheduled meeting, and make a casual comment about how sorry
you were about missing the last meeting. Say that you had no idea that the
meeting was on and that you're sure it was an oversight as you had assumed
that you would be informed of meetings etc.
You probably had a bog standard e-mail which they sent to everyone who
missed the meeting. It's doubtful than anyone at the head office even knew
that you were new to the job, let alone meant to upset you. The fact that
everyone else was so casual suggests that they are used to such e-mails
themselves, and the management's bark is worse than its bite.
You could try replying to the e-mail and apologise as you are new and must
have missed the instruction to turn up. You could ask if they could let you
know who issues the notices of the meetings, or where they can be found so
that you can make sure that you won't miss any more in the future. Tell them
that you are still finding your feet both at college and in your work
environment and ask them to forgive you for this error. (keep copies of all
correspondance with others at work at all times) You may find that they may
rethink the way their e-mail was put and end up saying sorry to you.
The problem is that when you are starting a new job you are also trying to
make a good impression, you have much to learn, and remember and that can
stress you no end. It's more likely to have been the stress that made you
react as you did, than actually missing a meeting. It's a useful experience
to remember as you can be determined to make sure anyone who comes in new
after you is well looked after. When others see you taking a caring approach
to new staff it may rub off on them too. You also have to remember that you
have taken a position that allows other staff to 'forget' you are part of
the organisation because you are not there a large amount of the time. You
could try to pop in on your study days, even if it's for a few minutes so
that they can get used to having you around.
