If you have been in the corporate world for a while you can agree that many a time when the learning curve looks like it is never-ending.
Newbies who have been in for a year or two especially can attest to the stress of feeling like you are never quite there yet. The place of being certain you have it on lock. It here being your bob description and all of its forms.
Truth be told, it is going to feel that for a while. Both at that organization and that other one you are looking to get into. Thing is, systems are different, clients too, thus leaving you in an indefinite cycle of learning and unlearning.
All hope is not lost however because, as varied as these variants and aspects of your job are, there is one constant that you have control over, you!
That said, there are three things that you can have locked down such that the variants never sway you or get you down in your feelings.
Routine
The need to have one cannot be stressed enough. Look at it like this, you are aware of how the workflow is, busy days, slow days, easy clients, and difficult ones. Planning around these aspects, therefore, help you get into a zone that allows you to handle whatever and whenever.
A routine, therefore, is important as it gives you structure. A structure that gets you in the right frame of mind to be at your most optimum.
For example; Defined sleeping, meals, and exercise times are detrimental. They energize you keeping you sharp, creative, and open-minded. One key point to note, consistency is key!
Rest
The best way to manage stress levels to increase optimum functioning is through resting. Setting time every day to unwind helps boost energy levels in ways you cannot imagine. In a world where everyone has a side hustle or is working in a toxic environment or a busy setup, rest is key.
Rest will help you rejuvenate, recuperate and get you in the state to manage the variants that you have no control over.
The busy days and crazy clients become easier to handle because you have the energy. Literally. Define your rest and make time for it, intentionally.
Practice
Even with the variants, there is always a pattern. A pattern that helps you manage the other busy day or difficult client with much more ease. It does not mean that it will be easy, it just won’t be as hard. Thus, staying on top of every project is key. Set aside time to review your work, your boss’s responses, the challenges, successes, and failures, and watch the magic unfold.
This is the only way you build competence. Relooking, revising, and then actively practicing the findings you got.
Year one’s and two’s in the workplace will be a bumpy ride for sure. These three aspects will make it so much easier for you to manage the stress levels and if done right, even lead you to a land called work-life balance!
Go forth and be great.