oliviatamccue

Transitioning to a new company is no easy task, yet the experience is often among the memorable moments in our career.  It feels like an exciting traveler to a foreign country of different culture and a different language. Like a traveler, there are many things that the initial impression could define the remaining journey.   It may be uncomfortable, it may be surprising; yet, it is rejuvenating.

First, what is the language of the company?  Every company has its own language, glossary and intriguing acronyms.  Is it a different dialect, or a totally different language from what you know? The former is easier to understand, the latter is a test of both the intelligence and confidence.  Intelligence, as it is, to try to make sense for every single in a few words understood; and confidence to have the courage to ask questions.  Like many other things, we become more adaptive with more experience of similar kind.  Knowing a place takes time and effort.  As difficult as it sounds, the learning slope is amazing – just like an infant discovering new things every day. That speed of learning would not last long, so it is worthwhile to savor the moments.  

What about the leaders and the countrymen?  Are they friendly or hostile?  Are they helpful?  Are they down to earth or full of BS?  We should consider lucky if the new environment is one of the friendly and supportive environments, yet better to take nothing for granted.  Even if it is not, it may be a good healthy ambition to think about how to make the environment better.  In many ways, the instinct could be developed pretty quickly on your love, like or dislike of the new environment; and that could stay with you for a long time.

Then, how do you feel the job relevance versus your personal value?  Whether it is a big company or small company, it is ideal to get that relationship between the job objective and the personal ‘mission’.

I talked about having an entrance and exit criteria for a new position a few months ago. Maybe the thought of having exit criteria is a telling sign that the last job has been a transitional one.  This time, there would be no exit criteria but to experience both feet in for a bit.

Posted in About Learning, Career Management