Tips For Young Professionals Starting A New Job

You nailed the job interview, and now the hiring manager wants to know when you can start, and whether you're planning to take some time off between leaving your current gig and starting the new one. You may be tempted to take a week off just to put your feet up, or start as soon as possible to avoid any gaps in your income, but here's how to make the right decision and determine whether you're mentally or emotionally ready to start a new job right away. 

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 Can You Afford a Break?

The first question to ask yourself when considering your new job's start date is how long you can afford to be out of a job. In some cases, your new employer may want you on the job as soon as possible, and if you can't afford to take time off in between jobs, even for a few days or a long weekend, then the decision is already made for you. If you can afford a few days away from work, have your own emergency fund, or just need some time to recharge, you may want to consider a couple of days in between jobs to help you get in the right mindset to start a new gig. Here are some basics you should consider:

-Do you need time to recharge?

-Can you survive missing a paycheck?

-When does your new employer want you to start?

-Do you have questions for your new boss that you want answered before you get there?

Are You In The Right Frame of Mind for A New Job?

Stop and take stock of your mental, emotional, and physical health. How has your diet been? Have you been exercising regularly, and getting enough rest? They may seem personal, but all of them have an impact on your professional performance, and if you those personal habits aren't where you want them to be, you won't find a better opportunity to take the time to correct them than the time in-between jobs.

How Stressed Out Will This New Job Make You?

Even if your internships didn't stress you out, your new job may be the biggest professional challenge you've faced. If you know you're about to walk into one of the most hectic, busy, and possibly stressful positions you've ever had, you may want to take a little time before you walk in the door for the first time to get yourself psyched up for it.

Do You Need To Brush Up On Your Skills?

If you think your new job will challenge you in ways you've never been challenged before, or you know from your interviews that your new job will require you to use some skills and abilities you haven't used in a while, it may be an absolute must to take a few days off between jobs to brush up. If you take some time to get your skills and tools sharpened, it will help you feel more confident in yourself, when entering the new workplace. 

Do You Need to Make Any Changes to Your Wardrobe, Workspace, or Buy New Equipment?

You have a new job, but do you need to buy new clothes? Perhaps you'll be working from home and your desk just isn't set up for long hours of work. Maybe you need to buy some new equipment, like a new laptop or monitor for your home office, a new laptop bag for work, some new notebooks, or just desk organization tools to help you get settled at the new job. The last thing you'll want to worry about when you start a new job is whether or not the Staples will be open on your way home from a new office on a drive you're not familiar with. Make sure you talk with your future boss about what your company's equipment policies are, what they will provide you with, the dress code, and then go shopping for the rest. 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Nicole Beck.