If you are a fresh graduate who has just started working, you might find it quite a herculean task. The first job in a person’s career is important for a number of reasons and on top of that, it feels like a survival challenge. So, dear freshers, how can you survive your first job? 

Here are a few tips that might come in handy. 

Make a routine

You might have been a wild and free bird in your university days but I hate to be the one to break it to you—you are no longer a free spirit. Now you are only as free as your job allows you to be. That being said, if you think that you will get away with staying up until 4am and then you can go to work and still perform, you are mistaken. It might work for a few days but then you are bound to crash. Both physically and mentally. 

Your best bet is to make a routine that ensures that you get some sleep before going to work, and you must stick to this routine. Similarly, you should also plan out your eating habits. Otherwise, you will be skipping meals, which will cause serious health issues in the long run. 

Many find themselves exhausted after the first two weeks at a new job and that is normal. Your body and mind are not used to the stress of working eight hours a day; they require some time to adjust to the new routine. Take it easy and try to adapt to the new routine. 

Observe and learn before speaking

I remember watching this meme somewhere: ‘Starting a new job feels like you are a new character in the ninth season of a TV show’. 

And it pretty accurately depicts the feeling of being new and naïve in workspace. But they are paying you so you are expected to work. So, the first few months, observe quietly and learn all you can. You might be tempted to make comments on a lot of things but as most people would tell you: it is wise not to. 

Quietly observe how the office works. How the chain of command works and how the assignments are executed. You can set your learning pattern within the layout of this and learning all this is important for your survival in the office. 

Say no to office politics

‘We don’t have office politics’– you might hear someone say this in your office.

If someone says that, they are either unaware of what is going on in the background, or they are lying. Either way, it is possible to survive without taking part in office politics.

Sure, it can be hard but you can still manage it if you really want to stay out of it. Your best bet is to not take part in any kind of office gossip that includes other co-workers. Refrain from making any comments about anyone. And most importantly, try not to instigate any new issues while you are there. 

You can say no by saying nothing at all. 

Learn the culture

Observe and learn the culture at your workplace. This includes but is not limited to: Attendance and leave culture, dress code, chain of commands etc. It is highly recommended that you maintain the dress code and attendance on time. Most workplaces do not take it well if you violate these two cultures in your early days. 

Try to learn which decisions are within your designation and which decisions should be taken by a senior. Decision making is an important part of most jobs and knowing when to consult a senior is a skill that you should master within the first few months. 

Be honey, not vinegar

You must have heard the phrase “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”. And it’s true in most settings. Even your workplace. If you create a feeling of animosity at your workplace in your early days, it will be difficult for you to survive there. 

You should try to be nice to everyone. This includes not only your colleagues but also the supporting staff (doorman, tea boy etc) as well. You may offer to help your co-workers sometimes without sacrificing your own assignments. All these nice gestures will add to your reputations that you need for a smooth experience at your first job. 

Even if you are set to quit within a few days, you should not lash out. You should always try to leave on good terms. Who knows, maybe in the future you might need a recommendation or some other kind of help from your old office? Try not to burn any bridges at your first job. 

Learn all you can, gather the experience and prepare yourself for the future. Whether you are set to stay or to move on to a more promising career, the experiences from your first job will be a guiding light in the future.