Manifest: How a Newbie Can Boost Confidence in a New Role

A few months ago, I was fortunate to start what is basically my dream job for my current stage of life (though as someone great* once said “I do not dream of labor” LOL). On one hand, I was filled with excitement and joy, ready to be a sponge and make my mark. On the other hand, I was extremely nervous.

We’ve all been there. New job. New manager. New responsibilities. New insecurities. Can you do the job? Will you live up to the expectations of your new team? [Insert any other question that plagues you when you first start a new job.] The simple answer is a resounding YES! In fact, if this is not your first job, you have a track record of past work experiences as proof. Admittedly, it can be intimidating being new and can be even more pressure navigating a new space during a pandemic, but we got this. Here are some reminders and tips that helped me.

Remember:

1. You Were Hired for a Reason

   Your employer and team interviewed a lot of people before choosing you, yet they chose you…for a reason, actually many reasons. You have a unique ability to meet the team needs. Maybe you bring something to the team that no one currently possesses. Your personality is probably the perfect culture fit for the organization. I don’t know the reasons, but they do and that’s what matters.

2. You Chose Them Too

   Chances are in this market you likely interviewed with many companies, some you really loved, others not so much. As much as you were interviewed, you also interviewed your new employer and team and based on your past experiences and desires, you chose them too. You might be thinking your employer “took a chance” on you, and maybe they did. But you took a chance on them too. The point is that employment is a mutually beneficial relationship, and this new employment opportunity did not just happen to you, but is also the result of your own due diligence and hard work.

3. Remember that you are your own best investment.

   Though you buy cars and houses, trade on the stock market and invest in businesses, none of those investments can compare to you. Take your career into your own hands. Seek out knowledge to supplement your training. Ask the questions, don’t just wait for the answers. Maximize every moment not because you are afraid of letting your team down, but because you won’t let yourself down.

4. Take Up Space

   What does it mean to “take up space”? Often those words seem to be used in a negative context. Taking up space in those situations implying you're too big or too much, shouldn't be seen or heard, and should stay on the sidelines. 
   
   I'll give you my definition. Taking up space does not have to be a bad thing. It should mean living in and walking in your God ordained purpose. It looks like letting your light shine and your joy be felt, leaving people (and in the employment context, companies) better than you find them. In her poem "Our Deepest Fear" Marianne Williamson says, "Your playing small does not serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you." Be enlightened! You are where you are for a reason. People are supposed to notice you. Don't dim your light, SHINE!

   I challenge you to take up space and add value, wherever God has positioned you. 

New opportunities can be both exciting and nerve-racking. Allow yourself to feel all emotions, give yourself grace and put in the work. Being on the other side of my 90 days I can confidently tell you the nerves dissipate.

*I wish I could properly attribute this quotation, but after researching it was not clear who said this first.

Update as of 7/6/2023: This blog post was originally titled “Manifest: How a Newbie Can Combat New Job Imposter Syndrome," however as I continue to learn and grow through life experiences and conversations with others, I have come to believe that “Imposter Syndrome” is label someone else is projecting on you. Wherever we are we deserve to be there, we are not imposters. So let’s ditch the label.