Tips for Adjusting to Your New Job After a Move

Moving to a new place is already stressful and unfamiliar--starting a new job as well can really increase your anxiety levels. If you're dreading beginning your new career in a new city, the following tips will help you adjust and excel professionally and easily.

Ask questions

Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed from your boss or co-workers. Though you may be nervous about being a bother, asking questions is the best way to learn. Just avoid interrupting co-workers when they are busy with an important task, or pestering your boss when he or she is harried or bogged down with work. Focus on an alternative task until an appropriate time to ask your question. On the other hand, leaving work unfinished for days doesn't look good either, so try not to wait too long to get help.

Take notes
When getting instruction on job duties, be sure to always take detailed notes to prevent the need to ask questions repeatedly. It shows a consideration for your coworkers' time and efforts to train you, as well as a willingness to learn and work hard. Going to co-workers or your boss with redundant questions because you didn’t take notes will only draw negative attention and make you appear lazy and unmotivated.

Be friendly

While fitting in socially may not be a major priority for you, having a good relationship wit your coworkers will help you feel at home, as well as boost morale and productivity. Being friendly and outgoing will always improve your work relationships--which can only positively affect your career. Be sure to say "Hello" and "Good morning" to your co-workers when you arrive at the office, and try to make small talk during coffee or lunch breaks to build a good repertoire.

Follow office norms
Every office is different--some have a stricter, more conservative climate, and others are more laid back and flexible. Your boss should explain the office policies to you when you are hired (such as dress code, office hours, lunch breaks, etc.) , but be sure to follow your co-workers lead on some of the finer details. For example, does everyone in the office always show up for meetings five minutes early? How much socializing is considered acceptable during the day? Do most employees put in extra hours to complete tasks? Try to imitate office norms--as long as they reflect a good work ethic. Even if most of your co-worker are habitually late, that isn't an example you would want to follow as a new hire.