I start my new job tomorrow...and I'm a bit anxious.

As most of you know by now, I have been unemployed since walking away from my previous job in March. Well, in July, I applied for a part-time position in my dream field...and I got it. Since then, it's been a bit frustrating to go through the long hiring process, but I got the call yesterday that I was scheduled to start my new position on Saturday (tomorrow). And, truth be told, for as much as I wanted and dreamed about having this amazing opportunity, I am nervous.

I will be working in a busy veterinary hospital as a pet nurse assistant. The job is very much part-time and doesn't pay much, but I am grateful to have a job at all -- especially when unemployment continues to rise. And, despite the job not being exactly what I would want (as far as hours and benefits), I am thankful for the opportunity to work in the field I want to be a part of. And, with this job, I have a tremendous opportunity for growth.

I've been a bit disillusioned since finding out that they hired two part-time employees as opposed to just one or one full-time employee. And, even though I have no reason to feel this way, I feel threatened by the fact that there is someone else who was just hired for the same position. What if they like him more than me? What if he does a better job than me? What if I was their second choice and they hired me only to fill some hours -- not because they really wanted me to work with them? The list could go on ad infinitum. Don't get me wrong, I am so thankful for this opportunity. But, I'm nervous too. And, I feel guilty about that.

I will be working from 12:00pm to 5:00pm tomorrow. And, tomorrow will be my one day of training. The girl whose position I'm filling has her last day tomorrow and I believe both myself and the other new employee will be "shadowing" her. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't anxious. Even though I kind of know what to expect, it's still the unknown and that is causing me some anxiety. After tomorrow, I'm on the schedule and on my own. To start, I'll be working Sunday afternoons, Tuesday evenings, and Friday evenings. I did think there would be more hours involved, but I've been told that they're just starting both new employees on the low end. I know that hours and pay increases (as well as promotions) are possible. I just need to be patient and enjoy the process. But, I can't help doubt myself. I wish I could get my mind to just focus on all the positives, but, unfortunately, I am also focused on the negatives. I'm hoping writing this all out will help me with that.

I have to hem my scrubs tonight and I'm not so terrific at sewing and so I'm nervous about that as well. I also have a lot of anxiety about not looking good enough or having a nice enough or warm enough personality. I'm just doubting myself left and right and it's frustrating. I have such an amazing opportunity in front of me and it's a new beginning, a new chapter of my life. I should be ecstatic. And, I am! I'm so thankful and honored and priveleged...and anxious and scared and full of fear. I suppose all of this is normal. I know it's not unusual to feel anxiety about starting a new job. I just feel like all I should feel is gratitude and I'm angry with myself for being as anxious as I am.

I think this whole thread makes me sound like an ungrateful brat. I hope it doesn't come off that way as my intention is just to walk through my fear and embrace the grace God has offered me. So, maybe, could I have some vibes? Advice, even? I just want to start my job with my head held high. And, regardless of how I feel tomorrow, I will do just that. But, some support along the way would be most appreciated.

Vibes sent hun! You'll be FINE! Work hard, be yourself, and come what may.

It's very scary to start a new job.

I know you tend to worry about and over think every facet of everything so I won't tell you not to worry, because I know you will anyway, but I think everything will go just fine.

They most likely hired two part-timers because, in the short run, it is cheaper for them, they don't have to offer certain full time benefits to part time employees.

In the long run, in my opinion, this is not so cost effective as part time help seems to come and go, where as if they offered a full time position there would likely be less employee turnover.

Good luck tomorrow, you'll be great.

Congratulation Alison!!!

Hey, do not think about anybody else - this is not a competition... Many times there are rotating schedules because they need working weekend hours and such, thus the need for two people instead of one.
Do your best, instead of trying to do better than the other person. Do not try to compete with anybody. And Stop doubting yourself girl! You were afraid of the interview.... you got the job. Afraid of the drug test..... you passed it..... Now you are afraid of the job itself. There is a reason why they hired you: Because you are RIGHT for the job! Because YOU CAN DO IT!
Nobody is doubting you, but yourself! So, stop with this righ now, chop chop, and celebrate!!!
Yeah girl! I am so happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to go there and give you a massive bone crashing hug!

Just go in, listen, and work hard. You'll be fine. Everyone is apprehensive about their first day!

BREATHE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your gonna do great, remember this is your dream job and just enjoying the job in itself is going to be good for you. Everything is going to go great and we fully expect an update on how much you enjoyed your first day at work!!!!

It's easy to over-think things, and to prepare/dread for 'the dark side'. Could be, with the sort of hours they envision, they want to have enough people on hand to rotate the toughest hours to schedule - late hours, early hours, weekend hours, etc, so that all the employees have some semblance of work/life balance down the road when more hours are added.

But, remember, they liked you enough to hire you....if you can, maybe take a long walk tonight, or tire yourself out caring for all your babies and remember the other guy could well be thinking the same things you are. Maybe have a warm glass of milk and a warm shower this evening, and just practice deep breathing - that may help you fall asleep (everyone has pre-first day jitters and has a hard time sleeping!)

Just try to remember to do your best, don't worry about comparing yourself to anyone else, and try to smile and take a positive approach - even if you feel like you're faking it at first. Your employer knows you're nervous - try to think of how afraid your new patients are, and how your warm and loving personality will help them. I bet once you start concentrating on the animals, you'll forget about yourself - and then shine as an employee.

And, once you get that first paycheck or three - maybe treat yourself to having your uniforms hemmed by the local dry cleaner - or maybe one of your friends/new co-workers is a good tailor. I myself can't sew - so just remember, it's not like you're the only person in the US who isn't an expert seamstress.

I wish you the best of luck tomorrow. Remain positive and you will do fine. Get rid of all those negative thoughts, they will hold you back. Let us know how your first day goes and again...good luck.

The job market being what it is, there is no way they would have hired you if you couldn't do the job. Imagine how many people they interviewed and you got the job! I bet when you wake up in the morning you will be perfectly calm. I worry things to death and when it comes to it, I am perfectly fine. I'm sure you will be too. Good Luck.

You will be FINE sweetie! Believe me, I hate the first day of a new job. I usually have panic attacks. I'm so bad, in fact, that I have to leave early to give myself time to drive past the building two or three times while giving myself a pep talk! Once you get there and get in the swing of things you'll be fine.

Starting part time makes sense...there's a lot to train you on, and you have a lot to learn before you are able to handle the job by yourself. I'm sure hours will increase as you get more comfortable with it.

And, I agree with everyone else, they hired you because they KNOW you can do it. They saw something in you that you may be having a hard time seeing yourself right now...but trust them! Good luck on your first day! Let us know how it goes.

Stop sabotaging yourself!

It's perfectly natural to be nervous about starting a new job. You go in completely green and don't know anyone. It's daunting! I'd be worried about you if you weren't nervous!

Stop worrying about things that are not in your control and stop with the "what ifs!"

Just go to bed early, get a good night sleep so that you are bright-eyed in the morning when you go to work.

And remember! You were interviewed....twice! You went through their hiring and medical process. If they didn't think you were worth their effort, they wouldn't have hired you!

You will be fine hun, like everyone has said they wouldnt hire you if they didnt think you were right for the job, so go have fun and learn a load new stuff

Thinking of you today!