Starting at a new job can be challenging. Navigating through a new building, meeting new coworkers, and performing new job duties can be mentally and physically exhausting. It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed and to feel some soreness in your first week or two. We regularly hear that employees, especially in production, assembly and manual labor positions, are feeling “new job soreness.” These new job aches are related to employees who start a new position and are using motions and muscles they haven’t used before or in a long time.

An employee that is new to this type of work, might feel very sore, stiff and tender after their first few days on a new job. Although these pains can be uncomfortable and a nuisance, there is a silver lining! Your body is resilient. The more you stick with the position, the more comfortable you will become with the style of work. As time goes on, you will be better adapted to the work and you won’t feel the new job soreness anymore.

In the meantime, there are a couple of things you can do to manage your soreness.

1. Stretch
2. Ice and Heat

This soreness won’t last very long. You’ll look back one day and be happy that you decided to stick with your new position. Don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor or Advance Services onsite coordinator for tips and tricks on beating the new job soreness.

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Lay out your outfit

Dress the part. Whether you are beginning your first day in an office setting or production setting you want to be sure to wear the appropriate attire. Laying out your outfit in advance also helps reduce the amount of rushing in the morning before work.

Plan your route and transportation

Will there be heavy traffic? Do you have gas in your car? Do you know your bus route? Did you coordinate pick-up times? No matter how you get to work, make sure your route is planned. This ensures no surprises the morning of. Nothing is more stressful than waking up and not knowing how you are going to get to work. Car, bus, bike, carpooling, Uber, taxi services are all options, so you have no excuse to miss or be late on your first day.

Set an alarm…or 3

Set your alarm and check it twice. It is not a great first impression to show up late on your first day of work. Whatever you need to do to make sure you’re up and ready, make it happen.

Check your paperwork and documents

Do you need to bring anything with you on your first day? Do you know what entrance to report to? Did your employer give you any special instructions? Look over all of the fine print before you head out that morning and you will be one step closer to feeling prepared.

Prepare and think of questions you might have

It is always good to ask questions on your first day of work. Have some in mind to take with you.

Write down or think about the reason you took this job

This is a great tip that comes from Muse writer Erin Greenawald, who suggests writing down the biggest reason you decided to take this job.

“Then, when things get overwhelming, everything isn’t what you expected it to be, or you feel like you’ll never make it up the steep learning curve ahead of you, you can return to that reason and remind yourself why you’re doing this,” she says.

Get some rest!

Getting a goodnight’s sleep so you are prepared for you first day. Try to go to bed a little earlier than usual or a decent time. I know you’re excited, but it is important to show up ready to go.

Follow up

Follow this checklist to have great first day at your new job. If you have more questions don’t hesitate to reach out to your Advance Services HR Coordinator. We are here to help you succeed in your new career. 

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