Returning to the workplace- 5 Tips to keep your mental health in check!
You thought it would be a great idea to return to the workplace?
What could be so hard about going back to work, after all, you have years of great experience?
If this was you, and now you find that you are feeling out of place and questioning life as you know it, check out these five tips.
1. Be Honest
Recognize is that you may be significantly older than your new coworkers. While this isn't a bad thing, it does mean that you may be at a different place in life and have different experiences. Be honest about this! No need to pretend you are on the same level, this will only lead to everyone feeling awkward.
2. Don't always ask
There used to be a saying, "The only dumb question is the one not asked." While that used to be true, today's story is slightly different. With search engines like Google, one can pretty much find anything they need to know directly from the internet. So, before you ask a question and have your coworkers wonder why you didn't just "Google it", GOOGLE IT!
3. Get Technical
Today's young adult has probably been coding since around the ages of 10 or 12. While many of your coworkers may never have written in cursive, most of them are probably very technically advanced. Now, this does not mean that you should go out and take a coding class, (unless that's really your thing) why not take a few online classes through LinkedIn Learning, or other avenues to sharpen your skills. Not only will this help keep you relevant, but it also will keep you efficient.
4. Be Confident
Confidence is your number one key to success. Don't underestimate the value of the life lessons you have learned that can be of value to your position. Stand up straight, look people in the eye, and speak up clearly to show that you believe you belong there.
5. Lighten Up
Even with all of the honesty, preparation, research, and confidence, there will be times when it's painfully obvious that you've been away for a while. When your coworkers are ordering lunch from their phone apps, and you are on your desktop ordering through the website or you are making copies of expense receipts, and they are taking pictures of them with that cool receipt app on their phone, it’s okay! Have a good laugh about it! Just say something witty like "Hey, every day is throwback Thursday with me!" They will get the reference, and you will be back on the cool list!
What else have you found to be effective in returning to work after a significant career break?