Article
Worrying is over-rated
By Catherine Andrighetti
Staff Accountant I | Audit and Advisory
Starting a new career can be quite an overwhelming experience. Before my first day at Deloitte, I spent weeks worrying about how I was going to transition from being a student to a working adult. However, once I started working, it didn’t take long for me to realize that the majority of my worries were for nothing.
To avoid those sleepless nights and endless nerves, here are a few things that I wish I had known to ease my fears of entering the real world.
Learning is part of the job
After countless networking sessions and conversations with accounting professionals, I was more than intimidated about becoming their coworker. I was constantly questioning whether I would be successful and I worried that when I started working, everyone around me would think I was completely clueless. What I wish I had known was that this feeling was expected. Although I was right about the fact that I really had no idea what I was doing, I didn’t realize how many resources I would have at my disposal to help me navigate through the job. I was constantly surrounded by people who were more than willing to help which provided me with the comfort and tools I needed to succeed.
Waking up early isn’t that bad
For years I had heard countless stories about the crazy hours of an accountant and I worried about transitioning from a 15-hour school week to a 40+ hour work week. Although the early mornings were difficult to get used to at first (especially for someone who used to think a 10 am class was torture), I slowly entered a routine and found a work-life balance that worked for me. There is definitely less free time compared to being a student, but as long as you schedule your days appropriately, you will still have time for the important things in your life.
You are not alone
I spent so much time being nervous about my first day that I didn’t think to realize that I was not the only one worrying. Everyone else who was also starting at the firm had similar fears and I took comfort in knowing that I wasn’t the only one feeling this way. It also helped that everyone at the firm was very welcoming. They all remember their first day so they knew exactly what I was feeling and how to help. I told myself that somehow they survived their first day and so would I.
Overall it is important to remember that you’re going to make it. You were hired for a reason and you have all the tools you need to be successful. All you have to do is take a deep breath, stay calm, and drink some coffee.
Catherine is a recent graduate of McMaster University majoring in Commerce. She is currently a Staff Accountant at our Toronto Practice.
