TAKING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TO HEART
First Steps in the World of Work
TAKING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH TO HEART
First Steps in the World of Work
Author :
Nathalie Parent, psychologist
If you’re reading this, it probably means you’re there 😉 : taking your first steps in the world of work. It may be stressful for you and that’s normal. Doing something new and unfamiliar creates stress, which mobilizes the energy needed to properly prepare. Now let’s look at a few points to guide you.
How do I know if I’m ready for my first job?
Going down this path is a bit like embarking on a journey of exploration: each trip is unique, filled with discoveries, strewn with obstacles and definitely overflowing with opportunities to learn. So it depends on your personality, your past and the people around you (family, friends). Nowadays, due to the labour shortage, many employers hire people as young as 14. The age for a first job is therefore less of a criterion.
Are you ready for a first job?
You can complete the test below to help you find your bearings:
Choising the perfect job
The perfect job—as though there were only one—does not exist. There are many jobs that may suit you fine and, fortunately for you, these days the choices are plentiful. Let’s look at a few criteria to help you make your choice:
- Do I want a job nearby so that I can walk to work? Or is it fine to look for a job further away because my parents have agreed to drive me? Or I’ll take public transit, depending on my work schedule.
- Does the job accommodate my school schedule? Is it possible to discuss this with the employer before starting the job?
- Am I comfortable working alone or do I need to have other people around? For example, a store or restaurant versus a convenience store.
- Do I want to work weekends, days, evenings, nights?
- Concerning pay, do I want a job with commission (salesperson in a shop) or tips (server, deliveryperson, etc.)?
- Do I feel comfortable in a confined space rather than in a big building or with a large work team?
- Am I the type who likes to deal with customers or am I more comfortable in a first job that allows me to be “in my bubble”?
- How many hours a week would it be reasonable to offer, taking into consideration school, my academic program and my abilities?
A resume, a call, applying on-site?
Have you made your choice and identified a few places that interest you? The next step can be done in different ways: 1) call the employer to see what their needs are and what procedure you should follow to offer your services; 2) visit the potential place of employment in person (some people have been hired right away when applying directly!); or 3) prepare your resume and send it by email or deliver it in person.
During your first contact with the employer, it is recommended that you introduce yourself by shaking the person’s hand and saying, “Hello, my name is…”.
A tip for a good handshake: look the person in the eyes long enough to know what colour their eyes are.
You got the job! Congratulations!
You’ll find in this memo sheet some tips to promote healthy workplace relations and establish a good reputation for a future job.
How do I do my first job well?NEED TO TALK ABOUT HOW YOU FEEL?
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