Career Journey
New Career in a New City? Don’t Forget to Focus on YOU”
October 2022
October 2022
By Jillian Crocetta
With the end of summer upon us, I realize that I have been living in what I used to call my “new” city for a full year now, continuing to work at the job that took me here. As I watch my roommate begin her new job in her new city, striving to become familiar with the unfamiliar, I think about last year when each August breath was a combination of anticipation and excitement for me – the kind dramatic change brings when you are thrown head over heels out of your own element.
Many twentysomethings are thrown into a new environment as they begin their careers, but these suggestions are for anyone settling somewhere new, because starting anew can be unequivocally startling, whether it be for a promotion, career change, or just the desire to go somewhere else.
There are numerous challenges when relocating, many of which don’t necessarily have anything to do with your new position or career, but have more to do with your new environment like neighborhood safety, best school districts, places to shop for groceries, finding new doctors, to name a few. But that’s a different article. Today, I am focusing on the challenges of starting a new job in your new city, and how to manage that head-over-heels, dramatic type of change.
With the end of summer upon us, I realize that I have been living in what I used to call my “new” city for a full year now, continuing to work at the job that took me here. As I watch my roommate begin her new job in her new city, striving to become familiar with the unfamiliar, I think about last year when each August breath was a combination of anticipation and excitement for me – the kind dramatic change brings when you are thrown head over heels out of your own element.
Many twentysomethings are thrown into a new environment as they begin their careers, but these suggestions are for anyone settling somewhere new, because starting anew can be unequivocally startling, whether it be for a promotion, career change, or just the desire to go somewhere else.
There are numerous challenges when relocating, many of which don’t necessarily have anything to do with your new position or career, but have more to do with your new environment like neighborhood safety, best school districts, places to shop for groceries, finding new doctors, to name a few. But that’s a different article. Today, I am focusing on the challenges of starting a new job in your new city, and how to manage that head-over-heels, dramatic type of change.
Shop Creatively
Entering my job during the COVID-work-at-home era, I really had no indication of what people wore to work in New York City. I had only three references: the clothes my mother kept in storage, and the TV shows “The Bold Type” and “Younger.” Work attire can be very different at your new job, even if you’ve stuck to the same industry.
Moving can be very expensive, so it’s important to get creative in order to stick to your budget. Cities offer diverse choices, including thrift shops, street sales, outlets and consignment shops. So, I decided to check out East Village thrift stores and other options during lunch, pairing new shirts and skirts with the clothes I already had in my closet.
If you’ve moved to an area where the stores aren’t within walking distance, look up the nearest strip mall or outlet. New outfits don’t have to cost a lot. And dressing well helps you feel productive and empowered.
Embrace Individuality
On that note, remember that you should wear something to work that makes you feel confident (sticking to the dress code, of course). Wearing my trademark hoop earrings to work is more than just an outfit accessory – they make me feel comfortable, and they make me feel like I am still me.
It’s important to embrace your individuality, especially when you are still getting to know your coworkers. Being authentic and retaining your identity is an underrated task, because when we move somewhere new, we are eager to adopt the ways of the new community.
While getting to know your coworkers, it’s important to share some things that offer a glimpse of who you are outside the office. I am not an oversharer, but I allow my coworkers to know a little about me, such as my interest in checking out the latest art exhibits and the fact that I play softball in Central Park.
Rid Yourself of Unrealistic Expectations
Entering my job during the COVID-work-at-home era, I really had no indication of what people wore to work in New York City. I had only three references: the clothes my mother kept in storage, and the TV shows “The Bold Type” and “Younger.” Work attire can be very different at your new job, even if you’ve stuck to the same industry.
Moving can be very expensive, so it’s important to get creative in order to stick to your budget. Cities offer diverse choices, including thrift shops, street sales, outlets and consignment shops. So, I decided to check out East Village thrift stores and other options during lunch, pairing new shirts and skirts with the clothes I already had in my closet.
If you’ve moved to an area where the stores aren’t within walking distance, look up the nearest strip mall or outlet. New outfits don’t have to cost a lot. And dressing well helps you feel productive and empowered.
Embrace Individuality
On that note, remember that you should wear something to work that makes you feel confident (sticking to the dress code, of course). Wearing my trademark hoop earrings to work is more than just an outfit accessory – they make me feel comfortable, and they make me feel like I am still me.
It’s important to embrace your individuality, especially when you are still getting to know your coworkers. Being authentic and retaining your identity is an underrated task, because when we move somewhere new, we are eager to adopt the ways of the new community.
While getting to know your coworkers, it’s important to share some things that offer a glimpse of who you are outside the office. I am not an oversharer, but I allow my coworkers to know a little about me, such as my interest in checking out the latest art exhibits and the fact that I play softball in Central Park.
Rid Yourself of Unrealistic Expectations
When starting a new job and meeting new coworkers, it can be incredibly challenging to not immediately forge new comparisons. I think we’ve all had our own variation of that moment when we sit at our new desk, face new coworkers, and find new ways to needlessly compare.
I had to remind myself more than once that comparison is meaningless – everyone’s career path looks a little different, and everyone is at different phases in their career. This holds true, even if you are in the same office, on the same team, and working on the same projects. The reality is that we are all flung into different corners of the working world, and I think it is our obligation to try to find our footing in our respective corners, rather than try to glimpse at others. |
"When starting a new job and meeting new coworkers, it can be incredibly challenging to not immediately forge new comparisons. I think we’ve all had our own variation of that moment when we sit at our new desk, face new coworkers, and find new ways to needlessly compare." ~ JC |
Remember, things are rarely as they seem. It is easy to compare yourself to others, to believe that you are ahead or behind of where you want to be, but rarely do these comparisons ring true.
Set a Time Limit for Work Thoughts
Don’t get me wrong, working in a new city can be an incredibly wonderful and liberating experience, but it is also important to retain a work-life balance. Jobs take up a big chunk of your day and can dominate your thoughts, even after you are off the clock. So, it is important to take time for yourself – self-care, fun activities with friends and family, alone time for reflection, or a hobby that has nothing to do with your profession.
Try to separate yourself from work thoughts after the work day is done. Help yourself by putting the work phone away and shutting down your VPN. Instead, explore your new town or city to find out all that it offers.
It Usually All Works Out
Life has its way of working itself out. I think we’ve all experienced this in one way or another. But, don’t leave it all up to fate. After all, you play the most important role in setting the direction of your future, choosing how to navigate your job, your coworkers, and your new city.
Some additional tips to get comfortable in your new environment, both in and out of the office:
Basically, it’s about getting familiar with the unfamiliar. Before long, you’ll feel right at home.
Set a Time Limit for Work Thoughts
Don’t get me wrong, working in a new city can be an incredibly wonderful and liberating experience, but it is also important to retain a work-life balance. Jobs take up a big chunk of your day and can dominate your thoughts, even after you are off the clock. So, it is important to take time for yourself – self-care, fun activities with friends and family, alone time for reflection, or a hobby that has nothing to do with your profession.
Try to separate yourself from work thoughts after the work day is done. Help yourself by putting the work phone away and shutting down your VPN. Instead, explore your new town or city to find out all that it offers.
It Usually All Works Out
Life has its way of working itself out. I think we’ve all experienced this in one way or another. But, don’t leave it all up to fate. After all, you play the most important role in setting the direction of your future, choosing how to navigate your job, your coworkers, and your new city.
Some additional tips to get comfortable in your new environment, both in and out of the office:
- Say yes to after-work drinks or dinner with colleagues.
- Ask your coworkers for suggestions about best takeout, grocery stores, community events, daycare, areas to avoid late at night, etc. (Of course, your coworkers always know the best bagel shops!).
- Go to lunch with colleagues when asked.
- Join the office sports team or participate in a charity walk your workplace is involved with – great for building camaraderie.
- Get involved in community events and volunteer opportunities – you can meet a lot of new people outside the workplace this way.
- Join a gym – perhaps, join a coworker as her guest to feel it out.
- Get involved in parent groups if you have children in school.
- Dog lovers: find out the best place to walk your dog – you’ll meet others and their ‘best friends.’
- Check community bulletins online and at entryways of neighborhood stores.
- Become a local at your favorite restaurant or general store.
Basically, it’s about getting familiar with the unfamiliar. Before long, you’ll feel right at home.
Jillian Crocetta is a New York City-based human resources professional and freelance writer/editor who enjoys writing in the areas of identity, place, empowerment, and health & wellness. She has always been drawn to creative nonfiction and poetry and has a passion for generating stories. In addition to the articles she has written for Sanctuary, her work has been published in New Voices and Spotlight News.