[CAREER NEWS] The Shift Shock: how to avoid it?

In today's fast-paced professional world, career changes are becoming more and more frequent. However, despite careful planning and optimism, sometimes the transition doesn't go quite as planned, resulting in what is commonly referred to as "Shift Shock". What is this phenomenon, which can be the source of an unpleasant feeling or a feeling of not being able to move forward? How can you prevent your career path and personal well-being from being affected?

Origins

The concept of "Shift Shock" was coined by Kathryn Minshew, CEO and co-founder of The Muse, to describe the feeling of surprise, disappointment or regret that some new employees experience when starting a new job. 

Definition of 'Shift Shock

On joining the company, it's common for new employees to go through a period of adjustment, involving learning new systems, establishing new habits, meeting new colleagues and acclimatizing to the corporate culture. These feelings of anxiety and uncertainty are normal and usually dissipate after a few weeks. However, when these feelings persist due to a significant discrepancy between initial expectations and the reality of the position, this is called "Shift Shock". This phenomenon occurs when a person discovers that his or her role differs significantly from what was presented to him or her during the recruitment process, or from his or her idea of it.

Warning signs of Shift Shock

There are many symptoms or signs of Shift Shock. Knowing how to listen for warning signs can help you treat it early, before it becomes a major problem. 

Here are the most common signs that a person is struggling with the challenges of adapting to a new role and/or environment.

• Disillusionment: a marked difference between expectations and reality can lead to feelings of disenchantment
• Lack of motivation: difficulty being enthusiastic about the work to be done, or a feeling of indifference to the tasks at hand
• Increased stress and anxiety: experience of high levels of stress, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as headaches or insomnia
• Performance problems: difficulty meeting job requirements or performing at the expected level
• Withdrawal: minimal involvement with colleagues and a tendency to isolate oneself
• Frequent thoughts of resignation: regularly considering leaving the job soon after starting it, and dreaming of new horizons...

What causes Shift Shock?

Several factors can contribute to Shift Shock, including:

• Misleading job descriptions: vague or overly optimistic job descriptions that do not accurately reflect the responsibilities and missions expected of the role
• Cultural mismatch: misalignment between the company's culture and the employee's values or work style, exacerbating feelings of uncertainty and frustration
• Inadequate onboarding: insufficient training and support during the initial phase, making adaptation difficult
• Unrealistic expectations: a mismatch between the employee's personal expectations and the realities of the job
• Rapid organizational change: unexpected changes within the organization, such as restructuring or changes in leadership, create instability

How to prevent Shift Shock? 

There are several simple strategies that employees wishing to change jobs can implement to prevent and/or mitigate Shift Shock:

§  Do thorough research: before accepting a new position, it's crucial to do thorough research on the company. This includes consulting their website, reading employee reviews, consulting company evaluation websites or even, where possible, talking to people already working in the organization. This provides a more realistic view of the working environment and corporate culture

§  Dare to ask the right questions in interviews: during interviews, it's important to ask specific questions about day-to-day responsibilities, expectations and performance evaluation, and company culture. Asking for concrete examples can help clarify expectations and provide a better understanding of what the role really entails.

§  Clarify your own expectations: it's one thing for the future employee to clarify the employer's expectations, but the reverse is also true. Before starting a new role, it's essential to clarify your own expectations in terms of career, professional development, and work-life balance. This helps to align expectations with the reality of the position

§  Establish a support network: having a support network, whether of mentors, friends or colleagues, can be very useful for sharing experiences and getting advice. This network can provide moral support and different perspectives to better manage the transition.

§  Adopt a flexible, open-minded attitude: it's important to approach the new role with a flexible, open-minded attitude. Accepting that adjustments may be necessary and being ready to adapt to new situations can help reduce stress and make it easier to navigate the unknown.

§  Take time to integrate: don't rush to achieve maximum performance right from the start. Taking the time to understand the company's culture, challenges, processes, team dynamics and specific expectations can only facilitate a smooth transition

§  Communicate transparently: if problems or concerns arise, it's essential to communicate them openly and calmly with superiors or colleagues. Proactive communication can help resolve problems before they become too big

§  Invest in personal development: continue to lifelong learn and train, even after starting the new role. Attending training courses, workshops and reading relevant books can help you develop new skills and stay motivated

§  Managing time and priorities: setting clear priorities and managing time effectively helps avoid feelings of overwhelm. Using time management tools and planning techniques can improve productivity and reduce stress

• Practice self-compassion and self-congratulation: it's important to remember that the transition to a new role can be difficult, and that mistakes and challenges are inevitable. Being indulgent with yourself and avoiding excessive self-criticism can help maintain a positive, resilient attitude. Celebrating your successes is also a way of motivating yourself on a daily basis.

By adopting these strategies, employees can better prepare for a new role and minimize the risks of Shift Shock.

Conclusion 

Shift Shock is a common challenge, but one that is unfortunately often overlooked or under-anticipated in today's working world. You now have the keys to making your transition smoother and more successful...

If you still feel the shock of change, remember that every transition is an opportunity to learn and grow. With a little patience, curiosity and determination, you'll soon master your new professional environment. And who knows? Maybe this new position will reveal hidden talents and unexpected opportunities. Embrace this change with confidence and serenity, and know that you're never safe... from a (or several !) good surprise(s) !!! 😉

Elizabeth TOUCAS - Executive Strengths Coach & Career Manager - IÉSEG Network

For any requests you may have for personalized Executive Coaching or for information on the Career Development Services, please contact me: e.toucas@ieseg.fr or 06.85.33.01.57.