You have a new job! (or hope to soon). Here are some tips to make the transition to your new position successful and as easy as possible.
First, remember that transitions are always tough. While you are likely very excited about a new position, the transition can be overwhelming, especially if you are moving to a new location. You are closing out a chapter in your life that has likely lasted between two and five years (or more). You are saying goodbye to friends and colleagues and disrupting an established routine—so some anxiety is totally normal.
Finish strong and leave your current job on a positive note. Finish those last minute experiments, organize those freezer boxes, clean your personal spaces (bench, desk, etc), train other people in the group on what you do, and organize/clean/save important computer files and emails. This always seems to take longer than you think it should, and many of us have put this off to the last minute and then scrambled to finish everything before we walk out the door. Also, decide how many of those last minute experiments can honestly be done before you leave. Someone else in the lab can likely perform the rest after you leave.
Make sure you take time to say goodbye to people. Things can be chaotic as you transition, and sometimes we forget the people. Schedule enough time to say goodbye (without over-scheduling so that you are going crazy trying to keep your social calendar in check).
If your new job requires you to move, ask the organization you are moving to for relocation help. Even if this will just be a colleague that will point you in the right direction for good neighborhoods, childcare, restaurants, etc. Finding a good place to live will make the transition much easier. You can even search the alumni databases or Linkedin to find other people who are in that location to get guidance.
Make a plan for your arrival at your new job. Some recommend a 90 day plan of what you would like to get done. A good book on is The First 90 Days, by Michael Watkins. Also, if you are heading to an academic appointment, you may want to read Making the Right Moves (published by HHMI), and At the Helm by Kathy Barker. Create a summary and overview of your position, as you see it. Then make a list of goals that you should (and can) complete in your first 30, 60, and 90 days. In this, also mention the assumptions that you have and any required resources needed in order to make this happen. This gives you some good guidelines and goals as you move into a new position with many other unknowns.
Build a good reputation with both your new boss and your new coworkers. Be part of the team. Volunteer to tackle doable projects. Ask your co-workers on the best places for lunch and coffee (and even invite them to share in a cup of coffee with you). Don’t try to integrate too quickly into every conversation. Remember, these people have built a bond and you will need time to really understand all of the nuances of the relationships.
Finally, make sure to take some time for your own work-life balance. Finding new places in the community is a great way to find a new support system, to gain friends and to make this transition less lonely.
So good luck!!! And keep in touch…..your transition now makes a terrific success story for those coming through the ranks behind you!
