10 Things to Expect from Your First Job 

Let’s imagine you’ve just landed your first real job after college, congrats, superstar! 

You survived college, nailed the interview, and now you’re staring at your new email signature like, “Is this adulthood??”

But before you start imagining daily Starbucks runs and changing the world before lunch, let’s talk about what’s actually coming your way, the good, the bad, and the “wait, I didn’t sign up for this.”

Buckle up, babe. Here’s what to expect from your first job with zero sugar-coating:

1. You’ll wonder if the degree was worth it

Spoiler Alert: It was.

With all the new stuff coming at you like a whirlwind, you’ll feel like you’re in a completely different universe, because you are. 

You’ll wonder why college didn’t prepare you for what you’re going through. And if those four years of classes were worth the stress.

But think for a second, would it be any better if you hadn’t gone through college? 

That degree opened the door for you; it’s up to you to walk into the room and own it.

It’ll be hard, but you got it. Just keep going.

2. Imposter Syndrome Will Show Up Uninvited

You’ll start your first day feeling like you somehow tricked them into hiring you. Like any second now, someone’s gonna pop out and yell, “GOTCHA! Back to your unpaid internship!”

Reality Check: Everyone feels this way. Yes, even Karen with the color-coded calendar and a husband named Chad.

Give yourself time. 

You were hired because you’re capable. And also because they saw potential. So fake the confidence until you build the confidence.

3. You’ll Google “What is a PDF?” at Least Once

You are gonna be so confused, you’ll question the things you already know. Because corporate lingo is a language of its own. 

Expect things like:

• “Let’s circle back” = I don’t know what I’m doing either.
  
• “Action items” = Congrats, now you have homework again.
  
• “Ping me” = Message me, but like, in Slack. Not IRL. Never IRL.
  

Pro tip: Keep a secret doc where you translate corporate jargon into English. Future you will thank you.

Also, follow people like Erin McGoff on IG and YouTube. She’ll help you figure it all out. 

You got this!

4. You’re Gonna Be Tired

You thought college was exhausting? 

Try sitting in one spot for 8 hours while pretending to understand what a stakeholder meeting is. By 3 PM, your brain will be mush and your soul will whisper, “Nap?”

Always remember that things seem more difficult when you are going through them for the first time. 

You’ll swear your first job is the hardest thing ever, but five years, three promotions, and one company switch later, you’ll look back on it and smile.

That 9–5 hits different when it’s real. Use your breaks. Eat your snacks. Get your steps in. Hydrate like it’s a sport.

5. Coworkers Can Be Cool… or Straight Outta Reality TV

You might meet lifelong work besties. Or your office might be a zoo full of characters:

• ✨The Overachiever: Already got promoted twice. It’s week 3. Never uses PTO and thinks it’s a flex to show up to work when they’re sick.
  
• 😬The One Who Hates It All: Will warn you about everything. Every. Thing. Be careful with them. 

They might seem like a funny, harmless soul at first, but they can quickly turn on you when office politics get hot.

• 🤖The Micromanager: Breathing down your neck like you’re being graded. Don’t let this Karen make you anxious. 

Focus on doing your job and learn how to set boundaries with words. Erin McGoff at Advice with Erin has tips for dealing with this type of person.

Reminder: Observe first, be chill, find your people, and stay away from watercooler drama. That stuff spreads.

6. You Will Mess Up, And That’s Okay

Missed a deadline? Sent a cringey email? Accidentally replied-all to the entire department with “Thanks!!”?

Welcome to the club, sweetie. It’s called Being New™.

What matters is how you handle it. Own up, fix it, learn, move on. Nobody expects perfection, especially not in your first job.

If you know you have unresolved anxiety issues from college, it might be a good idea to get into therapy. 

It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Take steps to heal your mind, because workplace drama can worsen existing issues if you don’t deal with it.

7. There Will Be Tasks That Are… Not Exactly Glamorous

Sometimes, you’ll feel like a glorified email-sender, meeting-scheduler, or spreadsheet-updater. And yeah, you’re gonna question your life choices.

But trust that these moments build skills. Every task, even the boring ones, is setting you up for bigger opportunities. 

Think of it as doing reps at the Career Gym™.

Side note: I once went for a lower-paying, intensive job because it offered a greater opportunity for experience. 

Trust me when I say the extra work will pay off. Only be strategic about it. Don’t do more than you need to, just to feel like you’re a good worker. 

8. Getting Paid Will Be a Core Memory

That first paycheck? EUPHORIC. You’ll want to frame it, dance with it, and blow it all on sushi and skincare.

But listen: Try not to spend your entire paycheck the same day it hits. Budget for rent, groceries, and a lil’ fun. (And yes, “treating yourself” counts as self-care.)

Plan your salary so it lasts till the next payday. 

Get apps like Mint or YNAB to help you plan properly and stick to the budget. And remember to keep investing in yourself. 

Buy courses on Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare that will help you upskill in case you decide to switch companies or even careers.

9. You’ll Learn What You Don’t Want

Maybe you love your team but hate your role. Maybe your boss is great, but the job makes your soul itch. That’s okay.

This one might especially come as a shock if you studied for the role in college. Not every finance and economics student ends up loving Wall Street. Sometimes, they become tech bros. 

Maybe you’ll love the job, but discover that you hate 9 to 5 life, that’s okay too. There are companies that offer fully remote jobs so you can work flexibly from the comfort of your home.

Your first job isn’t your forever job. It’s a step. Use it to learn what lights you up, and what to avoid next time.

10. HR Emails Will Be the New “Pop Quiz”

Mandatory training? Expense reports? Benefits forms that sound like ancient riddles?

Yeah, adulting comes with homework. Read the emails. Ask for help. Google generously.

And most importantly, watch how you relate with coworkers so you don’t end up in an HR meeting about workplace boundaries or worse, harassment. 

People aren’t always comfortable with what you’re comfortable with. Understand and accept that. Be clear about your own boundaries, too.

Growth is Inevitable 

Your first job might not be glamorous, but it’s a crash course in being a boss in training. You’ll learn, grow, fail forward, make friends, collect stories, and build the foundation of your career.

By month six, you’ll look back at Day 1 and cringe because you’ve grown so much. You’ll speak up in meetings. You’ll find shortcuts. You’ll train others.

It’s wild how fast you level up when you’re in the game.

So wear that ID badge with pride. Laugh at your mistakes. Keep a snack drawer. And remember: you’ve got this—even when you don’t.

Now go forth, young professional, and show ‘em what you’re made of.

Wishing you peace and funds,

Dee