Mid-Summer Moves: Feeling Unsure in Your New Job?

Here’s How to Start Fitting In

Starting a new job right after college can be exciting—but also unsettling. You might find yourself second-guessing whether you’re in the right role, comparing yourself to more experienced coworkers, or wondering if everyone else has some secret playbook you missed. These feelings are normal. The transition from student to full-time professional is one of the biggest shifts you’ll make, and it takes time to find your rhythm and place within a new team.

If you’re feeling out of step, start by observing the culture around you. How do people communicate? What’s the tone of meetings? Are there inside jokes or routines you haven’t picked up yet? Being intentional about understanding the team dynamic can help you align without losing authenticity. Don’t be afraid to ask small questions—about how projects are prioritized, how to prep for a recurring meeting, or even where people like to grab coffee. Curiosity shows you care about doing well and being part of the group.

Finally, look for ways to contribute beyond your job description. Offering help during a busy week, showing up to optional events, or sharing a relevant article in a team chat can quietly build trust and likability. You don’t have to be the loudest voice to fit in—you just need to show up consistently, stay open, and let relationships form naturally. Confidence will follow once you realize that belonging isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being engaged.

Here are 5 powerful questions to ask yourself if you’re feeling unsure in your new role—each designed to help you shift your mindset and get more out of the experience:

1. Am I being too hard on myself for not knowing everything yet?
   Remind yourself: you’re new, not expected to have all the answers. Focus on progress, not perfection.
2. Have I given myself enough time to adjust?
   It takes more than a few weeks to feel fully settled. Are you expecting overnight confidence instead of allowing growth to unfold?
3. Am I comparing my beginning to someone else’s middle?
   It’s easy to feel behind when others seem so at ease—but chances are, they’ve been in your shoes too.
4. Have I actively tried to connect with my coworkers?
   Sometimes feeling “off” in a job is more about social comfort than job function. Take small steps to build relationships.
5. What’s one thing I’ve done well so far—and did I give myself credit for it?
   Celebrate small wins. Confidence builds when you acknowledge what’s going right, not just what’s uncertain.

Reflecting on these questions can help you clear mental roadblocks and start enjoying your new role more—because the job you’re unsure about today might just become the one you thrive in tomorrow.