Note: This blog originally published in October 2011.

Starting a job can be… well, scary comes to mind. But it’s so much more than that – exciting, nerve-wracking, strenuous; a whole ball of emotions wrapped up and embodied within an individual is more along the lines of truth. At least for this girl.

Learning to balance life after college

So, I’ve recently started a new – and first-ever – full time position. I’m talking, 40 hours a week, career path, big-girl position. The experience of the first 30 days has been a bit of a whirlwind, to say the least. Most importantly, it’s been a learning experience – day in and day out. Learning to apply your knowledge and experience; learning to get along with others; learning to balance life.

The saying is “you learn something new every day.” And by golly, it’s true! Just because I’m done with school, absolutely does not mean I am done learning! Whether it’s learning how many times I can hit snooze before I’m late, who your co-workers are, or how to plan a public forum, the learning does not stop. You’re never short on learning experiences.

My advice: Listen and be patient

While the first 30 days can be summed up as a learning experience, the advice I’d give to others is be open and willing to learn. Millennials are often times tagged as lazy, one-sided, quick to act and technology-driven in the techy world we live in. Being a millennial, I’ve found it even more important to listen and learn. Be patient and continue to think; most importantly, internally process before implanting.

No one is expecting you to dive in and accomplish the world in the first month! Sure, it’s great to have the ambition and drive to do so, however, you can’t do it all at once. If you think you can, you’ll quickly learn you cannot – and that’s OK! Slow down. Start from square one and truly understand what you’re doing and why you’re doing the job you do. The best goal to set in a 30- day work plan just may be to learn one new thing a day.

Cheers to thirty more days!