Realistic Expectations Is The Key to Achieving Balance and Success
Entering the professional world is both exciting and overwhelming. For fresh graduates, the first job feels like the gateway to endless possibilities, but it often comes with its share of surprises and lessons. Two vital aspects to succeed in this journey are setting realistic expectations and being open to learning and feedback. Let’s dive into these with examples that reflect different perspectives.
1. Setting Realistic Expectations
A lot of freshers step into their first job brimming with dreams of rapid promotions, exciting tasks, and instant recognition. While ambition is commendable, expecting too much too soon can lead to frustration.
Example: Avni’s First Job as a Marketing Trainee
Avni, a 22-year-old from Pune, joined a mid-sized marketing agency as a trainee. She envisioned working on high-profile campaigns and imagined herself presenting ideas to major clients. However, her first week involved tasks like compiling competitor analysis reports and creating presentation decks. She began feeling disheartened, thinking, “This is not what I signed up for!”
Employer’s Perspective:
Mr. Mehta, the team lead, noticed Avni’s growing disinterest. He called her in for a casual chat and said, “Avni, I understand that these initial tasks seem mundane, but they’re essential building blocks. Mastering these basics will prepare you for larger responsibilities.”
Mr. Mehta further explained how every team member had started in a similar way. “Think of this phase as laying a strong foundation. Once you’re comfortable, you’ll find yourself handling creative tasks sooner than you think.”
Lesson:
Through this conversation, Avni realized she had set unrealistic expectations about the role. By shifting her perspective and focusing on learning, she eventually earned her way into client meetings and bigger projects within six months. For the employer, this was a reminder to communicate role clarity to new hires, ensuring they understand the growth trajectory.