Steps to get back into the workforce

WITH the New Year comes new opportunities.

This is the case for many people who are have been unemployed for a long time, those starting a new job or career change or those who are simply returning after a few weeks break.

And while it is sometimes difficult to get back into gear and focus on the new tasks at hand, there are ways in which this can be done.

According to Salary.com, you can keep the following tips in mind:

• Always plan ahead of time –  Get into the habit of early nights and getting back into routine. Whether it’s late night TV show or Internet surfing, set your morning alarm, and replicate next week’s schedule. Advance adjustments will set you up for better rest and all the mental and physical benefits that accompany a regular seven to eight hours of sleep.
• Get your body ready – When you’re trying to get back into routine in terms of working out at the gym, walking, running or cycling the chances are that you will miss out on this in the first few weeks. Launch yourself at peak condition for the challenges ahead by being especially faithful with fitness in your last unattached days. Don’t overdo to the point of uncomfortable muscle soreness, but aim to be your prime physical self as you go into this new endeavour.
• Perform a Dry Run – If you’re starting a new job and haven’t actually been to the new offices or figured out where the actual location is, you might want to visit the route beforehand and not leave it for the first day of work to find your new offices. Drive to work before you have to be there on time.
•  Dress the Part – Always dress respectably and if possible, lay out your clothes the night before and organise other important items beforehand. Those few minutes can really make a difference in the morning if these things are done before hand. Also, if you’re not at your dream job yet and dressing up seems like a difficult task, always remember to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. This can also have a huge impact on your confidence and the way others and well as you see yourself in the workplace.
• Pace Yourself – Keep it simple as you ease back into regular employment, and avoid going crazy on after work happy hours.Give yourself space in the evenings to regroup and refresh for the next day’s work. Once you’re acclimated, and the new routine is — well, routine — it will be easier to integrate evening activities beyond your basic grocery shopping and fitness goals.
• Remain Confident – Always be confident and determined to excel at any task in the office. Even on those bad days, remain grateful and humble. Hold onto the enhanced perspective of the once unemployed: A bad day at the office always beats a bad day without a job. No whining.