Leaving behind the comfort, stability, and familiarity of your old job and embarking on a professional venture into the unknown can be nerve-wracking. This is why it is so important to have a transitional period between the two jobs, during which you can rest, reflect on the past and give yourself the opportunity to start afresh. Here’s why you deserve that well-earned downtime:
1. You can work on yourself: Now that you have some time in between tasks, you should focus on yourself. If you have any outstanding personal goals, such as learning a language or starting a new exercise routine, you should kick-start them during this period. They do not have to be lofty goals – it can be something as simple as spring-cleaning your house or investing more time into your daily skincare routine. Getting into the rhythm of adding these activities to your schedule or even just checking them off your to-do list will make you feel happier, healthier, and as if you have a clean slate.
2. You need time to contemplate: You’ll have learned much from your previous job, so take some time to absorb and reflect on all the knowledge you have accumulated. If you spent considerable time there, it’s likely you picked up certain habits and developed specific methods of getting work done. Perhaps you snacked incessantly, or regularly worked late into the night. Now is time to filter out unproductive behaviour so that you head into your new gig fresh.
3. So you can clear your head: Your new job will likely be a new beginning – at least, in terms of workplace – which means you will need to get accustomed to new structures and best practices. By clearing your head and ridding your mind of all patterns and procedures which may not be relevant to your future workplace, will make you more receptive to learning new things and soaking in all that new information.
4. So you have enough energy: If your last working day is a Friday, and the very next Monday is the first day of your new job, it’s likely you’ll feel mentally exhausted. If there is no tangible break between the two jobs, it’s possible you’ll even find yourself constantly fatigued. This could mean that burn-out will follow despite just starting a new role, and you will no longer be as effective as you used to be. Taking some time off before you commence a new job will allow you to rest, recharge and gear up for fulfilling opportunities that will come your way.
5. So you can re-adjust your work-life balance: At your previous workplace, you may have regularly worked overtime or felt that you needed to finish assignments during the weekend. At your new job, you should strive to schedule your workload in such a manner that you have time to unplug and unwind after office hours. The exact arrangement of course, will be subject to further discussions with your manager, but do your best to ensure that you work only at work.
