Chapter 1: Embracing Your New Role

Congratulations on securing a job offer! You've diligently checked off the adulting milestones, and landing your first position after college is a significant achievement. Whether you're finishing up your final semester with a job lined up or have recently graduated and finally found employment, it's time to step into the real world with your shiny new degree. Your family is bursting with pride, and you’re relieved to close the chapter on school.

As a child, you were often asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Perhaps you had a clear vision, or maybe your aspirations shifted from superhero to astronaut to software engineer. Regardless, you've landed in a field that excites you. You’ve dreamt of working for renowned companies, eager for the perks and benefits that come with them—free food, game rooms, and relaxation pods.

However, then came the pandemic, which forced office closures and turned those anticipated perks into distant memories. The shift to remote work became the new norm, and many people chose to leave jobs for the flexibility of working from home, sometimes sacrificing pay for this privilege.

Your new role? It’s also remote.

While you might feel a hint of excitement about working from home, it’s essential to recognize that you lack a frame of reference for an office environment. You’ve heard the stories, and they sound appealing, but you’ll miss out on invaluable experiences and connections.

During your last semesters, you likely attended classes via Zoom, making you accustomed to virtual interactions. As you prepare for your first virtual orientation, the excitement may not compare to walking into a physical office. You won’t gauge your colleagues' body language to form connections or witness genuine smiles. The online format can feel isolating.

You may find yourself missing the camaraderie and sense of belonging that typically accompanies a first day at a new job. The thrill of exploration and discovery is often absent when onboarding remotely.

As you navigate meetings and training sessions alone, you might feel disconnected. While you have the freedom to grab a coffee or play with your pet between sessions, you won’t have those spontaneous conversations that foster relationships and help you learn about your coworkers.

Typically, your manager would check in frequently, offering encouragement and support. Instead, you might receive a sparse chat message reminding you to reach out if you need assistance, which can feel impersonal.

The usual first-day jitters—getting lost in a new building, meeting new faces—are replaced by the mundane tasks of logging into software and troubleshooting tech issues. Your first day may lack the excitement and memorable moments that come with in-person interactions.

Instead of sharing a welcome lunch with your team, you might find yourself at your desk enjoying avocado toast or squeezing in a quick yoga session. While this has its perks, it doesn’t replicate the social experience of an office.

Before the pandemic, physical interactions like handshakes and casual greetings were common, but now, your biggest challenge may be simply remembering to unmute yourself in meetings.

The art of doodling during meetings, once a skill to master, has transformed. You can doodle freely now, but you might find it loses its charm without the presence of colleagues.

As your workday concludes, you won’t rush home with stories to tell; instead, your day has been spent at your computer, filling out forms and watching training videos.

Video Description: A Survival Guide for Game Developers in a Post-Pandemic World. This video provides insights into navigating the new landscape for game developers as they adapt to changes in the industry post-pandemic.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Work

After a while, many of us may return to in-person work environments. The trend suggests that most companies will revert to traditional office structures, limiting remote work options.

By then, you’ll have gained valuable experience navigating workplace dynamics, but you may have missed the quintessential first-day moments. You’ll know your coworkers' names and might even share a love for succulents with some of them.

Calls to return to offices are growing louder. Former Google executive Eric Schmidt advocates for in-office work, while Elon Musk suggests repurposing Twitter HQ. Regardless of how the future unfolds—be it a complete return or a hybrid model—the office will likely regain its significance.

As you prepare for this transition, remember the importance of learning how to engage in meetings, including mastering the art of doodling without losing focus. Embrace the learning curve ahead.

Best of luck as you embark on this new journey!

Video Description: What College Grads Need To Do Now To Land Great Jobs Post-Pandemic with Allison Cheston. This video offers practical advice for recent graduates aiming to secure fulfilling job opportunities in today's market.