Starting my new job in a couple of days...and I'm incredibly nervous.

[Arkana]

Let me give you a bit of background first. I've only had two other jobs before this one--I worked at a commercial convenience store (gas, lottery tickets, etc) and then at a country store close to home. Both were only summer jobs, so they weren't permanent by any means.

A few months before I graduated college, I got an interview to join the SAP Programmers' Training Pool at MassMutual Financial Group in Springfield, MA (You other MA DUers will probably know where this is.) I was convinced going in that I had no shot at getting a spot, so I just went in with nothing to lose. I had a round of three interviews, they had us do a group exercise, and then a programmers' battery.

About three weeks later I got a call offering me the job.

I was ecstatic, as were my parents. Now that time is winding down to the start date, though, I'm very nervous. I hated my last jobs, and I really want to like this one...it'll make my life a lot easier.

Any advice on how to calm down and assess the situation rationally?

[MissB]

1. Congrats!

First, always keep in mind that they chose *you* over the other candidates. You clearly have the skills they are looking for, so don't go into your new job with the mindset of not deserving it - you do!

Much of what you learned in Kindergarten works well in your new office environment. Work hard and be nice to your co-workers. Don't mix religion or politics with work. Enjoy your new career, and the likely increase in $ and benefits.