You finish orientation, you get introduced to the team and to your new favorite place—your desk. Some thoughts may come to mind “Is this where I’ll spend the next few years?” “I wonder if my boss is nice?” or some more pressing concerns like “How do I talk to anyone?” You’re too shy and afraid that you’ll set a bad first impression. The anxiety is real.

Tip: A new job means a new environment, new faces and new rules. As a newbie, you need to accept the fact that you’re at the lowest step of the corporate ladder. You will be told what to do and might even be bossed around, one way or the other–and that’s not always a bad thing. Get to know them, their expectations of you, and listen carefully to their advice because it will come handy later.

Keep in mind that every single person you’ll meet at work can teach you something valuable. In fact, your workmates can also be your barkada. And who knows, you might find your work BFF! So always be ready to extend a helping hand to your workmates and don’t get too emotional if they disagree with you. Sweat it off! “Trabaho lang, walang personalan.” (“It’s just a job, nothing personal”)