1. Get organized.
Minimize the stress of your first week in a new job by taking time to organize your personal life.
"Any projects around the house that have been nagging at the back of your mind? Now's the time to get them done," says Ryan Kahn, the founder of The Hired Group and creator of the best-selling How To Get Hired online course.
"Take advantage of not having to be reachable during the day, and stop checking your email or looking at Facebook for an afternoon or two," says Sutton Fell. "This gives you a chance to reset your brain."
Instead of staring at a screen for hours on end — which you'll probably have to do as soon as you start your new job — pick up a book you've been dying to read, or go take an exercise class you've been wanting to try.
"Before starting a new job, take the time to ensure that you are maintaining the relationships you had formed at your previous job," Kahn says.
Make sure you have contact information for the people that you worked with in the past, and plan on checking in with them on a regular basis once you're in your new role.
Nicole Williams, LinkedIn’s career expert and best-selling author, suggests using this break to spend time with family.
"When you start any new job you should expect to work longer hours — at least the first several months," she says. "Utilize this time to make the most of being at home."
In today's competitive job market, the more senior the position, the more you will be scrutinized in those first few months, Kahn says.
"You'll be expected to hit the ground running versus spending time learning the ropes. Get a head start by researching the industry and the company, and learning as much as you can about the position and the team you will be working with," he suggests.
Give some thought to what you want to do differently from the start in this new job, Williams Yost says.
"Are you going to try to wake up earlier and get to the gym a couple of days a week? Are you going to try to schedule a networking lunch outside of the office once a month?" Use this time to establish a plan.
If your work schedule is shifting at all, it's important to organize things like childcare, household responsibilities, and your personal routine, Sutton Fell says.
Salpeter says if you altered your sleep schedule at all during your time off, you should try to get into a "work-oriented sleep routine" a few days before starting your new job.
Don't forget to spend some time on yourself. Take time to relax, get plenty of rest, and indulge in some pampering.
"Congratulate yourself on a job well done," Williams Yost says. "Treat yourself to a massage, new power outfit, or a nice dinner. You landed a job in a dim market; you should take the time to be proud of yourself."
Worried that it may be difficult to get back into the swing of things if you’re too relaxed during your time off? "Work is like riding a bike; once you start that first day, you'll click right back in," Williams Yost explains. "So don't worry about being too relaxed during your break. Drink it all in. Enjoy every minute of it. Then dive into your new gig with a new outfit, fresh outlook, and happy heart."
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