First Day on the Job: What to Expect
Prior to working a full time job, like many of you, I worked an average retail job. Flexible hours, measly pay, low responsibility. Clock in and clock out on the computer thing in the store to let them know you exist.
And then one day, you find yourself signing a contract with an actual five-figure salary ready to step into full time work. Going from earning a few hundred dollars a month to thousands was mind-blowing for a then 22-year old me. Mind you I had zero pay expectations going in because prior to starting I knew very little about…. anything construction related.
The sense of anticipation, the excitement of the first day, the joy of getting a corporate puffer jacket, the thrill of being on site. And also, not having a single clue what full-time work life will look like, especially in construction. It all hits you like a bus.
So what can you expect when you’re starting your first job in construction (other than congratulations from everyone!)
The quantum of hours* you’ll have to pull will be a temporary shock to the system. All of a sudden you have to be a functioning, pleasant human at 7am (site -based) and get home pretty late. Weekends (if you’re not working Saturday) will be for sleeping, but you will adjust.
Speaking of Saturday’s, depending on the company you join, working Saturday’s may be required, especially if you have a site based role.
Coffee is the magical life-blood which everyone drinks religiously (I hate the stuff). The on site coffee machine is idolized and a key member of the team.
You’re going to feel lost, unsure of what you should be doing, and whether you’re doing great. It’s going to feel like everyone has 70 years more experience and has always been so competent. It won’t always feel so overwhelming and new, and you’ll certainly get assigned more work in due course. Just give yourself time to learn and be.
Tasks will take you double the time to achieve, because it’s new, and that’s ok.
You’re going to be hearing SO MANY acronyms and construction-only language. The first acronym I learnt was ‘RSD’ – Roller Shutter Door. Common words such as socks and eyes have a whole different meaning on site. You’ll get used to it.
You'll be asking lots of questions. Ask questions. Ask everyone questions. There is no such thing a stupid question. People will not be critical of you for asking the question. You’re better off asking, garnering the knowledge, and learning, rather than sitting there stuck.
It's very normal to just follow around site managers, foremans and the like to see what they do so you can learn from them.
Typically your first day involves some paperwork, being inducted to site, meeting the team, being introduced to a project, settling into your new desk, getting your email account, and more often than not, a coffee. If you’re moving into an office-based position, it’s not too dissimilar. There'll be lots of new names and faces which you'll eventually remember.
Enjoy it. It’s the first day of the next chapter of your career. One day you’ll look back on it and think how far you’ve come. That's a truly rewarding feeling.
*Expected hours really depend between companies.
