7 Feelings You’ll Experience When Starting a New Job (And How to Turn Nerves into Excitement)

Starting a new job is a cocktail of emotions—nervousness, excitement, curiosity, and even a hint of imposter syndrome. It’s completely normal to feel anxious during your first few weeks. After all, you’re stepping into something unknown. But here’s an important truth: nervousness and excitement feel almost the same in your body.The racing heart, the sweaty palms, the quickened breath—they’re all signs that something meaningful is about to happen. The trick is to train your mind to interpret those sensations as excitement instead of fear. Because change is not something to run from—it’s the very thing that helps you grow.

In this article, we’ll explore the 7 emotions most people experience when starting a new job and how to manage them in ways that boost your confidence, strengthen your mindset, and help you make the best possible first impression.

1. Nervousness — The First Sign You’re Growing

Almost everyone feels nervous when walking into a new workplace. You might worry about making mistakes, fitting in, or proving your worth. But here’s something powerful to remember: nerves are a signal of growth.

Your body reacts the same way to excitement as it does to fear. So instead of saying, “I’m so anxious,” try saying, “I’m excited to start this new chapter.” This mental shift helps your brain reframe fear as anticipation.

A study from Harvard Business School found that people who reframed their anxiety as excitement performed better under pressure. So the next time you feel butterflies in your stomach, see them as a sign you’re leveling up.

2. Overwhelm — The Feeling of Learning Something New

During your first few weeks, everything feels new—systems, names, meetings, and routines. It’s easy to feel mentally overloaded. But this overwhelm is temporary. It’s simply your brain downloading a massive amount of new information.

Instead of fighting it, embrace it as part of the process.Learning curves exist for a reason—they help us adapt. Within a few weeks, the same tasks that feel confusing now will become second nature.

Remember, you were hired for a reason. You already have what it takes—you’re just refining it in a new environment.

3. Imposter Syndrome — The Fear You Don’t Belong

Many people feel like frauds when starting a new job, especially in competitive industries. You might think, “Did they make a mistake hiring me?” But imposter syndrome is not a reflection of your ability—it’s a reflection of your standards.

People who care deeply about doing well are often the ones who doubt themselves the most. Research from the Journal of Behavioral Science shows that up to 70% of professionals experience imposter syndrome at some point in their careers.

Here’s the reality: your employer chose you for a reason. They saw something unique in your skills, experience, and personality. Whenever self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself that you earned this opportunity. Confidence doesn’t come from knowing everything—it comes from showing up, learning, and growing every day.

4. Excitement — The Energy That Fuels You

Among the nerves, there’s also excitement—a spark of possibility that says, “This could be something amazing.” That feeling of new beginnings is what drives your motivation and creativity.

Channel that energy into curiosity and connection. Ask questions, get to know your team, and explore how your role fits into the bigger picture. This not only builds confidence but helps you make an early positive impression.

Remember: excitement is contagious. When people see your enthusiasm, they’ll naturally want to support you.

5. Self-Doubt — A Normal Part of Transition

It’s easy to compare yourself to others who’ve been in their roles for years. But comparing your day one to someone else’s year five is unfair to yourself. You’re at the start of a journey—and that’s something to be proud of.

Self-doubt can be reframed as curiosity: Instead of thinking, “I’m not good enough,” ask, “What can I learn from this person or situation?” That mindset turns comparison into motivation.

Confidence builds through experience. Every day you show up, you’re proving to yourself that you can handle this.

6. Pride — The Reward of Earning Your Place

Once you start finding your rhythm, pride naturally follows. You’ll start feeling more confident in your abilities, understanding your role, and contributing meaningfully to your team.

These small wins—completing a project, getting positive feedback, or solving a problem—are milestones worth celebrating. They’re evidence that you’re growing and thriving in your new environment.

A study in Frontiers in Psychology found that recognizing small accomplishments boosts self-esteem and workplace satisfaction. So give yourself credit—you’ve earned it.

7. Gratitude — The Key to Long-Term Success

As you settle in, gratitude becomes one of the most grounding emotions. You’ll start appreciating the people who helped you, the lessons learned, and the resilience you built through the transition.

Practicing gratitude isn’t just good for your mental health—it also boosts workplace relationships.

Research from the Journal of Positive Psychology shows that employees who express gratitude are more likely to form stronger connections and perform better at work.

Take a moment each week to reflect on what you’re grateful for—whether it’s your supportive manager, a coworker who helped you, or the simple fact that you’re in a role that challenges and inspires you. Gratitude reminds you that you’re not just surviving—you’re thriving.

Final Thoughts: Turning Nerves into Strength

Starting a new job can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—but that’s part of the beauty of new beginnings. Nervousness, excitement, doubt, and pride all coexist, shaping you into a stronger, more capable version of yourself.

Remember: change is a sign of progress.Every time you feel those nerves, it’s your body’s way of saying, “I’m ready for something new.”

So take a deep breath, trust yourself, and step forward with confidence. You’re not starting from scratch—you’re starting from experience.

Love Cass xxx