Everything in the Work and Travel program seems wonderful: new impressions, getting to know an unknown culture, and for some, a first experience of traveling or working. But let's be honest, and I am especially addressing those who have already experienced all this; were there moments when you wanted to rush to the airport with a suitcase in your hand for the first flight home? Really, no? Or, at least, run out of your workplace, shouting "Goodbye" to your manager/boss or your colleagues.
Why?
Because:
A) you feel that your efforts are not appreciated;
B) you feel that you are not earning enough;
C) you feel that your boss doesn't like you;
D) the whole team is against you;
E) you hate what you do.
ATTENTION! Your diagnosis also breaks down into options:
A) you just arrived and your adaptation has begun;
B) you haven't received your first paychecks yet and it seems like you are bankrupt;
C) you haven't had time to make friends yet and spend a lot of time alone;
D) you are working for the first time and are very tired from the lack of habit;
E) STOP! If none of the above fit, then it seems there are real problems...
With your permission, as a person who has been in all the above stories during three years of working in the States, I will share with you what I did.
Tip #1. Don't do anything rash out of emotion. I am especially addressing girls who get tears in their eyes in critical situations. Inhale – exhale. Now let's say "no" to hasty decisions together! It is really worth sleeping on your problem, and then drawing conclusions. A problem with management in America is solved directly with the manager/boss. Often, they understand, or are even prepared in advance, that we, the J-1 guys, will sooner or later find ourselves in a stressful situation. Let your manager know what is bothering you. BUT! You don't need to run to him in "tears" with hysterical impulses. Just that very next morning after you have thought through the problem will be perfect. Believe me, they will listen to you.
Tip #2. It's time for you to have fun/distract yourself/meet people. Maybe you drove yourself into such a state? You know, sometimes you get thoughtful and immediately get sad. Don't do that. Grab every opportunity across the ocean. You have 4 fantastic months to immerse yourself in this country. Go ahead. There is no need to be sad! With a change in attitude, you will immediately notice that those far-fetched or blown-out-of-proportion problems at work will no longer bother you.
My misunderstanding with colleagues ended immediately after a joint trip to the beach and a small picnic. My manager, with the intention of making us all friends before the start of the season, decided to do just that.
It worked 100%!
Tip #3. This tip is for you to look through the points mentioned above one more time. Please.
Tip #4. Okay, if the matter is really serious, then neither new friends nor the manager's understanding will save the situation. You still think it over well, gather your thoughts, and having formulated your worries clearly, call our favorite sponsor. (Huge thanks for their patience and unfailing help.) One way or another, they will give you and the solution to your problem the right DIRECTION there.
There is no need to turn 180 degrees right away.
The main thing is to remember, there are no hopeless situations and there cannot be. You have come too long a way to just take and turn around.
You need to endure this and it will pay off!
P.S. all photos in this blog belong to the author (Violetta Ivanova). More photos can be seen on Instagram - traveling the world together (@vi_r_traveling).
