Last Updated:
A woman opened up about the anxiety that often accompanies a first job, reassuring freshers that feeling overwhelmed and uncertain is a normal part of starting a career
While landing a first job is often seen as a major career milestone, the experience can also bring anxiety and uncertainty (Image-Instagram/@ishpriyaaa)
Getting your first job may feel like the beginning of your dream career, but the reality can be quite different. For freshers, unfamiliar workplace dynamics often bring a mix of anxiety, self-doubt and the constant fear of making a mistake.
One woman has now opened up about this lesser-discussed side of starting a career, describing the “weird” reality of first-job anxiety and reassuring freshers that they do not need to have everything figured out from day one.
Taking to Instagram, Ishpriya Pareek shared a video reflecting on her own experience of entering the professional world. She described how intimidating it can feel to suddenly work alongside people who are much older and more experienced.
“Can we please talk about how weird your first job actually is? You are suddenly in meetings with people double your age and with years of experience, and you are just expected to know things.
You overthink the email you just sent, a client’s one-word reply feels like a disaster, your manager is slightly disappointed, and you start questioning your whole existence. I’ve done all of this,” she said.
Pareek explained that the situations that once caused her significant stress now seem much less serious when viewed with the benefit of experience. She said that, at the time, she simply did not have the perspective to understand that many of those moments were part of the learning process.
“But now, looking back, half of the things I was so stressed about weren’t even that serious; I just didn’t know that yet,” she said.
Pareek also used the video to address those currently experiencing the uncertainty that comes with their first jobs. She emphasised that being new to the workplace and not immediately knowing how everything works should not be mistaken for failure.
“So, if you’re going through first-job anxiety right now, please know this: being a fresher and not having it all figured out is not a failure. You are just experiencing it for the first time, and trust me, you’re not the only one pretending to know what you are doing in office.”
The message struck a chord with viewers, many of whom said they could relate to the pressure and nervousness that often accompany the transition from college to professional life. The text overlaid on the video also captured the sentiment: “First-job anxiety is so real. Actually is?”
Several users shared their own experiences in the comments, with some saying they felt reassured after hearing Pareek speak about something they had been struggling with themselves.
“Very true! First jobs are super scary 🤌🏻” said one user.
Another, who was preparing to begin their career, wrote, “Tomorrow is my first day. I was scared.. Thankyou for this reel.”
“My first week just ended and it feels a lil overwhelming to be honest,” said a third user.
A fourth commenter shared how the post helped ease their worries, writing, “After hearing this, I’m feeling a bit relaxed knowing that we’re all on the same side and it’s not just me who feels this way..❤️”
Another user recalled their own experience, saying, “I can totally relate 😭 My first job was scary too, especially doing everything for the first time.”
About the Author
A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
August 16, 2026, 15:40 IST
Read More
