Hey, we’ve all been there. Screwing up at work, especially your first job, feels huge, but it’s a normal part of learning. What truly matters is how you handle it.

First things first: don’t panic or hide it. That usually makes things worse. As soon as you realize you’ve made a mistake, explain to your supervisor what happened. Be honest and try to avoid making excuses.

Instead, suggest potential solutions, especially if you can make it right on your own. Being proactive demonstrates your maturity, accountability and integrity.

Once it’s all sorted out, take a moment to reflect. Why did it happen in the first place? Were you not paying attention? Rushing? Distracted? Was it a misunderstanding or unclear instructions?

It’s okay to feel embarrassed about making mistakes, but don’t dwell too much on the past. Everyone makes mistakes. The key is to own it, learn from it and keep moving forward.