Starting a new job next week: 2 AIBUs

[WellAlwaysHaveParis]

Hi,

Have posted quite a few previous threads about my job situation sorry! You're probably all sick of me now!

Had a test for a job yesterday while I was at a recruitment agency interview, and just found out today that I got the job.

It's a temporary English and French-speaking customer service role for a music app. It's based in London and expected to last at least 3 months, and I'll start next week.

According to the job description, I'll mainly be writing to customers in English and French to deal with their queries on payments, general queries about the app or about the music on the app.

My current situation is that I volunteer as an adviser for Citizens Advice two days a week and tutor in the evenings. I'll need to give up both of these to do the temp role.

I think my AIBU is: AIBU to feel a bit apprehensive about this role? I'll of course accept it and really want it all to work out, but just feel a bit worried.

Although a customer service role is not where I'd like to develop my long-term career, I'm glad that I'll finally get a chance to have a full-time job where I can earn money, develop, learn new skills and keep up with my French (did French at university, and absolutely love using French).

I think I'm just worried that this role will stop me from reaching my long-term career goals. I think a way around this is if I keep on applying for jobs every day once I've started this role.

My other AIBU is: AIBU to ask what I should do to prove myself in the role from day one and hit the ground running? (Apart from focussing on hitting their customer satisfaction and speed targets for replying to customer queries).

Thanks :)

[WellAlwaysHaveParis]

Bump :)

[agbnb]

You sound young and a bit snowflake-y.

Q1 - everyone feels apprehensive about new jobs in some way (new colleagues, new processes, new offices, whatever)

Q2 - let me Google that for you.

[B1rdsingarden]

Relax, start your new job and see how it goes. I would take a look back and forward after 3 months.

[etap]

Will volunteering pay the bills?

[meredintofpandiculation]

You've got a logical reason for why this fits into your long term view, and a plan for how to keep your long term career plans going. YABU - If they have chosen you because they think you can do it, then trust their judgement and don't be apprehensive.

If your long term career plan involves any of the skills you'll get from this one, then it could actually be a step towards your long term career.

Variety of experience is useful - there's diminishing returns in terms of learning from continuing in the same role.

After the three months is up, could you resume the tutoring if you needed to?

How's the other application doing? Did you get through the written test or have you not heard yet?

Good luck with it all!

[meredintofpandiculation]

agbnb - I think you'd change your opinion if you'd read her previous posts. She's been putting a good deal of well-directed effort into her job search.

[WellAlwaysHaveParis]

Thanks B1rds :)

Thanks agbnb - the snowflake comment was slightly uncalled for - can I ask how I gave that impression? As you rightly say, everyone's nervous when they start a new job.

[Didntcomeheretofuckspiders]

agbnb Did you mean to be so unnecessarily rude?

It’s not an area I’ve worked in personally but it sounds positive that you have been offered a job that relates to your degree and that could potentially lead to further opportunities later on. There might be another opening in a different area of the company that interests you for example. Am I right in thinking that you had been interested in journalism previously? If nothing else you can use this as an example of writing fluently in both languages, working well to deadlines, good communication skills etc. In terms of proving yourself, just have a positive can do attitude.

[WellAlwaysHaveParis]

Thanks so much meredintofpandiculation :) the written test's tomorrow, and I've got an interview for another unrelated role this Friday :)

[Bluntness100]

You sound snowflakey because you talk about long term career goals but fail to mention what they are, apply for jobs you don't know if you want and must clearly know that volunteering won't pay the bills.

What is it you wish to do?

[agbnb]

No, it wasn't intended as offensive. However, op (without knowing her posting history) seems very needy and is seeking reassurance from an anonymous forum that can't possibly answer her meaningfully: e.g. in order to comment on the long term career aspects, she'd have had to provide some info about her actual long term desires.

The second question is so broad and common my point about googling was serious - she'll get much more specific, practical advice skim reading job site advice articles or maybe heading to the Employment forum here. AIBU isn't going to be near as helpful.

[ShastaTrinity]

First of all, you are giving far too many details about that role. Do you really want people to identify either the role or yourself? *French speaking customer service" role is more than enough!

I think I'm just worried that this role will stop me from reaching my long-term career goals. I think a way around this is if I keep on applying for jobs every day once I've started this role.
You've just answered your own question. You are more employable with a job than without anyway, so if you haven't found anything else, why wouldn't you take it.

what I should do to prove myself in the role from day one and hit the ground running?
Like any job! Be on time, be proactive, be thorough and pleasant, avoid drama. None of us has any idea what the training or what information you will be given. If you are missing details to do the job properly, just ask. The company will have more details than some random posters on the internet.

Good luck though! Some roles only start as a temp position, you never know, it might be for longer, it might become permanent, there might be progression with the company. Nothing prevents you to apply to other roles anyway.

[WellAlwaysHaveParis]

Bluntness I've mentioned the career goals in detail on previous threads. Of course I understand that volunteering doesn't pay the bills. I'm still not sure why that makes me sound snowflakey though. It's such a horrible, judgemental word to use anyway. You may not agree with what I've written here, but it's not really on at all to call me snowflakey.

[RemainOptimistic]

Are you new to the job market? Is this your first job?

You're waaaaay over thinking it. It's a job. Whatever career you're aiming for is also a job. It's part of your life, not your whole life.

Good luck on your first day

[Bluntness100]

Bluntness I've mentioned the career goals in detail on previous threads

I'm sure you don't expect people to search for then read your other threads to save you the hassle of writing an additional sentance on what you wish to do?

[RadioGaGoo]

Oh look. Another original and unique 'snowflake' comment (!).

[ShastaTrinity]

In the nicest possible way, try to be behave more like an adult, be more confident and stop apologising constantly. I will help immensely on your first day.

[agbnb]

RadioGaGoo I chose that word carefully and don't use it lightly.

OP expects generic career first day advice and us to search through her posting history for the one specific question she did ask. Not helping her audience much, was it?

I say again, either providing more details and context OR searching for discipline specific advice on careers advice webpages or the forum here will be more helpful to the OP. If you don't like my pointing it out, fine, but you'll find based on my own posting history that I do help on employment matters in great detail if the OP puts in some effort too.

[ilovesooty]

You need a job immediately to pay bills and it's always easier to progress when in the job market.

Be proactive and enthusiastic. Be reliable. Ask questions if you don't understand but don't fluster about every little thing.

[tiredbutFESTIVE]

You know what, I gave up reading the comments half way through, so apologies if I repeat etc...
I remember other threads, congratulations on getting a job! I know yo7 have been very focussed on gaining skills, identifying a career plan etc. I do think you might be a bit fixed on the textbook advice on careers (probably because you really want one, in fairness).
Let’s break this down. You got a job, a 3month contract, a foot in the door. It can go either way, it might be great, may lead to another job internally, promotion etc. Equally it might be rubbish (sorry). But it’s paid work and paid experience. That’s a good thing.
CAB have volunteers move on all the time, they will be fine with that, and may well take you back if you have the time to do it in future. I’m sure you learned a lot whilst there. It’s sad to leave, but you have to. It’s not like you left because you couldn’t be bothered any more.
I do have to say I think you need to dial down the enthusiasm about careers and prospects a bit in the new job, and I say this because I’ve employed people rather like yourself. I’m not knocking your enthusiasm but as a manager I just want someone to get on with it, do the job well and make my life a bit easier all round. Not that’s I’m a horrible grouch who doesn’t care about your working life, more that being accosted at the copier/toilet/whilst I’m working by someone who wants to talk career trajectory is kind of annoying...same as “I want to progress and stay here forever” from temps on their 2nd day is a bit worrying, before I have even signed off on them being competent or assessed that they can do the job well.
Imagine going on a blind date and they start discussing marriage plans 10 mins in...its kind of like that. I think that’s maybe why you were getting some snarky replies. I’m glad you’re excited to be joining a workforce, realit6 is they probably aren’t as excited about being there as you are

[WellAlwaysHaveParis]

Thanks everyone :)

[tiredbutFESTIVE]

Ah you will be fine...starting a new job is a Bit like turning up on this thread all enthusiastic, asking advice, planning what to say and how to say it best....then getting shot right down for it :s
Just focus on doing well, learning, being no bother and seeing where it takes you...maybe to France? Maybe the office next door? It’s interesting to find out