Really dreading work

[wishesandkisses]

I've started a new job at a drug support service. I went through a company called headstart because I wanted a new line of work (I used to work with horses) but as I have a baby now I wanted something more safe. Headstart gives you 6 months at a company (paid) so you can fill your cv.

When I got the job I was so happy. I always wanted to work in this company and tried to volunteer there before. I was so eager to learn and really wanted to help users.

But they give me no work to do, i'm often sat by myself bored. And the work I have been given wasn't in the discription of my role and when I ask for things to do its always stuff that doesn't need doing. I feel it's just because they're at a loss for things for me to do. I find myself clock watching. The worst thing is that nobody speaks to me really. When I try and join in a conversation I'm often ignored and I have only made one friend although, as she speaks about everybody behind their backs I suspect she's doing that for me too. I'm totally miserable at work and often cry on the drive home. I wanted to work and make my family proud after a young pregnancy. The money is alright and I feel I can't quit because it means I've let everybody and myself down. I have a meeting with my supervisor next week and I'm wondering how to broach the subject on how to get more work. She never sets me work and I seem to be the tea lady or if someone needs someone else and they have to have me because someone else is busy (not often). I'm lost at what to do but it's making me depressed help?

[bettysviolin]

Hi,

New jobs can be hard. From what you say, sounds like this one isn't forever, but is to help fill your CV and set you on the road to a new career. Think of it as a short term stepping stone to what you want to do.

Meanwhile, make a list in your head of all the things you can learn from it - how to toughen up and handle office politics could be on the list. (If you read the recent MN thread about that, you'll see it's common, and learning not to let it bother you is a useful skill.)

Can you use the job to get really adept at certain computer programmes? Can you read up on the literature and current strategies regarding drug support, so you become knowledgeable in your field? Can you ask, if you really have nothing to do, to shadow someone whose job seems interesting? Can you set yourself some small projects - private or public, anything from sorting out stationery cupboards to creating a database or writing press releases or researching funding strategies. Depends on where your interests lay, but look at what's going on and what would enhance the work place and if no one is giving you work to do, see if you can self-start something small and manageable that you can succeed at, which shows your contribution and keenness, and is a specific project you could add to your CV.

[ilovesooty]

I work in criminal justice and substance misuse.

Have you had a clear induction? If not that's something you could raise. You should have been told what you're doing, what your tasks are and who's responsibility it is to help you develop. As suggested, ask to shadow people. Ask for reading material to learn as much as you can. Keep asking what you can do to help the team out.
And remember you are as yet inexperienced and not equipped to help users directly.

[GourmetGold]

Sorry, that doesn't sound great OP!
I have had similar experiences, once when working in an office as a temp, supposed to be an assistant to the secretary of an insurance team..she wouldn't give me any work..I ended up taking books into read..crazy!

I am guessing though it is because you are not trained and can't do a lot of the work, with it being specialised, maybe for legal reasons? I was a student nurse a long time ago, and couldn't do any 'proper' nursing whilst on my first placements, I was more of an 'observer' so would just chat to patients or help make beds.
If you would like to work in this type of work, could you look into some training? You could do an access to nursing course...i might be wrong, but I think Mental Health Nurses work in drug support? (my BIL is one and applied to work in a drug support place).

If you can stick it out, it might be good for your CV, but I know it is easier said than done when you feel ignored. I'd look into a good training course if It was me (well I am myself at the moment!).

[Gfplux]

Have you spoken to head start about this. I would do so before you meet with your supervisor.