New job anxiety or have I made a mistake?

[Moonpixie]

How do people cope with new job anxiety?

After job hunting for a while and having lots of interviews but no success, I was today offered a job that I had previously interviewed for but was unsuccessful. The first choice candidate pulled out after one day of being trained on the job.

It's a small private clinic. They seem lovely and supportive, but I've been in my present job for so long and I will most likely need to give that up. Maybe not right away, but soon.

It's part time at 17hrs over 3 days but with two 7pm finishes. Today they mentioned how clinic often runs over and I sometimes could be looking at a 7.30-45 finish. Of course I would be paid, but I get the bus and it means getting home much later than I'd want (I have no young child responsibilities, BTW).

Also because its only a three person team, I'd be expected to cover the other receptionist if needed. So the 3 day job could be 4 or 5 when needed. I don't want it to encompass my entire week on any kind of regular basis. I know this is a normal scenario but not what I'm accustomed to.

I don't know, I mean I said all of this was fine today, when I was invited back for a chat, and I really want to leave my present job, but now I'm concerned I've agreed to take something that won't suit me.

I explained that I did feel nervous about potentially leaving the present job and they were very understanding. However, because the last person pulled out they are very keen to employ someone who knows exactly what they want and is certain this is right for them.

However, I did feel under slight pressure to make an immediate decision. I asked if taking a bit of time to think about it would make me seem indecisive and they jokingly said yes. But explained that the current receptionist is having to cover the entire week and they need someone as soon as possible. Plus, they would need to get a new advertisement out by next Tuesday, if I declined. They basically meant, if I'm unsure, then say so because it's probably not sensible to move forward. But it's set on hard when your put on the spot.

I have two training days next week, but honestly, I'm generally not an anxious person but I feel a bit sick and I've had no appetite since coming out of the meeting this afternoon.

I have no idea if this is normal new job anxiety of that I really have made a mistake. I had a interview a couple of days ago for a job I would have really liked, but was unsuccessful. I honestly don't think I'd have felt this worried if I'd have got that one.

😭

[Idontlikeyoghurt]

What are your reasons for wanting to leave your current job ?
Yes some anxiety and nerves when starting a new job are totally normal! The colleagues at the new job so sound lovely though. I don't think they mean to pressurise you, they just need to know so they can offer it to someone else if you aren't interested. They want you to have the position, you are very capable of doing this job but you doubt yourself. Please try to relax and tell yourself you can do this!! I think you should go for it! You will regret it if you miss this opportunity!

[GoodBoyDoggy]

Don't take it, it sounds like a shit job. That person left for a reason and they are being very pushy..like they dont respect boundaries. Something better will come along, listen to your gut feeling.

[NameChange84]

I think listen to your gut. If you didn’t already have a job I’d advise differently but it sounds like there are other jobs you’d rather have, given the chance. So stay in the one you have and keep applying for others. I’d be concerned about the other person leaving the job after just a day.

[LuluBellaBlue]

Definitely listen to your gut instinct! You should be feeling happy and excited, not like this about a new job

[Moonpixie]

Thank you all for your responses.

@Idontlikeyoghurt I've been in my present job a really long time and I really dislike it and have done for several years. But it is a safe job with lots of perks and has been incredibly hard to break away from. With this new job there is no safety net and if it doesn't work out for me and I've left the other one then I'm a bit screwed.

@NameChange84 Yes, I agree. Perfect to try out if I have nothing to lose. But I do.

I also totally agree that while nerves are normal, they should be excited nerves, not sick/worry nerves.

I feel awful for having to let her down at the last minute. I'm just feeling this may be too much of a commitment for what is meant to be a 17hr/3 day week job that demands flexibility but doesn't offer it.

[Hello1290]

You have to do what's right for you. It's not your fault the first lady they chose left after one day so don't feel awful about letting them down. Gut instinct is everything. It sounds like they've been honest with you but they should have been willing to let you think about it overnight. This in itself should ring warning bells.

[Ragwort]

I think if leaving promptly and not doing extra hours is important to you then you shouldn't accept the job, at least you have been given this information before starting the role.

[Moonpixie]

Thank youbfirvthe further replies.

I left them a message on their machine. I wanted to at least retract my acceptance verbally and offer my sincere apologies.

I stupidly cancelled another interview I had for this Wednesday after accepting this one.

Oh, well. Live and learn.