Regret starting new job

[ImaSandyGirl]

I think I've made a huge mistake. I'm a single mum to a 3 year old DD. I've been trying for months to get a job, ideally part-time and in HR, where I have a lot of experience and gained qualifications, but got nowhere. Just the other week, I was offered a job, but unfortunately its not in HR. Instead its general administration and also its full time with an hours commute each way. I was hesitant to accept it as I knew it'd be hard managing (I don't have family support with my child) and also the fact that it the job isn't in HR, which I love and worked really hard at (jobs in HR seem really hard to get these days). I accepted the job though as I want to work and get off benefits. The thing is, having done my first day of the job, I feel terrible. I'm knackered, having been up since 5.30am this morning, as I have to leave early to get there on time. I know its only been a day, but the work is outside of my comfort zone and I just don't think I'll enjoy it. I'm worried that I'll never get back into HR now that I'm doing a job that isn't in HR. I feel so tired and drained that I'm wondering if it's worth continuing with this job. Sorry if I'm not explaining my feelings very well, I'm just so tired, I can't write very well. I'm dreading going back in tomorrow. Thank you.

This is your stepping stone role. The one where you’re not thrilled by it, but it gets you back into the workforce, and a few months in you start picking up more and more HR-related tasks until suddenly ‘oh hang on it’s like you’re HR’. Hang in there - one day didn’t build Rome and all that.

Give it a chance! You haven't committed to spending the next 20 years there. Firstly, stating a new job, feeling like the new girl and needing to be shown everything is never fun but that doesn't last. The routine with your daughter sounds trickier but you might find that you hit your stride and can manage it. Maybe make a deal with yourself to give it six months and if you really hate it then, you can have a re think.

Stick at it OP. You will get better at the long days and when you get your pay packet it will hopefully be worth it.
The first few days are always the worst as you don't know what you are doing and are out of your comfort zone.
If in a few months it doesn't look like you will like it then start looking for something else.

Thank you all for your replies, I feel better knowing that I'm not alone in feeling terrible after a first day in a new job. I think that, as you all suggested, I ought to stick with it and hopefully it'll get easier. I'll give it 6 months for now. If I'm still unhappy after 6 months, hopefully it'll be easier to find another job, as I'll be in employment, whereas it's alot harder to get a job when you're out of work.