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Started a new job, feel like I'm floundering...

7 replies

Keeoe · 13/05/2020 01:43

Just that really. Got a part time job, initially for just over Xmas at a large supermarket. Surprised myself with how much I loved it, so decided to apply for permanent roles a step up from what I was doing (I have previously worked in management) thinking I could combine skills I already have with my new found love for retail. However, I'm finding it massively hard, physically and mentally.

The people management is easy - it's just the amount of plates I'm expected to spin to get the store on point for the next days trading nightmarish. AM shifts with optimal staff are fine, an absolute dream. Its the PM shifts I struggle with. No matter how hard I try, I find myself with rising panic as the shift ends, with more and more jobs becoming apparent and not enough time to do them.

Will this get better? I've been there about 8 weeks now. I feel like crying when it gets to 9PM and I realise just how much there is to do, regardless of how hard my team and I have worked. I've tried timed lists, but something always seems to scupper the plan. I am trying so hard, but it always seems that jobs go undone unless I stay late. I think I just need a good whinge tbh! 😊

OP posts:
Kalim8 · 13/05/2020 07:58

I don't have the experience but could you treat the next say 2 weeks as a "baseline tracking" time and note what all the issues are during that time, so you have quantifiable data?
For example "every day, X happens", "Y needed doing and it took ages, but that was only once during the 2 weeks", "every other day, Z was delayed, which had a knock-on effect".
Then you hopefully have a list of "top 10 issues" (or top 5, whatever!) and can try tackling the worst offenders one at a time?

SouthernComforts · 13/05/2020 08:02

Surely you are doing a fantastic job if you are keeping your head above water during this when their is massive demand for supermarkets, plus all the changes you will have had to implement due to the virus?

Give yourself some credit, you walked into a job in retail at probably the most difficult time you ever could.

SouthernComforts · 13/05/2020 08:02

*there ffs

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AmelieV88 · 13/05/2020 08:11

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Submariner · 13/05/2020 08:27

Thinking back over my last few jobs, at 8 weeks in I almost always had the fear. You're no longer 'new' so people are expecting you to perform, but you don't have the experience under your belt to feel really confident. None of those jobs were taken up during a global pandemic. You're doing fine! PP has good advice, take some time out when you can to really think about what's not working, then choose one of those things and tackle it. Ask for help/training/examples of how other managers deal with it. Rinse and repeat. Good luck! Smile

FinallyHere · 13/05/2020 12:45

Don't be frightened to talk to your manager. Not to complain but to canvass their suggestions on how to get on top of your workload and to be as efficient and as effective as possible.

Most people like to be asked for advice. You could start by asking them who would be the right person to talk to...

Keeoe · 13/05/2020 16:55

Thank you for all of your responses. Some brilliant suggestions I'm going to put to use when I'm on my next shift. I'm sure it will get better/easier. Its not the easiest time for anyone!

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