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Original poster

How long did you it you to adapt to a new job?

27 replies

namechange47582 · 04/03/2021 19:54

I had been in my previous role for 10 years. I knew it so well and was seen as the most senior person who most people went to if there was an issue. However, there was just no further career progression and I often felt I can't be doing this same job in another 10 years. I am quite a shy person but as I have been in the job for so long and knew everyone well I probably came across confident.
Then the opportunity to move department came up. I had often thought its an area I would love to get into and to my surprise I got the job. I'm now 3 weeks in and I'm regretting my decision. I know it sounds ridiculous as I'm only 3 weeks in so I'm hoping others will tell me this is a normal feeling and will pass. I just feel completely incompetent and I'm struggling as I'm literally learning everything from scratch. I literally felt ill today someone was trying to explain something to me and I just couldn't concentrate. I think it's harder as we are all working from home.

Anyway I suppose my question is have others found starting a new job overwhelming and if so how long did it last? Did it improve over time? TIA

OP posts:
Original poster
namechange47582 · 04/03/2021 19:55

My title doesn't even make sense Blush I feel like my brain isn't functioning trying to take in so much new information.

OP posts:
TiddleTaddleTat · 04/03/2021 20:01

It can take months , really try and give it more time. It's normal to have an adjustment period where you feel completely deskilled. Hang on!

joeysapple · 04/03/2021 20:03

Hang on in there. It takes me about six months to fully adjust. But the feeling when the penny finally drops and you feel like you're getting it is so satisfying! Good luck

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Notabove25 · 04/03/2021 20:05

A great boss I once worked for, told me "if you're not out of your depth for the first 6 months you took the wrong job".

Aurorie11 · 04/03/2021 20:08

@Notabove25 I agree. I’m less than 6 weeks into a new job, not feeling stretched so looking around for something else

partyatthepalace · 04/03/2021 20:10

@Notabove25

A great boss I once worked for, told me "if you're not out of your depth for the first 6 months you took the wrong job".
This absolutely
therearefourlights · 04/03/2021 20:12

Yes, it will be overwhelming and confusing, especially as you're used to knowing what you're doing. Shock to the system. Try to stick it out for six months, then touch base with yourself again and see how you're feeling. Don't let yourself be put out at this early stage. You know you're competent and have the ability, you just don't have the specific role based knowledge that makes things go smoothly on a daily basis yet. It'll come, keep going.

WonkyCactus · 04/03/2021 20:14

I was in my last job for 8 years and I've been in my current one for about 18 months now. The first three months I wondered what the hell I had done, it was all so overwhelming and if I could have walked back into my old job at that point, I would have. It got better and easier as time went on. I would say it took me about six months to feel vaguely competent. Hang in there!

WaveAbout · 04/03/2021 20:19

I reckon it takes a year to really settle into a new job.

dementedma · 04/03/2021 20:22

I feel your pain. I hated, hated the first 4 months in my new job and knew I had made a terrible mistake. I was even looking for other jobs although I loved the company and had been happy there.
Gradually , the fog began to lift but it was probably the best part of a year before I felt comfortable and believed that I could do the job.

blueshoes · 04/03/2021 20:22

I move jobs quite a bit Blush to get more pay and with it comes more responsibility. Usually there is nothing particularly wrong about the job I left.

I spend the first 6 months in my new job going what have I done. After a year, there are times when I feel like I must leave like right now [current job]. Then after a while, stockholm syndrome sets in and it starts to feel comfortable, like a second skin. You accept your fate and go along it. Things become increasingly familiar and a pattern and routine develops. You know who to call, who to trust and who not to offend or to stay clear of. There might even be someone who joined who is newer than you.

It's tough at first. But the money is good. Think of the money.

ChameleonClara · 04/03/2021 20:22

A month to remember people's names, six months to feel OK, a year to really feel like you really know what you're doing.

Three weeks is way way too soon to judge anything! Hope it works out for you.

PaleFox · 04/03/2021 20:25

Honestly you've done the right thing OP. Give it three or four months and things will be much better.

NothingIsWrong · 04/03/2021 20:30

I started a new job on Monday. It is taking all my willpower not to run back to my old employer and wrap my easy 15 year old job back round me like a comfort blanket. They have said so many times they would have me back in a heartbeat. I left for career progression reasons and some other bits and pieces but honestly I'm so tired and out of my depth I could just cry. And I'm full time in an office as well so no working from home issues!

LadyofMisrule · 04/03/2021 20:58

I do contract work, so change projects regularly, and have to hit the ground running. The first few weeks are always hell.

RacheyCat · 04/03/2021 23:23

I just changed jobs and it's miserable. Like you, OP, I've gone from seniority and being one of the longest-standing members with all of the confidence and trust that ensues, to being the lowly new girl. I've also moved to a new part of the country (overseas) ahead of my husband, so I'm quite lonely and struggling to get settled professionally and domestically.

I keep telling myself it'll get more predictable and then I'll start to feel better. The same will be true for both of us. Congratulations on your new job!

Original poster
namechange47582 · 05/03/2021 00:17

Thank you everyone it's very reassuring to read it is normal. I dread everyday at the minute. The working from home is definitely not helping with regards to being trained. Although it does mean I can have the occasional melt down and no one can see Grin

Good luck to the posters who have said they are also new to their jobs and finding it difficult I hope it improves for you soon.

OP posts:
Sleepingdogs12 · 05/03/2021 05:53

I am hoping it is 6 months. I am 3 months in and I am beginning to feel more comfortable. I have also been working from home and all the informal learning is so hard. You can't ask a 'stupid' question without it being so obvious and such an effort. I hope your colleagues are friendly and helpful. I have been really grateful to those who made a point of being friendly and kind. Be proud of yourself for making the move.

8090sTv · 05/03/2021 05:58

Agree, give it 6 months at least. Thanks for this post op, I could have done with reading it 12 months ago as I thought it was just me.

Moomoolandmoomooland · 05/03/2021 06:11

I started a new job WFH last year and I found it harder than I would normally because of WFH. The training has been fine, but @Sleepingdogs12 has it spot on. I don't really know many of the team and I don't really know who the best person is to go to for advice apart from the person doing my training. I didn't appreciate how important the social element of a new job is. It's ok WFH in an already established environment, i didn't struggle when my old job went WFH. But doing it in a completely new role is tough.

SuperSleepyBaby · 05/03/2021 06:23

Yes, at least 6 months before you start to feel comfortable.

Tablefor4 · 05/03/2021 08:40

It often comes in peaks and troughs. So, after about 3 months you might start to have a bit of a routine and begin to feel ok about parts, but then something else happens and you feel out of your depth again. It's totally normal, if scary.

I reckon double any usual time length for get used to a job when you're doing it remotely.

Gah81 · 05/03/2021 09:19

I am with you (and PP), OP. I always say it takes 6 months to settle in - but having come to the 6 month anniversary of my own new job, I think coronavirus/remote working probably adds a few more weeks on! Definitely feeling more settled but every day still brings something entirely new!

Doesn't help that this role is a huge step up, lots of it is new (I was a wildcard candidate).

SuperJune · 05/03/2021 09:33

Agree with pp - 6 months! I started a new job 6 months ago in a new company, all WFH, which definitely meant I settled in less quickly too. I hope that's reassuring xx

jakeee · 05/03/2021 10:02

Oh thank goodness for this thread. I'm 6 weeks in and so out of my depth, it has got a little easier but I can't imagine ever feeling as comfortable as I was in my old job where I knew it all like the back of my hand. I feel like an incompetent buffoon.

What I've found particularly difficult is the social aspect, I got on amazingly well with my old colleagues and although my new colleagues are nice I am not myself with them, I feel awkward and over analyse every stupid thing I've said that day.

I'm relieved to hear others saying it can take a few more months. Sorry I can't offer any advice but here's some solidarity!