I feel so overwhelmed at new job

[sillymcbillyandothertales]

I've recently started a new job in a different sector which I'm excited about only thing is I'm completely overwhelmed by all the new stuff I need to know/learn. I'm naturally a very nervous person and it does take me a while to settle into new jobs. Today I'm sitting with knots in my stomach at the thought of tomorrow already and that's after not really sleeping much last night. I'm really eager to make it work and to get past this horrible new stage. I definitely don't regret leaving my old job but I miss that familiar feeling of knowing everything and not thinking twice about going in each day.

I'm not sure why I'm posting really other than a little hand hold I suppose . The reality is if down the line I settle, it will be a great job- it's just getting their that's the problem

Hi this is normal for the first 6 months at least. If you’re wfh at all this will be exacerbated as you won’t be having as much exposure. Hang in there !

I'm in exactly the same position. I WFH so there is no one to talk too about it. But I have that sick feeling too. I just watched she hulk to take my mind off for a minute

@Greensleevevssnotnose oh I'm glad I'm not alone, although I do feel for you. It's truly awful isn't it?! To make it worse my partner is so excited for me and kept saying things yesterday like "just think in a few mths we could do xyz because of your extra income" it's almost making me want to murder him lol he's just excited but I'm just not ready yet to be applying for planning permission for an extension or booking a cruise. I just want to feel content lol

@WhatIsNextNow thanks so much. I just need to roll with it. I just wish I could enjoy the journey like most people, I just panick about making a balls of it all lol

I’m in this position too! Been there 5 months, was a total change, have had no training/induction and am hybrid so wfh half of the time. No regrets about leaving my old job, it was destroying me and I’m so much happier now. But my god I miss the days where I could just walk into work, knew how to deal with whatever has been thrown at me from whatever direction and basically just felt competent! Now I fear new emails in my inbox as I just don’t bloody know how to do what I’m being asked and I feel like a burden on my (very lovely, patient and understanding!!) team. I’ve taken the attitude that I do my best, ask questions, write things down and try to tackle everything using all the tips and tricks I have been shown and when I’ve exhausted all avenues I then ask for help.

I started my current role 18 months ago and I was so overwhelmed and under prepared for what I needed to be able to do.

I imagined quitting everyday. In fact I did resign 5 months in! But my manager gently talked me off the cliff and I'm still here.

But I'm still overwhelmed with what I don't know, and while I love the company and my job, I know I'll have to leave at some point as the role is just bigger than my ability.

You just need time.

As long as there’s nothing you absolutely hate about it (e.g. toxic environment, micromanaging boss etc) you really just need to give it 3 months minimum.

I started a new job 18 months ago and felt exactly like this. But the short term discomfort is good for you, and after 3-6 months you’ll start feeling much for confident and comfortable. And the alternative is often to stagnate in a job that’s within your ‘comfort zone’, so don’t forget that! You’ll feel so much better in a few weeks.

I too recently started a new job at very senior level. Its really tough because with being new you can't get anything done easily or quickly with everything being unfamiliar. That takes time and its frustrating. I was in my last job 14 years so I know how you must be feeling. You will get to a point where you're doing tasks for the third and forth time and feel comfortable with what and how to do things. Depending on how frequently your tasks are, it can take up to 12-18 months to settle. Try to enjoy being new and learning how other organisations work. You've got a fresh pair of eyes to bring new ideas - you can't be new forever so try to make the most of it. And when not sure ask for opinions, advice or just a handhold. Just say to colleagues things like "can I run this past you, with only having done it twice before on this occasion something doesn't seem right". Remind them why you're seeking help if you feel awkward. They've all been new there, they understand. Soon enough you will feel better. Remember they appointed you so they believe in you and that you can do the job so keep faith in yourself x

Thank you all for such lovely comments. You're all exactly right- it just takes time, deep down I know this but I suppose I just (like everyone) wanted to feel that this Sunday night would be a much more chilled Sunday than last week, yet I feel like it's opened my eyes to a whole new world that is a little daunting to me at this early stage. I'm sure one day at a time little small
Things will click and in a month it will be grand. I was extremely naive assuming that the training wouldn't be as intense as it is, but we all get there. Thankfully there are a few of us training together and we have a wonderful coach to help. I just don't want to be "the one who always makes mistakes"

I recently started a new job in a sector i’ve got absolutely no experience in. I’ve got a little notebook that I write things step by step in so when I next need to do it I can refer to my notes and follow them. Once you’ve asked someone how to deal with a certain email write that down too. Then when you get that type of email again you can check your notes and know how to respond.

Break the day down into 4, and focus your energies on each quarter. So (for instance) 9-11am, 11am-1pm (then lunch break), then 2-3.45pm then the final run until hometime. This stops you fretting about the whole day and you can mentally tick off each quarter of the day. In a few weeks change it to thirds, then halves etc.
Also, try and do something nice on a Sunday pm/evening to avoid the Country File Fears.

Tootighttoswim I wonder how many guys think "this role is above my ability!" Bloody none I expect.You have been there a year and a half ,and instead of being asked to leave (which you surely would have if you werent capable) you have been asked to stay on! I am sure you are quite able to do this job .So many people think EE(Everyone Else) are more capable ,have it in the bag and so on .Truth is lots are winging it, feel like you do and so on.Please dont talk yourself down .

I am about to start a new job and feeling anxious. It is a completely new sector and although I am bringing skills from my old job, I am dreading the idea of feeling out of my depth, being on probation and having to build up credibility again. I was in my last job 6 years so it is a long time since I have had to start a fresh. It is also the first time in 18 years moving to a completely different sector so I know there will be a lot of basic stuff to get my head around. People say the first 3-6 months are the hardest. I just don't want to mess it up. Following this thread for tips from those in a similar position.

I'm patiently waiting to start a role end of April which is completely new to me and like alot of you, desperate not to make a mess of it! I was 11 years in my old role.

I feel like I've already annoyed the girl I'm shadowing and the teams meetings flying in are filling me with fear already! I swear anxiety about new things gets worse with age, my early twenties I'd have cracked on but nearing 30 I feel myself second guessing everything I do! Following this thread for any tips and support