Horrors of new job....

Bugsy73 · 2024-09-12T20:01:02+00:00

Started a new job (health care) a couple of weeks ago, having been in my previous role for near on 10years. Its an area of health care that I haven't worked in before, and I'm really doubting myself and my ability to actually do it!! I hate the feeling of not just being able to get on, asking everyone a million questions, and being generally pretty clueless!! I know that this is all fairly standard, but I would love some sympathy and support, or perhaps even a positive pep talk for anyone out there who knows what I'm on about 😁

Pollydolly2 · 12/09/2024 21:06

I started a new job after a long time elsewhere last year so you have. My sympathies. Just be keen to learn and don't be afraid to ask for help. You'll get there. Do you like being there? That's half the battle

Original poster

Bugsy73 · 12/09/2024 21:17

Yes, I do like it. Everyone is nice and the work is varied and interesting. Feel such a long way out of my comfort zone, and it is indeed uncomfortable!!! I know it takes ages to feel settled, but ughhhhh, questioning my life choices 😂

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OhcantthInkofaname · 12/09/2024 21:20

Are there policy and procedure manuals in the the UK? In the US despite many federal agencies overseeing healthcare we have an agency called the Joint Commission it operates globally. It lists from the general to the specific for each organization.

FrogJump123 · 12/09/2024 21:24

I know the exact feeling, I left education after 12 years, to move into a healthcare role. It was very very different, and ultimately wasn’t for me, but if you like it and the people are nice (mine weren’t) give a few months and reassess.
nothing is forever if you are not happy, you can change again. 💐

Doyouthinktheyknow · 12/09/2024 21:29

Starting a new job and feeling like you haven’t got a clue can be really tough, particularly when you have been confident in your previous role.

i left my last team after 17 years and although I was burnt out, I wanted to go back to my old job many times in the first couple of weeks. This job has been amazing for me though and I have grown so much, stayed 6 years and have loved most of it but I’m moving on again very soon and will be doing something different again so I will be where you are in 7ish weeks time and I am dreading it.

No tips, just be confident in your abilities and know it takes everyone a while to settle in a new job. Good luck.

AdviceNeeded2024 · 12/09/2024 21:34

Ahh this is completely normal! Especially when you’ve been somewhere for so long and can do the job with your eyes shut!

It’s totally normal, been there more than once where you feel the useless spare prick for a few weeks 😂 you’ll soon get into it, ask as many questions as you need, your colleagues won’t mind. Now is the time to ask, not 6 months down the line. Pay attention and take notes if you need to, as long as you don’t ask the same thing 3 times no one will mind. I always help new colleagues on my team as I want them to succeed as it helps everyone on the team.

It’s good to challenge yourself and get out your comfort zone, you wouldn’t have got the job if you weren’t capable! Good luck and enjoy.

Bluevelvetsofa · 12/09/2024 21:43

Most jobs I had took at least a term to feel comfortable. One day soon you’ll realise you know what you’re doing.

You're at the stage of conscious incompetence. Then it’ll be conscious competence, then unconscious competence. It’s said that when you can do your job easily, it’s time to move on.

Fluffyowl00 · 12/09/2024 21:50

Somebody told me once:

Nobody is ever really totally content at work. You spend the first 2-3 years wondering what the hell you’re doing and feeling inadequate and the next 3 years plus being bored because you can do it and it’s too easy. That’s why I move every 5-6 years.

And bloody hell he was right!

It’s just part of the process. And yes, I wish the treadmill would stop and I’d just love the job too!

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 12/09/2024 21:51

I'm starting a new job in a few weeks after 14 years in my current role. Dreading being the new person.

Original poster

Bugsy73 · 12/09/2024 22:00

Bluevelvetsofa · 12/09/2024 21:43

Most jobs I had took at least a term to feel comfortable. One day soon you’ll realise you know what you’re doing.

You're at the stage of conscious incompetence. Then it’ll be conscious competence, then unconscious competence. It’s said that when you can do your job easily, it’s time to move on.

I will try to remember that!! Excellent advice!!

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Original poster

Bugsy73 · 12/09/2024 22:01

Fluffyowl00 · 12/09/2024 21:50

Somebody told me once:

Nobody is ever really totally content at work. You spend the first 2-3 years wondering what the hell you’re doing and feeling inadequate and the next 3 years plus being bored because you can do it and it’s too easy. That’s why I move every 5-6 years.

And bloody hell he was right!

It’s just part of the process. And yes, I wish the treadmill would stop and I’d just love the job too!

This is so true 😂

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Original poster

Bugsy73 · 12/09/2024 22:02

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 12/09/2024 21:51

I'm starting a new job in a few weeks after 14 years in my current role. Dreading being the new person.

Good luck! With you in spirit!!!

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Original poster

Bugsy73 · 12/09/2024 22:03

Thank you so, so much all of you. I do actually feel better! Its the exact advice I would give to anyone else in this position, its just hard to say it to yourself and to believe it.

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somereallyniceadvice · 12/09/2024 22:08

Don't make yourself suffer. You might be doing well ....they might keep you. We all need a job but also, stay only if you are satisfied with it

Yesterdayyesterday · 12/09/2024 22:21

I'm in the same position OP - less than 2 weeks into a new job. I don't know anyone and no one knows me, and while I have transferable skills I don't know how to do the job yet. I'm also mostly remote so have only had limited opportunity to meet my colleagues.

I left a job that I've been in 10 years, had quite a high standing amongst the team, could do the job easily etc. I wasn't learning anything new though and that's why I've moved.

I have to admit I've cried a bit in the last couple of weeks and felt I'd made a huge mistake. But things are improving. I keep telling myself that this is the worst bit - I'll make more and more connections as time goes on and people will get to know me and hopefully appreciate my work. Time will tell whether it's the right role forever, but I'll definitely learn lots as I get to grips with the role.

Original poster

Bugsy73 · 13/09/2024 06:31

Yesterdayyesterday · 12/09/2024 22:21

I'm in the same position OP - less than 2 weeks into a new job. I don't know anyone and no one knows me, and while I have transferable skills I don't know how to do the job yet. I'm also mostly remote so have only had limited opportunity to meet my colleagues.

I left a job that I've been in 10 years, had quite a high standing amongst the team, could do the job easily etc. I wasn't learning anything new though and that's why I've moved.

I have to admit I've cried a bit in the last couple of weeks and felt I'd made a huge mistake. But things are improving. I keep telling myself that this is the worst bit - I'll make more and more connections as time goes on and people will get to know me and hopefully appreciate my work. Time will tell whether it's the right role forever, but I'll definitely learn lots as I get to grips with the role.

Oh its so hard isn't it?? I'm exactly the same as you, loads of transferable skills but its harder than I thought it would be to actually transfer said skills. I felt tearful when I woke up this morning, but trying to manifest positivity. I know deep down that this is completely normal and that previously I've always come through the other side.
Just going to hate it for the next 6 months 😂
Good luck, we've got this x

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FinallyHere · 13/09/2024 08:44

just hard to say it to yourself and to believe it.

Isn't that the truth.

One thing you can do for yourself is to spot the times when you start to use information you now know. If which last time you had to ask about. It's very easy to not notice those occasions but it's important to notice your own progress.

No one can begrudge answer g questions from newbies, it's lovely when they remember and take on board things first time you answer. And if it takes more than once, it's all good too as they might not have fully understood first time around.

I do projects and every single time by the time it's over I tend to feel 'if I were starting this now I'd know what to do' and then the next one is always always different. The uncomfortable feeling is just how it is and the cost of learning.

Don't be shy of talking to people about it, in an upbeat way. They will have plenty of examples of how they went through the same - well any decent ones will be happy to share. It helps you bond and build your network in the new role.

You have got this.

Original poster

Bugsy73 · 13/09/2024 18:49

FinallyHere · 13/09/2024 08:44

just hard to say it to yourself and to believe it.

Isn't that the truth.

One thing you can do for yourself is to spot the times when you start to use information you now know. If which last time you had to ask about. It's very easy to not notice those occasions but it's important to notice your own progress.

No one can begrudge answer g questions from newbies, it's lovely when they remember and take on board things first time you answer. And if it takes more than once, it's all good too as they might not have fully understood first time around.

I do projects and every single time by the time it's over I tend to feel 'if I were starting this now I'd know what to do' and then the next one is always always different. The uncomfortable feeling is just how it is and the cost of learning.

Don't be shy of talking to people about it, in an upbeat way. They will have plenty of examples of how they went through the same - well any decent ones will be happy to share. It helps you bond and build your network in the new role.

You have got this.

Thank you. That's a really good idea to monitor my progress in little ways.

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Oak89 · 14/09/2024 08:54

I started a new job a year ago. The first six months were incredibly difficult. It's a very complex job which really does take time to learn but equally I was thrown in and expected to survive which is not a good combination! I'd come from a role in which I was very knowledgeable and confident so it was a nasty shock.

In the first three months I couldn't get through the day without asking constant questions every 5 mins as I was unable to use my judgment which you have to do a lot in this role! It was a horrible vicious circle.

I cried a lot (I'm not a crier) and felt totally incompetent but forced myself to stick it out. I'm mostly ok now although there are still aspects I'm unclear on but I think another 6 months and I'll mostly be ok.

Anyway, the point is, you WILL get there, you just have to keep persevering and eventually the pieces will come together. Having said that, if you don't start to see improvements within a few months then there is no shame if it's not the job for you.

Needsomethingtoread · 14/09/2024 09:46

I know how you feel I moved into a new job last year but then soon after my sister was diagnosed with cancer and unfortunately passed away. I’ve not even received a card from my new workplace and it’s difficult as in my old workplace I would have had lots of support.

I am dreading going back to work now after the funeral and feel I will need to up my game as I don’t want to been known as a slacker even though we as a family have gone through hell this year.

Original poster

Bugsy73 · 14/09/2024 14:20

Needsomethingtoread · 14/09/2024 09:46

I know how you feel I moved into a new job last year but then soon after my sister was diagnosed with cancer and unfortunately passed away. I’ve not even received a card from my new workplace and it’s difficult as in my old workplace I would have had lots of support.

I am dreading going back to work now after the funeral and feel I will need to up my game as I don’t want to been known as a slacker even though we as a family have gone through hell this year.

Oh I am so sorry to hear about your sister. That is just awful. It's times like this that you really need that comfort and support. Your new colleagues sound crap. Do you have to stick with it? Look after yourself.

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