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Original poster

How long did it take you to settle into a new job?

24 replies

Dillythedallyduck · 09/01/2025 21:23

Hello, I'm just looking for a bit of reassurance I think. I started a new job on Monday. I was in the last place for 24 years, the person everybody went to if they needed to know something.
I was incredibly excited to get this job and think it suits my skill set well. The people are so lovely, friendly and helpful. It seems like a lovely settled team, it's just...all so new, new area, new people, all the systems and tech are unfamiliar. I'm picking it up steadily I think but just feel completely overwhelmed.
It's so long since I started a new job so how long did it take you to begin to find your feet and feel settled in a new job? I'd love to hear your stories.
Thanks!

OP posts:
BlueFlagPinkFlag · 09/01/2025 21:46

I’ve had 7 jobs since I left uni 20 years or so ago, feeling settled does take a while and I’m used to job changes. My current job has taken the longest, it probably took almost a year I think, I work in HR but this was a new industry and the people just aren’t my kind of people (imagine going from something a bit more fun like events to something more serious like academia). However one day it clicked a little more than usual and I’m happy here for a while.

It’s only your first week AND you were at your last place for a long time, don’t beat yourself up, this is a major switch up in your life. You’ll get there but it’ll take a bit of time.

Wintersoltice · 09/01/2025 21:48

I started a new job in September after around 10 years at my last place where I knew everyone, was well-respected etc. I'm still not settled in fully tbh, and I regret moving. I'm sure my experience is not typical though. I don't feel like I'm given enough work to do/tasks to deliver and therefore making fewer connections with colleagues. On top of that we mostly work from home so don't even get to know people socially that well. I'm sorry this is probably not a very optimistic answer, but like I say probably quite an unusual experience.

TeddyBeans · 09/01/2025 21:51

I'm nearly a year into my most recent job and I'm still finding situations odd. There's been a lot of change, my immediate team are all newer than I am and we're all sort of bumbling our way through each day. Other staff have been there for 15+ years and are my go to for anything I'm not sure about.

Give yourself time, it's a lot of change after so long and things are bound to take a bit of getting used to

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PosiePetal · 09/01/2025 21:59

I worked in the same place for a decade, settled in after a year. I then moved to a job I really disliked and left after a year. Last job, 18 months and I never really settled, lots of people worked there and it felt like being back at school. Not a good environment for me. New job started 3 weeks ago, settled in immediately. So, it does depend and also the longer you work somewhere, the more you see the dynamics alter as you become ‘part of the furniture’ and colleagues come and go.

Original poster
Dillythedallyduck · 09/01/2025 22:08

Thanks for sharing your experiences everybody @Wintersoltice I hope it starts to click a bit for you soon.
I do know i can't expect to feel settled after four days but it's reassuring to hear people's settling in stories all the same Smile

OP posts:
NameChanges123 · 09/01/2025 22:16

I'm 6 months into a new job (after 12 years in my last place and 14 years in the job before that).

I was in training for the first four months and have only been two months in my team. The job is strange and very tough; we use a lot of software packages compared to my previous jobs and it all feels quite overwhelming still.

So, it all 'feels' quite new still and like I might only feel settled after a year or more (I bloody hope so)!

CamelsForChristmas · 09/01/2025 22:20

I always think it takes a month to find your feet and 6 months minimum to truly settle. After 24 years in the same job then I have no doubt you will feel all at sea for a bit.

MikiSu · 09/01/2025 22:32

I always say a year, unless it's a very repetitive role then you need to see 'all of the seasons' to get the full picture

Original poster
Dillythedallyduck · 09/01/2025 22:35

Gosh @NameChanges123 I hope you begin to feel more at home soon "strange and very tough" don't sound like ringing endorsements, I hope it improves for you!

OP posts:
Enough4me · 09/01/2025 22:40

After over 2 decades I changed jobs last summer to a completely different role, different company. It took me about 4 months to understand my role and going back after Christmas I was happy with the change (may have helped I couldn't stand the previous place as support, management, HR and opportunities were rubbish). I am still learning and the role is evolving, but I like change.

Original poster
Dillythedallyduck · 09/01/2025 23:02

Good for you @Enough4me it sounds like you were ready to make the leap...I was the same to be fair!

OP posts:
saltysandysea · 09/01/2025 23:06

At least 4-6 months to really settle in and feel like the job is familiar, a year to make it yours (I changed job a few years ago after 20+ years at the last company so appreciate it is a huge change).

orangewasp · 09/01/2025 23:13

It takes me a good six months to settle in and longer to fully know the ropes.

Enough4me · 09/01/2025 23:14

I really think it helps if you have reasons to change. I am still good friends with 1 previous colleague and a few via FB, when they talk it reminds me of the issues there. Then the new places and changes seem more exciting than daunting. I have made a few mistakes and I constantly ask questions but, I think in the first year as there are cyclic changes, that's normal.
Try to remind yourself of the situations and people who annoyed you in the last place and enjoy any new bonuses (that you expected or were a surprise).

lifeisacat · 09/01/2025 23:20

Started my new job on Monday too. It's an exciting role in a different place. I have gone from school to health.
I don't feel settled at all but am excited by the whole thing. I'm sure you will settle in soon but I know it will take me atleast 6 months. Hope it's a good leap for you.

Wintersoltice · 09/01/2025 23:37

@Enough4me thank you that is good advice, I feel a bit more optimistic reading that. It reminds me that I did have reasons for leaving my old job, it wasn't perfect by any means and I wouldn't exactly be happy if I had stayed. It's a bigger challenge than I had anticipated to adapt to the new role and make it my own, but hopefully will get there eventually.

Original poster
Dillythedallyduck · 10/01/2025 08:24

Enough4me · 09/01/2025 23:14

I really think it helps if you have reasons to change. I am still good friends with 1 previous colleague and a few via FB, when they talk it reminds me of the issues there. Then the new places and changes seem more exciting than daunting. I have made a few mistakes and I constantly ask questions but, I think in the first year as there are cyclic changes, that's normal.
Try to remind yourself of the situations and people who annoyed you in the last place and enjoy any new bonuses (that you expected or were a surprise).

Thank you, wise words. I still get some messages relating to my old job and every time I get one it reminds me of why I left. The new job does not have the potential for the things that most got me down and I really think it will be a good fit in the longer term.
Thank you everybody for reminding me that I need to be patient!! 😀

OP posts:
Original poster
Dillythedallyduck · 10/01/2025 08:25

@lifeisacat we sound very similar, good luck with your new job I think going from a school to any other work place can be a culture shock in so many ways can't it?

OP posts:
GargoylesofBeelzebub · 10/01/2025 08:48

I started a new job in November having worked in my previous job for 14 years. I was made redundant so not much option.

I know it's early days but really not enjoying being the newbie. Would like to fast forward to when I feel like I know what I'm doing.

Original poster
Dillythedallyduck · 10/01/2025 22:14

@GargoylesofBeelzebub fingers crossed that you start to find your feet and feel more settled soon. It's not a fun feeling being a newbie is it?

OP posts:
BlindTipsy · 10/01/2025 22:38

Congratulations on your new job.

When I started a new role 5 or 6 years ago (same organisation) I felt so out of my depth and struggled a lot. l was also used to being the go to person to ask. Someone told me about the 4 stages of competence and it really helped.
If you haven't come across them they are:
Stage 1 is you don't know how to do something but you don't know what you don't know (unconsciously incompetent) - I think this was where I was when I got the job but hadn't started.
Stage 2 is the hardest and probably where you are now - consciously incompetent. You know what you need to be able to do but can't do it yet.
Stage 3 is coming soon - you will start to feel consciously competent- aware of what you know and able to do the job but with conscious thought.
Stage 4 - finally you get back to where you probably were in your last job - unconsciously competent. Where you can just do the job without thinking and are able to support others and have the knowledge at your fingertips.

It really helped me to know it was normal and a process.

Original poster
Dillythedallyduck · 10/01/2025 22:45

@BlindTipsy that's really helpful, yes definitely think I'm stage 2 now!

OP posts:
Starryknightcloud · 10/01/2025 22:50

Also started a new role this week, after a decade at my old place so this is timely.
I've always found 6 months works for me to feel more settled so I'd not worry too much before then. I also love a change curve so @BlindTipsy is talking my language.

I find it tough having an empty diary and inbox when I know I learn best through diving in. Sure I'll be begging for some quiet soon though!

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 10/01/2025 23:19

BlindTipsy · 10/01/2025 22:38

Congratulations on your new job.

When I started a new role 5 or 6 years ago (same organisation) I felt so out of my depth and struggled a lot. l was also used to being the go to person to ask. Someone told me about the 4 stages of competence and it really helped.
If you haven't come across them they are:
Stage 1 is you don't know how to do something but you don't know what you don't know (unconsciously incompetent) - I think this was where I was when I got the job but hadn't started.
Stage 2 is the hardest and probably where you are now - consciously incompetent. You know what you need to be able to do but can't do it yet.
Stage 3 is coming soon - you will start to feel consciously competent- aware of what you know and able to do the job but with conscious thought.
Stage 4 - finally you get back to where you probably were in your last job - unconsciously competent. Where you can just do the job without thinking and are able to support others and have the knowledge at your fingertips.

It really helped me to know it was normal and a process.

I think I'm still stage 1!! Feel like there's things I should be doing that I'm not aware of yet!

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