Don’t like new job

[Notwavingimdrowning]

I have started a new job that I absolutely thought I would love. It’s a job in quite a specialist area and although I have worked hard to get it and have had some experience that I really enjoyed before, found incredibly interesting and rewarding, I have not really enjoyed my first week. Maybe it’s because, being new, I haven’t really done anything and have shadowed someone, but it really felt like I’ve just wandered about, doing nothing for a week. I completely understand that I’m new and have training to do ect and it should be lovely not to feel so stressed at work, which is one of the reasons for leaving my old job, but I realise that I actually thrive on a bit of stress and this feels too laid back for me ! I totally feel like a fish out of water.
The team is absolutely amazing and very welcoming but I do get the impression that it can also be a bit bitchy if your face doesn’t fit !
Maybe I just miss my old friends in my previous team but I am having a major wobble today about going back tomorrow. I know I should give it more time ... it’s only been a week ... so please help talk me down before I contact my old manager and ask to go back !

It takes me about a month to get used to a new job.

I was going to say the same thing...give it a month and then decide. But you're not a tree, if you still don't like it you can move. I think it takes a few weeks to find your feet and get to know a few people and get a proper feel for the place. I hate starting new jobs because I hate feeling incompetent, which of course you do until you get a feel for what you're supposed to be doing.

I always feel like this when starting new jobs. I get so bored sitting there doing training all day when I just want to get on with the actual job. I think it also makes you worry that the job is quite menial in the beginning when you haven’t got much to do.

My advice would be to make more work for yourself. Book in 15 minute coffee meetings with as many other teams as possible to start making good relationships and learn as much as you can about the business. I position it as “I’d love to pick your brains” and people generally feel a bit important and are happy to give you some of their time.

TeeBee I think that’s exactly it !
I do feel incompetent at the moment as I don’t know the routine and what’s expected. I just feel out of my depth and also know that I could walk straight back into my old job, which in fact isn’t helping me to settle !

It's been a week. Be careful what you wish for. Most jobs have stress.

Coffee meet ups are a brilliant idea. You can ask questions such as 'can you give me an overview of how the company runs, the part played by my team and my part within that team'. 'What are the biggest challenges to getting the job done, and what kids of tensions arise?' 'Who are the key people that I should develop a good working relationship with'. 'What key skills would be useful for me to develop'. This way you are learning, showing willing and getting to know people.