To ask for your advice on how to leave a job one week in?

[LeaveTheJob]

I started a new job last week and I really don't like it. I have experienced new job nerves before, and I know this is more than that. It doesn't seem like a good fit and the morning dread before work started on day 2.

The team seem bitchy. It feels really lonely and unwelcoming there. My line manager is very senior (multiple levels above me) and they leave me on read and ignore my messages because they're too busy. The work is okay (albeit dull) and similar to what I've done in the past, but there is a lot of micromanagement going on. The only plus is that it's good money.

My notice period in my probationary period is 2 weeks. I want to leave, but I don't know how. I am really bad at being a people pleaser and I know if I asked for a call with my manager I would lose my nerve and not be able to assert myself. I feel embarrassed and guilty as I have had new IT equipment provided for me that will all need returning. I know they took me on board with plans for 2025 changes. I know recruiting is expensive and time-consuming. I just feel awful about the whole thing but I know I'll never be happy there, and I have spent way too long in other jobs letting myself be miserable. I have enough savings to tide me over.

You don't need a call with your manager if you feel it will derail you. An email with a written notice is fine. Something along the lines of "Thank you for the opportunity but I have now realised that this role is not a good fit for me".
That's essentially what the probation period is for so that both parties can make decisions about suitability.

My advice is

either say something tomorrow so you are free before Xmas. I would send an email to your immediate boss and also HR.

Or stick it out. It's an odd time to start a new job, people's minds are often in other things in December. If there are changes due in 2025 then these might be a good fit. Look around in the new year for something better.

If it were me, I would stick it out for the time being and get a bit more savings behind me.

Give it three months!

Is there any 121? End of week check in?

Raise concerns

Be prepared for them to let you go immediately

@Catza @Createausername1970 Do you think I should mention the 2 week notice period, or just presume that because I have only just started they would waive it?

@SaltLampFeelsDamp I really can't hack it for 3 months. I've worked similar jobs in similar companies before so I know what to expect with starting a new job and what company culture can be like. I can't eat or sleep. I'm covered in stress hives, my stomach is a mess. I just know it's not right for me.

Have you signed a contract? If not would the statutory notice of 1 week be applicable? Though you could offer to go immediately.

Don't worry. Just send in your resignation and arrange for the IT stuff to be sent back. They can use it for someone else. Don't feel guilty.
You can just leave it off your CV. Ideally find something else first though.

Don't presume anything. You give notice according to the terms of your contract. If they subsequently decide to waive it, they will tell you that in writing.

You won't know if they will waive it until you get to that point. Either way, you will gone before Xmas.

Its horrible being in a job you don't like. Life is too short. If you can manage without a job until you find a new one, hand your two weeks notice in tomorrow and start job hunting. If they want to waive the two weeks notice they'll raise it with you.

I've had staff leave after a few weeks. It was no big deal. I did ask them to move on in days not weeks to save upheaval to existing staff. Nothing personal.

Life is too short, it's just a job. Move on OP and best of luck

I would send an email first thing tomorrow and and copy in HR and say:

'Thank you for this opportunity, however it is with regret that I have to tender my resignation. The working practices in this role have unfortunately triggered a stress reaction and I will be unable to work this week, so please also consider this my notifiation that I will be self certifying sickness for this first week and will consult my doctor this week for a covering fit note.

Please advise what my last working day will be, and the arrangements for return of all equipment'.