How long to settle into a job?

WorldMap24 · 2025-02-20T19:20:24+00:00

I started a new job a month ago, and I don't like it. The people are nice but the actual job is rubbish. It's a sector I've always worked in, but I don't like the way the company works. I left my last job as I wanted to earn more money, but I did love it - I want to put money away for both the kids to set them up as adults, but now I'm wondering if I should have stayed where I was and put myself first. This job is 50% more hours but 100% more pay, so a big jump. How long should I give it to settle in properly? Aibu to consider asking for my old job back? They could potentially increase my hours to match my current job, but would mean taking a £15k cut on what I earn now.

Globalwalker · 20/02/2025 19:27

You need to give it longer than a month I think. I started a new job 4 months ago and for the first couple of months I though what on earth have I done, but things have started getting much better and I don’t dread work anymore at all.

CuteEasterBunny · 20/02/2025 19:30

I don’t agree with taking a step back in life so I wouldn’t try and go back to a job you didn’t want at the time.

You should put yourself first in the future though.

BIWI · 20/02/2025 19:32

Best advice I was given: always give a new job 6 months.

Original poster

WorldMap24 · 20/02/2025 19:35

Thanks all. I just miss my old life 😢

OP posts:

ozyin · 20/02/2025 20:01

Hmm, I'm inclined to disagree with PP. I'm old, had loads of jobs. I've also joined new groups for various hobbies I've had over the years, and in every case I'd say that if I'm not enjoying it & don't get a good vibe right from day 1, then it tends to just get worse, and not better.

The worst job I've ever had, had a bad vibe right from the get go, I nearly left after 8 weeks, but it was close to home, so I was desperate for it to work out. I ended up staying for a year and half, suffering horrendous work-place bullying, and it very nearly broke me. On the other hand, my favourite job is the one I currently have, and even though the learning curve was the steepest I've ever known, and for the first 3 months I had no idea what I was doing, and I suffered with horrible imposter syndrome, I still enjoyed the job, got a really good vibe from the people and the company. The people were, and still are, really lovely, and I am so glad I've stayed even though I nearly resigned in that first 3 months.

Do you actually need that extra 15K? It doesn't sound like it's essential right now? In which case, I think I'd go back to the old job.

checkingocd · 20/02/2025 20:03

I think you know pretty quickly ime.

Original poster

WorldMap24 · 20/02/2025 20:16

ozyin · 20/02/2025 20:01

Hmm, I'm inclined to disagree with PP. I'm old, had loads of jobs. I've also joined new groups for various hobbies I've had over the years, and in every case I'd say that if I'm not enjoying it & don't get a good vibe right from day 1, then it tends to just get worse, and not better.

The worst job I've ever had, had a bad vibe right from the get go, I nearly left after 8 weeks, but it was close to home, so I was desperate for it to work out. I ended up staying for a year and half, suffering horrendous work-place bullying, and it very nearly broke me. On the other hand, my favourite job is the one I currently have, and even though the learning curve was the steepest I've ever known, and for the first 3 months I had no idea what I was doing, and I suffered with horrible imposter syndrome, I still enjoyed the job, got a really good vibe from the people and the company. The people were, and still are, really lovely, and I am so glad I've stayed even though I nearly resigned in that first 3 months.

Do you actually need that extra 15K? It doesn't sound like it's essential right now? In which case, I think I'd go back to the old job.

Thank you for your reply. I don't 'need' the £15k, we were managing to save when I was earning even less before i changed jobs. But it was savings for a nice holiday etc, and I decided to move so I could put away some serious funds for dc. Taking a £15k cut would still mean I could save, just less

OP posts:

JMSA · 20/02/2025 20:23

OP, I feel you! I started a new job in October. I work with teens, some of whom are very challenging. I'm trying my best to build a rapport with them (something I've never struggled with in the past), but they only ever want my colleague! She's amazing but I feel like her invisible sidekick!
I used to be popular with the kids at my last school 😭🤣
I fully intend to give it more time and keep giving it my all, but sometimes I wish I hadn't left my previous post. It's not easy.

PeloMom · 20/02/2025 20:25

Min 3 months but more realistically 6 months. I’ve been in situations like that and always remind myself there nothing is permanent, including a bad boss, a bad job etc. I moved jobs for the pay once and the environment was very unpleasant; within 1.5yrs management changed and I had the most supportive boss.

Original poster

WorldMap24 · 20/02/2025 20:54

Thank you all for the replies. Fwiw the people are really nice - I miss my old colleagues a lot but sure I can make new friends - it's more the actual work. I'm sure I'll get used to it but it just feels a bit backward and counter intuitive some of the tasks needed to complete. Everything takes so long and there isnt much opportunity to change the processes. At my old job I decided how things would be done - it was a well oiled machine and I was comfortable

OP posts:

sonjadog · 20/02/2025 20:58

I think it takes a year or so to settle in completely. If it is a definite mistake, then that is different and usually becomes clear early on, but from what you write it sounds more like it is just a change and not what you are used to more than that anything is actually wrong with this job.