To think about downgrading…

[Foggyfroggy]

Just started a very senior role in the Civil Service. Wasn’t sure about it anyway as I loved my old job but this one is closer to home and I can wfh occasionally which is a bonus as I have a young family.

Already I feel out of my depth, everyone has to tell me things that it feels like they think I should know. My manager seems to dislike me, she doesn’t really communicate with me direct but sends messages via their PA. I’m just feeling way out of my comfort zone and I want to crawl back to where I feel safe and felt valued and respected, now I feel like I’m making one mistake after another.

So AIBU to downgrade? It’s only been three weeks but I don’t like this feeling at all 😕

Stick out for a year. Im used to being the competent know it all that people ask for help, when I started a new job it was really odd to feel I didn’t know much and having to ask for help. A year in and it’s fine. If it makes your home life more doable don’t throw it away this early.

This happens more than people realise (I work in HR).

My suggestion would be to try and give it more time. It's completely normal to feel out of your depth initially. If you still feel the same way in say 6-9 months time, then yes - you should absolutely change the situation.

You may think the job is great once you are used to the role and the personalities.

Do you have anyone connected to your previous role, that you can discuss how you are feeling with?

I’d give it longer as sure most people feel like that after 3wks. Try and find out more about your area shadowing etc. It will take time to learn the ropes.

As long as you’re a quick learner and only need to be told things once, then you’ll be fine. In a few months you’ll probably know all you need to and will be flying. Give it a chance. You may be great at it soon enough.

What grade is this? SCS? You are supposed to be out of depth for at least a year.. 😅 anything below give it at least 6 months

I tell people to give it at least 6 months to settle in. First few months you can absolutely be in listening mode and getting to grips with things. It's fine to ask if unsure. In civil service there is the additional hurdle of learning the culture and language and people just assume you know what they mean. Every now again I have to ask and been in my area nearly 3 years! You got the job so you gave the hiring manager assurance you have the capability to do it. Hope you settle in soon and don't make rash decisions.

Surely they wouldnt have appointed you if they didnt think you were capable?

It's been three weeks! You are in the new place, with new people, new systems, new procedures, new caseload, new responsibilities... You are being far too unrealistic about how you should be feeling at this stage.
Just today I remembered what my first month at work was like. It took me about two hours to write up a report and I felt like my brain was going to explode. I now take 15 minutes to do the same report four years on. It's normal.

It’s a G6 role, I was previously the G7 in the same civil service department but a different team. Thanks everyone, some very useful advice there, makes me feel better