New Job?!?! - Any Help & Advice Appreciated!!

[rosie1010]

I have recently re-located for my other half and started a new job as an Estate Agent. Having worked in the property industry before I though this would be the same but it isn't.

The job is so sales targeted which is fine but no-one appreciates customer service (which is where you get the business in the first place). They would rather have you stamp all over someone than get a thank you or a good review. I haven't had any training and was basically thrown at the job and the system as soon as I started; I should have ran then but I have stayed for six months thinking things would get better. I also wasn't informed that I would basically be working every weekend without a day off in the week, which is extremely hard being away from family and running a house!

The branch manager is constantly stressed and doesn't want to help you and my colleagues are the same. Its difficult being from a job with lots of friends, support and appreciation to somewhere you are constantly being criticized on anything you do. The operations manager has never worked in an estate agent before so doesn't have a clue about half the things that happen. The branch manager and operations manger do not like each other whatsoever.

The job does have some good sides - its better pay and I can get home on my lunch for the dog due to an easy commute!

I don't live in La La land and understand that most people do not love their job however I didn't think I can carry on in this job the way things are and I am doubtful these will change anytime soon. I did previously also work in a hotel whilst studying at University (Travel and Tourism Management) which I loved as well but they were unable to give out any full time contracts.

I now do not live with parents have bills to pay for. I am worried about starting all over again - making new friends, learning a new job etc etc. Has anyone done this before? Has anyone got any advice or success stories or honest opinions ?!?!

You wont know how appreciated it will be

It’s a sales job, and a pretty hardcore one at that
If you don’t want a sales job then it’s not for you OP

Hi Rosie1010
Really sorry to hear you're having a tough time. I sympathise and empathise as I've been in bad jobs a few times. I also relocated for my partner 3 years ago and it wasn't a good choice (for many reasons - hopefully your other half is a lot nicer than mine turned out to be!).
But I also know what it's like to have no loved ones living nearby and a job you really dislike. It's a double whammy.
My advice would be to start job hunting. Don't walk away yet, no matter how tempting it may be (unless you have a lot of savings to live off). But being a bad job will likely and eventually impact your mental health (again, I speak from experience ), so you don't need to put up with it in the long term. However, you have a good income for now, so use this time wisely and look for a job that suits your personality. No job is perfect, but you could do a lot better I'm sure. Also, look online for questions you should ask to help you suss out the working culture so you don't end up with a great job but awful environment/ colleagues. I read an article recently which said that asking things like, "What's your company culture like?" only opens up the interviewers to paint a pretty picture rather than be honest. So, ask questions like, "What would you do if a colleague loses a major account/ sale/ contract?". Do some research into clever interview questions, so you have your own filtering process going on.
Also, use your instincts. If you get a gut feeling that a boss or environment isn't right, pay attention. No amount of salary can compensate for your happiness and mental health, so be choosy about who you work for and where you work. It may take time, but it'll probably be worth it in the long run - mainly for you but also for your relationship (again, I speak from experience!).
Value yourself and your skills - you should be treated more respectfully regardless of whether it's a sales job or something else. There's no excuse for poor behaviour from a group of adults, especially between managers.
If you can afford it, seeing a career coach might help? They're good at helping you figure out what you want from your career and looking at how you could transfer your skills to other types of employment.
Good luck! Hope that helps at least a little bit!

I would look around elsewhere. When you move just say you are leaving as it is not the right place for you -a mistake and now you need to forget it and move on. If you leave after say a year then it shows you made an effort, you are not avoiding hard work but it was just not right for you

For your next job, do make sure you and they are clear about work patterns, shifts, days on/off.

I can't imagine being in a job where I didn't know in advance when I'd be working. They should have given you something in writing, and been clear and fair with you at your interview.