How long to give it in a new job when you're not sure?

[LittleMissedTheSunshine]

I started a new job six weeks ago, and I keep having a gut feeling that it's not the right place for me. It's hard to put my finger on why, but I don't feel comfortable or happy.

The job is field based/remote working, which I have done previously and was fine with, but I feel very isolated and like I haven't got to know anyone... I'm working with one person, my boss and although we're friendly it's not like a peer where you can really bond. Other than that I don't have much contact with anyone. Head office is a long way away, so it's not even like there's an office I can go in to to get to know people.

She's been handing me bits of work, but I don't have my own client group (as is normal in my line of work) she's just getting the work from her clients and delegating to me. Which is fine, but it's not what i'm used to. I'd much rather have my own clients. Also she's just expecting me to get on with things and although I am experienced in my field I don't know their way of doing things...so I'm using a lot of guesswork and checking and just feel she's not made my induction easy, I'm having to work a lot of stuff out on my own.

It's hard to put it in words but I just have a gut feeling that I don't belong her, that it's not the right role for me. Also there is a lot more travel than I originally anticipated.

I'm not sure if it's just 'new girl blues' and I'll feel differently further down the line.

How long to give it to be sure, would you say?

Presumably you're still in your probationary period?

Your query is a common one, having doubts about a new job. Probation is a time to remind the person you work for that you need help, guidance and support. Don't let your boss off the hook and enable them to be a lazy manager who couldn't care less and then it gets to the end of your probation and they suddenly spring it on you that you haven't performed. Speak up and let them know where you are having to guess. They should have procedures in place to follow, and be showing you the ropes.

Re: your manager drip feeding you work, you could suggest you have x weeks to get fully up to speed on how account management works in the company with your boss's support and agree on you taking the lead on 1 or 2 customers.

It took me 6 months before i suddenly started to settle in with my current role.

Thanks for your replies. I guess the main issue is that I'm lonely, I had a lot of good friends in my old job but had to leave because of a toxic management culture and a lying, backstabbing boss.

I guess it will take time to make new friends, as the role is field based it's not like I'm going in to an office every day so probably even longer.

I wouldn't put all your eggs in one basket by trying to make friends at work. Trouble is, if work goes pear shaped then you potentially lose the friends you made. If you can spread your risks by developing some sort of social life depending on your family commitments, it means you aren't so reliant upon work for those relationships.

Tricky I know, as we spend many hours of our lives at work. But give it a try.

thanks... I do have friends outside of work but am used to more social contact in the 9-5 hours... I guess it'll take time but I'll give it longer.