Stuffing up in new job, so worried I'm going to get fired!

[user1493423934]

Argh where do I start. After applying for heaps of jobs I finally managed to get a contract through til mid Jan.
Oh my god. I have been out of work for ages (SAHM) and of course it's all changed technology wise, TBH I have never been technology-minded, but have managed to keep up in the past with job technology etc.
Been at role 6 weeks and I obviously while I have progressed I still feel a bit blergh when it comes to IT systems - I'm a mess! I write everything down, take notes but I'm still feeling overwhelmed - and I'm sure others have noticed too. Kept having to ask a colleague today how to work something, felt so shit.
There are creative aspects of the job I am doing really well in/enjoying
but so stressed about the systems.

Managers - how do you manage someone like this?! any advice? I can't afford to lose job (worrying about February already) and don't want to be blacklisted (small industry so will never get employed again in a similar role).

What technology is it you’re struggling with? Is it something you can get YouTube tutorials on or something?

I think to be blunt it depends a bit on how much impact the mistakes are having and also how complicated/difficult these IT systems are to use which is hard to tell from your post. I am quite willing to be accommodating of new team members needing a few months to be fully effective usually, but if it's at the point where you are needing so much help from your team mates that you/they are not getting your work done at all (I would always expect new people to get slightly less work done and/or take more time over it, but of course there are limits to that), or there are mistakes that are causing me to have to apologise to clients then I guess that would cause me some concern about passing your probation/renewing your contract.

But as Flowery says, if the IT you are struggling with is simple MS Office or very common software like Oracle/Sage etc., then really most people should be able to get themselves up to speed (or at least mainly) using online guides, instruction manuals etc., whereas if it's something much more complicated and specialist then that might be harder to do outside work. Can you ask your manager for some feedback in your next one-to-one and gauge whether it really is an issue for them (they should have a feel for how much leeway they allow for 'average' new starters), and perhaps if there's a training course or similar you could go on, that would be the time to ask?

To be honest I'd expect you to teach yourself any systems you do not know, unless they are bespoke company systems of course. So if it's Excel or Word I'd expect you to Google how to do something or watch a YouTube tutorial to get yourself up to speed.

Find out if the company offer any IT training on their systems or find out if there is guidance or videos on the Intranet you can watch to help you.

Managers - how do you manage someone like this?!

I would manage them much better if they came to me and said they were struggling. In the right work environment then it's a much better (and easier) route forward to support someone to pick up aspects of the job than ignore it or fire and replace them.

That said, a contract to mid-Jan would probably be allowed to roll until it was up regardless, then not renewed. For that reason, it may be even lower risk to talk to your manage about support you need to get up to speed.

Appreciate not all work places are supportive, though.

p.s stress hormones actively block learning so you also need to do what you can to lower your stress levels as this will be making it even harder for you to learn new things (sorry!)

Like previous responses, I think it depends on if its company specific software, or things like MS Office.

If its company software, are there any training packages or coaches that can work with you 121? Is there a training mode that you can play around with and not worry about changing real data?

If its generic software like excel, word, outlook etc then I think you need to get yourself up to speed. Theres alot of online resources particularly for excel which tends to be where most people struggle.

Hi again,
Thanks for your responses. To answer a few qu's - it's the work system I'm having trouble with, though a few adobe things (like redaction - will look up a youtube tutorial this weekend to see) as well. I think the internal system is annoying a few people - My senior colleague today commented she's 'pissed off' with it . . . didn't know if she was annoyed with me or the system - hopefully the latter! I know she doesn't like the way I 'have my computer set up' as it's different to hers . . . but I find it OK? Having a meeting with her tomorrow to discuss a few things. Might ask if theres any good training manuals on the intranet.
Been here a month and feeling so out of place . . . was really hoping I'd wow my employers and be offered a full time job. Boo.
That said, a contract to mid-Jan would probably be allowed to roll until it was up regardless, then not renewed. Thats what I'm afraid of. Will be so humilating.

Be proactive. For standard systems, google it or online tutorials, in your own time. For any truly bespoke systems look for training manuals yourself - if not easy to find ask colleagues. And contact the IT support service for advice on the specific things you’re finding difficult.

As it’s a short term contract, best assume it’ll end in Jan and look for something else from Feb - if they then offer you an extension you’ll have choice.

I wouldn’t worry that much, just do your best. I was panicking my guts out at last job about learning the internal system. Took some 4 weeks , me two months and others longer. As others said be pro-active. For my old job there was instructions on how to do things that I could print off or you could ask to shadow someone or for a bit of extra training .You will get there in the end.