Started a new job - not going well!

[FluffyKittensinabasket]

I’ve recently started a new job (civil service). Most people are WFH. I don’t have a laptop or login yet. I’m meant to be doing training on my home computer but I can’t access it without a log in! I’ve submitted a ticket to the IT help desk people to try and fix it.

My new boss is military and very very busy. He said “don’t worry about coming in yet and I’ll think of a plan of things for you to do.“

So I’m basically at home with nothing to do. He knows I don’t have access to any systems and apparently a laptop might take weeks to get as they have run out!

I’ve been crying with frustration as feel really unwelcome and don’t know what to do.

Have you discussed it with your new line manager? What solution are they offering, have they said you should work from the office or are they expecting to have more laptops available?

What is the latest guidance on pregnancy & asthma (is it severe?) in respect of shielding? As I don't think public transport would be considered unsafe as long as you wore a face covering and followed basic hygiene. But I'm unsure of the latest guidance in respect of both asthma & pregnancy. Your line managed should keep your pregnancy confidential if you prefer since I presume you are not yet far along

I can’t work from the office as there are no desktops. It’s now a laptop only world! Almost everybody is working remotely.

Our official HR advice is that you shouldn’t be in the office if you have to take public transport. They’ve also said that anybody classed as vulnerable shouldn’t be in.

I’ve completed all the training. I’m looking at the free OU courses.

Nobody seems to know about laptops, not even the team who provide them. They are on order and need to have stuff done to them. Could be weeks or months.

That sounds very disengaging!

Have you now got a laptop, OP?

I have a laptop to WFH but no work to do...

I feel completely disengaged with this job already and looking at other options.

That's terrible. Why do you not have work? I think your line manager has been very lacking.

I'm sure there was another thread like this a while ago. That OP was also working for MOD and had no work to do.

Sorry it's no help, it must be soul destroying.

I’ve now been offered another job in another Department - at a higher grade and more money. I was on a reserve list. So I’m moving there. It’s still mainly WFH but will hopefully be a busier job. And is slightly nearer to home. It’s a more “interesting” place to work I think.

I told work yesterday and my manager just sent back an email saying “fine” but I still have to do 4 weeks notice before I transfer over. My date of joining remains the same for my T&Cs which is good.

Yes I remember reading the posts from other people in the same Department with nothing to do.

Put your feet up and anjoy it while it lasts. Meanwhile carry on with any jobs around the house.

Great update!

Welcome to the civil service! It takes a while but once you make it in you'll be really glad you did l