Suffering badly from stress in new job

[stressednewstarter]

I started a new job six weeks ago, and I have been finding it really stressful. I'm mainly working from home on projects.

During work days I have a constant stomach ache and feel nervous/anxious. I have also been close to tears a lot, just feeling completely overwhelmed. I know my workload will only get worse as time progresses as right now I am still in the grace period of being a new starter.

I struggle because I constantly have people emailing me and messaging me on Teams wanting instant replies on the status of projects. It's completely understandable but it sends me into a panic. My work requires lots of sustained concentration and attention-to-detail and getting these messages makes me stressed and lose track of where I was.

On top of this, I find the meetings really nerve-wracking, especially when they are with external people and clients.

I feel like I'm just not coping well and I feel too embarrassed to bring it up with my manager so early on in the job.

Be in control of the messages. Either say to people that you will update them at certain times - say midday Weds - about their project, or tell people you will only be reading emails twice a day because you're concentrating the rest of the time. Make sure everyone knows this.

And ask your boss for training where you think you need it, to make you more confident, or for an appraisal - how do they think you're doing?

I feel exactly the same OP and I'm glad you posted this.

I am 2 weeks into my new job and its just back to back meetings with hardly any breather.

I too get nervous in meetings with external clients as I am still learning our 'offer' and worry about selling it properly to them.

It doesn't help that my predecessor sounds like she was so marvellous etc (she was in the role a while to be fair)

I too have been getting headaches, exhaustion, not sleeping well.

My manager has been kind and patient. I just worry I will still feel this way in a few months and he won't be as patient!

I have tried to ask for help straight away so that it doesn't get to the stage where he may think "why didn't she ask sooner?"

So I have blocked out some time in my diary for admin tasks / catching up / reviewing notes. This is every Monday morning. Sometimes people still want a meeting then and I agree if important or if I am able to get my admin time back late in the day or week.

I take a half hour lunch instead of an hour. Annoying but easier when working from home.

I open a window for some fresh air and go for a walk between work ending and having tea. Just to clear my head etc.

I also asked my manager if we could spread meetings out a bit more so that I get that breather and he is trying to ensure this happens although its hard with people outside the team.

I am learning I need to be firm and set boundaries.

I hope it will get easier for us both!