New job, possibly a mistake

[gerardsbutler]

I started a new job right at the start of November so not that long ago.

My new role is made up of two sectors. One I have lots of experience in. The other only since the Summer. Both roles are loosely connected but they were aware of my lack of experience in sector 2 at interview stage.

In the 7 full weeks plus the shorter week last week for Christmas, 80% of the time at least has been me, in the office on my own. This is due to the other guy I work beside having COVID, annual leave and basically just deciding to work from home. This has left me in a new environment completely on my own, trying to learn new procedures and deal with calls and visits from the public. There are only 2 of us in the office. The other offices have more staff, including my manager and those with lots of experience in sector 2 role.

I have had lots of questions in sector 2 which is the busiest role at the moment. I have tried calling staff at the other office but my calls have gone unanswered. Before my eyes, I’ve seen my call unanswered and then a split second later that same person taking another call (I can see this from my display on my handset). I’ve been told to try mobiles when office numbers go unanswered. Those are also unanswered. I’ve then received an instant email saying they’ll get the info I need over in an email shortly (when they’ve listened to my voicemail asking for it). Then nothing. I’ve not been able to speak to anyone directly about role 2 at all.

At times, it’s been quicker for them to do my job remotely than spend the time showing me how they want it done. The way they say that though is soul destroying and everything for them is last minute whereas I like to be organised, in advance.

I am beginning to think I’ve made a mistake. Part I’d me thinks everyone has been working toward a break at Christmas but what if it doesn’t get better? I could leave. It’s not what I want a job to be. I don’t want to be sat in an office by myself. I want to be part of a team and to learn. How long do you give things and how do you explain all of the above if I do interview for another job.

The role was described as fully supportive and exciting whereas I feel hung out to dry with no support or guidance.

I was in my previous job 8 years. The job prior to that was 10 years. I don’t job hop.

Two things OP

1. Give it a chance in the New Year. Try pointing our to colleagues delicately, that you want to be doing the role 2 stuff, but you never will if they keep doing it for you.

1. If nothing changes, see this as your rebound job. And keep it moving. Don’t talk about job hopping, in the current climate you are lucky you haven’t had to.

We have someone about to start on a similar set up. She will be alone, she doesn't have direct experience, we've raised with managers about who is going to train her etc and nothing has happened. We will provide remote support but it's hoping to be a bloody nightmare for her. We desperately need someone in this role so we will be accommodating, and we are hoping that she doesn't just leave. It is a good role but will take ages to learn, especially with nobody to quickly bounce off. Give it more time. All work places are messed up at the minute. You can definitely raise training needs though.