Asking for help in new job

[Anxiousask]

To give background, I have recently started a new role in an industry that I have some previous experience in (about 2/3years).

Between leaving that role and starting this role (about a year and a half) I tried out a different career which was not for me. At interview for this I was very clear on what I did know and what I didn't as I didn't want to create any false expectations.

Since starting one colleague who organises my work has said "Anxiousask, I've sent you xyz, give me a shout and we'll run through it." Which is great and they take me through each thing - no issues asking them for help.

However another (more experienced) colleague has been just sending me work to do, which is pretty complex, of which I have no prior experience at all (as it was completed by a different team in my last job) They are also mostly radio silent with me too and I almost feel like they don't like me, so I feel like I'm irritating them by reaching out and asking for help (as I know they have their own work to get on with.)

I am the second new start within about a month and it seems the one who started before me has had a slightly better training experience i.e they are shown things before they land on their desk....or it could be they're struggling and not saying anything!

What would you do? Just keep asking questions? I wouldn't be able to do the work otherwise but I feel annoying and it's getting me down. As the team is remote I don't really feel like I have anyone I can talk to either.

Well, you clearly have to ask someone. Can you speak to your line manager about the level of support you need?

I'm also in a new role, and I'm just making myself ask about things I'm not sure about. The only stupid Q is the one you didn't ask today tomorrow. Or something like that 😄.

@LuckOfTheDrawer well this is it! My manager did say to said individual to include me/others when doing any training so it only had to be ran through properly once but they haven't done this yet with any of us.

That's a good way of looking at it - tomorrow will be a day of questions that they'll wish they had given me work on my level to focus on!! Good luck in your new role, I hope you're settling in well!

Have a chat with your line manager - ask to catch up on how you've been getting on etc if the conversation doesn't naturally happen and explain that you are eager to learn but you need some guidance on the task that X person gives you for example.

It's the LM's responsibility to ensure adequate training happens - it's not your fault, you're not a mind reader. Don't be afraid to ask for help - like PP said, it's worse to not ask and then make mistakes potentially through no fault of your own.

Good luck - nobody is expected to know everything from day 1!

@Anxiousask, thank you - I (cautiously) think I love it 🙂.

I definitely sympathise though - it's difficult to go from a role in one organisation where you have a lot of knowledge and experience, to another where you're the new person. I knew I'd find it difficult to ask for help etc., but it's also necessary to do. Even just acknowledging that has helped me somehow.

Good luck in your new role, I really hope you settle in - definitely have a chat with your line manager.

How's it going @Anxiousask?

At least it's the weekend now (if you have weekends off).

Friday was okay, got shown a couple of bits and was told to ask a colleague on Monday about sure other stuff.
I have asked today but waiting on them coming back to me... I'll finish off what I can do then chase up.

It's just a bit disheartening when you were so good at something before (which was clearly due to good training) to feeling like you need hand held through everything. The difficulty with this work is you don't know what you don't know or need to know so can't even attempt it.

Yes, it's difficult having to be pro-active to make sure you get the support you need. Especially when you have so much to learn at the same time.

Good luck 🙂.