Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Original poster

How long do you give a new job?

17 replies

Libre2 · 25/10/2023 12:46

Long story short; left an industry where I was known and knew a lot about the business and had a lot of connections and started a job, after being head-hunted, in a new, unrelated industry. I know nothing and know no-one and I am bored to tears (literally on occasion).

My manager is lovely but despite me saying I have massive band-width is not feeding me any more work. I am a month away from the end of my three-month probationary period. Manager and I had a 6-week catch up the other day, he is very happy with how I am settling. I told him I didn't feel I was adding any value - he didn't agree.

So, how long do I give it? I am well paid for the area I live (£50k), wfh apart from 2 days a week and in general the people I work with are very nice but I am so bored and I hate feeling like I'm not doing anything for the money I am on. If I resign in the next month I am on a week's notice, if I leave it longer than that I am on 3 months' notice. I am 50 years old, I do not want to be working much past 57/58 if I can help it but I don't want to spend the last few years feeling like this.

I suspect (hope) that I could get a job back in my old industry, but there are no guarantees. I am also worried that if I go from this to something else I don't like then I would have to stick it out.

DH is lower paid than me (music teacher) but we could survive for 6 months on his salary.

OP posts:
marshmallowfinder · 25/10/2023 12:55

Bloody hell, a salary like that, a calm job, nice colleagues and nice manager...what's not to like? Are you crazy OP? I'm 52, on minimum wage, absolutely exhausted in my shit job and treated like I'm nothing by my managers. Your post actually makes me feel quite tearful. I'd give anything to be in that professional position. You're in a great position. 🥺

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 25/10/2023 12:56

Minimum I've given a job is three weeks, but that was a temp assignment. Are you confident you can find another job at the same salary doing something you'd prefer to be doing?

I'd ask the manager what you are actually doing that he thinks adds value when you don't agree and be blunt about your misgivings. If you leave they have to spend time and money recruiting so it's in their interests to have you happy.

Original poster
Libre2 · 25/10/2023 13:05

marshmallowfinder · 25/10/2023 12:55

Bloody hell, a salary like that, a calm job, nice colleagues and nice manager...what's not to like? Are you crazy OP? I'm 52, on minimum wage, absolutely exhausted in my shit job and treated like I'm nothing by my managers. Your post actually makes me feel quite tearful. I'd give anything to be in that professional position. You're in a great position. 🥺

I am sorry @marshmallowfinder - you're right, I know, I am extremely lucky and this is a very "first world problem". I am sorry if I made you feel sad, I didn't mean to have that effect (affect?) on anyone. I just want to be adding a bit more value and not feeling like I'm not doing anything worthwhile. 8 hours a day is a lot of time to spend trying to find stuff to do. There are loads of jobs on civil service jobs that are wfh and not minimum wage if you want to have a look on there. What's your experience in?

OP posts:
Original poster
Libre2 · 25/10/2023 13:06

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 25/10/2023 12:56

Minimum I've given a job is three weeks, but that was a temp assignment. Are you confident you can find another job at the same salary doing something you'd prefer to be doing?

I'd ask the manager what you are actually doing that he thinks adds value when you don't agree and be blunt about your misgivings. If you leave they have to spend time and money recruiting so it's in their interests to have you happy.

No, not fully confident. And you're right - I need to have another conversation with him. On the plus points, it has potential and they are nice people and a good company. I think I just need to suck it up for a bit.

OP posts:
MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 25/10/2023 13:10

TBH, when I was temping I flounced from a few after due process with the agency so as not to burn bridges. But perm wise, I'd be inclined to suck it up and keep lines of communication open with the manager.

Is there anything you can see that needs doing? writing up SOPs for my role was one thing I did when work was slack. I'd take a deep breath and think 'nice people, good company with potential. This is just new job blues until I find my feet.'

Original poster
Libre2 · 25/10/2023 13:15

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 25/10/2023 13:10

TBH, when I was temping I flounced from a few after due process with the agency so as not to burn bridges. But perm wise, I'd be inclined to suck it up and keep lines of communication open with the manager.

Is there anything you can see that needs doing? writing up SOPs for my role was one thing I did when work was slack. I'd take a deep breath and think 'nice people, good company with potential. This is just new job blues until I find my feet.'

Wise words, and thank you for saying them gently. I think you are right.

OP posts:
pumpkinfarm · 25/10/2023 13:15

If you have so much downtime, can you use it to job hunt? And just keep the money coming in until you find something else? Not sure what the advantage is of quitting with nothing to go to (would be a different story if you were super stressed and burnt out, but doesn't sound like that's the case here).

user1846385927482658 · 25/10/2023 13:21

8 weeks(?) isn't very long to acclimatise to a new role and be working at ordinary capacity. There's probably work that was in progress when you joined that other people are seeing through but will be yours in future, etc.

I know it will be sector dependent but most people joining us start off quiet for a while as they find their feet and build up a caseload and relationships.

From what you've said, I can't see any reason to resign without a job to go to. That sounds like panic talking. Unless there are major red flag problems then give it six months.

I also agree with pp that it would be useful to understand more about your manager's perspective on how you're adding value and how the role will develop as you become more established.

Guttedme · 25/10/2023 14:45

Could you try and find out if it's peaks and troughs situation?

I did same earlier with my Manager as I too am bored silly and in an organisation I really have little clue about; turns out this month we've taken 400 calls but it can be busier some months with over 800 coming through. Manager was like well if I hadn't taken one or both of you temps on, I'd be manic.

Lord, I'm going to be in for a shock next job I know I am.

Original poster
Libre2 · 25/10/2023 15:25

Thanks all - I think you're all right, it's crazy to jump. I think it is a case of getting known in the firm and then work will start coming in. It's not horrible, it's just boring. I will make the most of the down time.

OP posts:
Dinoswearunderpants · 25/10/2023 15:29

You're not lucky, you've clearly worked very hard and have great transferable skills. Own it!!

I can relate so much to this. I started a new role, fantastic salary but not that busy. However, it provides a great work/life balance for me so I am sticking it out.

If I were you, I'd stay where you are. Find things you can work on. Perhaps do new qualifications in the new industry to keep you a bit busier.

Best of luck.

Original poster
Libre2 · 25/10/2023 15:35

Dinoswearunderpants · 25/10/2023 15:29

You're not lucky, you've clearly worked very hard and have great transferable skills. Own it!!

I can relate so much to this. I started a new role, fantastic salary but not that busy. However, it provides a great work/life balance for me so I am sticking it out.

If I were you, I'd stay where you are. Find things you can work on. Perhaps do new qualifications in the new industry to keep you a bit busier.

Best of luck.

Thank you! And the same to you - and yes, work-life balance is worth a lot.

OP posts:
Retrievemysanity · 25/10/2023 15:45

What were your reasons for moving jobs in the first place? It sounds like you’ve made a big change and it will take time to settle in and in the meantime, it sounds ok.

I do know what you mean though as I went from quite a busy full on role to one which was better paid but pretty much nothing to do and I was twiddling my thumbs a lot but if you’re wfh then you can do more productive things with your time (I was in the office so couldn’t even do a wash load or something to pass the time!)

Ponderence · 25/10/2023 16:07

Do you think it’ll get busier/ more demanding in future? I mean it sounds like it rocks a lot of boxes.

but yes if you’re literally bored to tears and this is how it will continue then maybe it’s time to search for something else?

i. Answer to your q I got tired flags from my job interview- somehow still accepted it for the perks it offered. More red flags on day 1, week 1, week 2 etc I kept saying I’ll give it 3 months/ 6 months, 9 months 1 year. I’m now a year and a half in and while in some ways I’m more settled, overall I have never felt so miserable for what it is (ie. I have a regular caseload without extras etc but the training, support , communication, management etc just makes the whole thing miserable). I also accepted a golden hello with this job which I have to pay back if I leave within 2 years so now I’m toying with the idea of holding off for 2 years. For myself I know I need to just leave so moral of the story is if yours isn’t going to get better (ie the work ramping up or whatever get out x ) .

Nictalea · 25/10/2023 17:23

I'm with @marshmallowfinder ...sorry. I barely earn above minimum wage in the NHS, constantly under pressure and stress and with management who clearly don't want to be there. Sorry OP as you've rightly pointed out this is a first world problem. To be earning 50k, wfh option, lovely colleagues and to be bored and unstimulated sounds really blissful.

user50and · 26/10/2023 12:20

I'm 52 next month and started a new job 7 weeks ago. It's not working for me and I'd seen an internal role that I felt would be better suited to me. Approached my manager, was completely honest and up front, said I was unhappy and would she support my application, she was a bit pissed off but agreed. Life is too short to be unhappy....

ScratchedSkirtings · 26/10/2023 19:19

You mention it’s a new industry to you- can you get yourself to some conferences, training days, webinars etc? The networking will help with your sense of not knowing anyone, and it will hopefully energise you a bit too. On 50k I’d imagine there’s room for you to initiate things, can you spot anything from your old industry that would be useful to introduce where you are now? I know I always really value fresh eyes in our org- you haven’t been institutionalised yet so you can still see the bullshit!
failing that, start one of those “secret insider” social media accounts and build a covert following…

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread