I’ve just started a new job (first week) it was a bit of a rocky start (previous thread - but essentially almost having the job offer withdrawn as I wanted to apply for a more senior role with them that was advertised a few days after my offer was made - was told this was disloyal) but I’m in and trying to be positive. It is a mid level post with no staff management. It’s complicated as in addition to the rocky start I’ve had a real moment recently where I realise I’ve been self sabotaging my career for a long time and this role is yet another sideways move, but I want to be engaged and helpful and do good work. I guess all of this is to say that I think the ‘issues’ I’m picking up on are me
being negative/hyper-vigilant not them, if you see what I mean? It is also slightly odd as I am an additional member of staff so there isn’t a vacant post but people doing work that needs to be handed to me to lessen their workloads (which they keep telling me are untenable).
The issues are that my new manager - who is lovely, has made a decision that no actual work is being handed to me until the end of this month, I’ve been told to read things (but not comment on them - I made that mistake, not even to correct typos), and introduce myself to everyone in the company - I work totally from home so this means messaging people to ask for meetings - but without the context of knowing what work I’m leading on to frame any conversation. I’ve been invited to meetings on all of the work areas, but again no idea which I’ll be leading. I’m told I was employed for my industry experience but whenever I’ve mentioned things (e.g. politely pointing out something in a report was factually incorrect) I’m shut down. My draft work plan is Swiss cheese, no SMART targets but a review at 3 months - but against what? I feel like I’m in a very strange space where I am not being allowed to work and it feels like the job is going to be very well paid admin! It is day 5 and I know I need to shake this off and be more positive - but how?!