How long would you give a job you're not enjoying?

[Lavender14]

I recently started a new job a few weeks ago and I'm really in two minds about it. It's slightly outside my comfort zone and I left a job I loved for it, but I don't feel like I've got as much support as I would have expected for starting (no induction, no handover of contacts, no line management responsibility and alone in my office most days so unable to shadow/ ask questions) especially as it's a step up and people (while lovely and friendly) seem to be gatekeeping the work as they don't know or trust me yet.

I do understand this to a point as the work can be sensitive so it's easier to have someone they know following up on things, but equally I need the opportunity to prove myself by being given some more responsibility. I don't feel like I can go to my manager about this as i do think they would expect me to resolve this myself and they are quite unpredictable, however I'm also worried that if i don't get busier with work soon then I'll look lazy which I'm far from. There's no clear hr team and I'm getting all sorts of asks thrown at me last minute outside of my agreed hours (day of) that as a lone parent I can't accommodate due to childcare. With even a weeks notice I could do anything they need and really there's no need for it to be so short notice its just people not communicating with me. However the pay is really good and I'll struggle to find something of similar pay in my area and as a lone parent i really need all I can get. So I do want to give it time to see if I can make it work. I'm really experienced in my sector and I know I have what it takes to do a good job, I just don't know how to break in or if maybe I'm just not the fit they want.

I guess what I'm wondering is how long should I give it before I can reasonably apply elsewhere if something else comes up that might be a better fit? I don't want to look flaky and have lots of short stints on my cv (I've a few due to the posts being temporary but also multiple longer services). Any advice?

Starting new jobs is usually difficult and it will get better. If it’s good money and you need the job, obviously stick it out longer. But always keep on eye open for new opportunities anyway.

I’m a few weeks further into a new role, fortunately with a supportive but very busy manager. The gatekeeping is annoying - people who supposedly complained about work or refused to do it now don’t want to hand it over. I’m more qualified/experienced than these colleagues, specifically recruited to take it over, so it’s odd. Biding my time is necessary for building trust, but also being more ‘entitled’ and booking time in people’s diaries to have intros or shadow tasks.

You are also entitled to your manager’s time and support. Come up with a plan, identifying the gaps in your knowledge, and ask for their input and approval to put the plan into action. if your manager isn’t creating an induction you’ll need to do it yourself. It will take six months plus to feel more comfortable so give it until then, unless you spot a dream role first.

Few months?

I was once in a job that was very good money, mostly nice people, well situated in a great part of London. However it was Boring - to me anyways,

I was in my early 20s and stuck at it for a year. And saved up enough to go travelling for a year. When I came back, changed careers etc.

I guess things are very different now, but I would have thought to stick at it for six months minimum, possibly a year.