Need to get out of new role fast

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I’ve been relatively happy at work the last few years but lots of change coming due to restructures. I was approached by managers a while ago about a new role and encouraged to apply. It’s same money but more pressure and was told I’d be great at it. I got the role (there was v limited interest from others!) but I never felt quite sure. I’m due to start v soon and have already picked up elements if it and i know this is not right for me.

I have some health issues and health issues in family and the anxiety levels I have currently are through the roof. My current role is in the process of being divided out to others and I need to act fast. it’s a secondment due to last till next year although have been told I can go back sooner if I don’t like it.

My feeling is to just call it now and try to go back before even properly started. This feels like less hassle for everyone albeit it’s still really embarrassing. Trouble is everyone is off on hols this week. I feel so anxious and miserable I am tempted to sign myself off sick but I have literally never done that in my whole career. I’m early 50s and NHS. I really feel I need help. I don’t want to go off sick but it feels like an option I’m sad to say. Please help!

If you’re NHS the whole of HR can’t be off - drop them a line and tell them you want to move back to your former role. You’ve already said they said that was an option.

Bumping for you. Not sure I can help without knowing more detail, but sorry you are facing this stress. If everyone's away on holiday this week you have a chance to make your mind up what to do and email your boss so it's there for action when they get back. If you know the new role is wrong for you, and if your existing role will still exist after the restructuring process then perhaps the best thing to do is say, asap, that you want to stay in your existing role.

I don’t know how much involvement HR have had as it’s an internal department move. It’s a good point though I could at least make contact with them.

Thank you. It’s all a lot of unknowns at the moment and I don’t know where I’m best to sit but I just can’t be anxious and unhappy. So annoyed with myself for putting myself under this pressure but I felt I had no choice but to apply at the time.

I’m in exactly the same position but I am a month in and having to work a months notice to leave which is tough. The role is a secondment and I’ll return to my old role. I would advise not starting as it makes it difficult all round. I do wish I had done the same . Can really sympathise with you.

I’m so sorry to hear this Luluco. You’ve confirmed what I thought though, get out now before it’s even more complicated

Put yourself first and call it now let them figure out the next steps.

OP I was in a similar / analogous position recently (also NHS) - if you advance search my username you'll see the thread (bait and switch in new job). I got great advice which was to bite the bullet and just say I'm keeping to the job I was appointed for.

I did this. I'm pleased to say it worked out well. I did feel very awkward / embarrassed at first, it went against all my people pleasing instincts, and I got a load of "oh but you'll do SUCH a good job", offering me more money - be prepared for this. I just kept repeating thanks but no. There was huffing and puffing but people got used to it quickly.

Email HR asap and copy in managers whether they're on leave or not. You can explain you've had a change in family / health circumstances (no need for details) and this means that you will have to withdraw from the secondment. Then just keep to this line like a broken record until they realise you won't be pushed around. You'll be glad you did.

Good luck OP.

Thank you so so much for sharing this. Great advice. I’m going to search your thread now.
Am feeling heaps of anxiety as it’s back to work tomorrow and I feel sick. So thank you everyone who has posted I do appreciate it.