Struggling after changing jobs, should I reduce my hours for now?

[Explorers10]

I left my job after 15 years and now started a new job and I am struggling. I am becoming overwhelmed with learning new systems and processes and regretting leaving where I worked before. I am also becoming overwhelmed with keeping on top with the housework. I have no capacity and energy to sort through items, clothes and toys and to get rid of stuff. I am full time and am now thinking shall I ask to drop my hours to be able to cope with the transition and to also keep on top with everything or is this just a phase will this get easier as in a few months time in the new job?

How new is the job? The first 6 months of a new job has always left me feeling overwhelmed but it gets better after that.

Been in the new job 2 months

That is still quite early days. Do you think you could push through for a few months and see how you feel? Instead of cutting hours maybe spend some of that money on getting a bit of help at home in the mean time?

How likely is it that your new employer is going to accept you cutting your hours after only 2 months in the job? Have you passed any probation? I would be concerned that you’d be putting yourself at high risk of losing the job altogether.

I think you need to give it 6 months. It is just a bit of a shock to the system after 15 years. Don't panic.

No, I think that would be counterproductive as you will take longer to get up to speed. I get you want to rebalance and escape a bit but honestly I think it’s new job culture shock and newness. Hang in there; it will gel soon.

Terror and exhaustion for at least the first 3 months is totally normal I reckon. Can you do anything that might help e.g. reduce the quality of cooking at home/buy more pre-made stuff? Obviously there are lots of ways you can increase help at home - cleaner/robot hoover etc, but obviously they all cost money. However, so does reducing your hours! I generally feel completely exhausted (falling asleep at 8pm type exhausted) when I have recently started a new job, but it does pass.

Thank you for all advice. I just feel sooo drained! In my previous job I could work over my hours and be ok still to function properly. I am logging off on time with the new job to save any energy for the next day. It is definitely a shock to the system after 15 years. Your right probation is 6 months. My new manager is nice and seems to appreciate all I am doing but I know in myself I am struggling to have energy to keep up with it all and I am hiding my true overwhelming feelings

The cleaner I have thought about but it’s more things get in a mess and need to be tidied up before a cleaner can come. My friends think I need to seek professional help with my anxiety

In that case I would just keep good two way communication with your LM, your partner if you have one and do what you can to make your life easier while you focus on this. If that means some more ready meals and bailing out on non essential commitments from time to time then so be it.