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how long do you think you need to be in a new job before you know it's right for you?

15 replies

dollybird · 22/02/2009 20:12

or you right for it. I started my new job on 1/12 and whilst I enjoy the actual work, I keep feeling like I am not good enough or certain aspects of the job are not suited to me. I still work for the same company as before, but I was in my old role for nine years. The new job is very different and a promotion, so more responsibility - I'm feeling gutted because I thought it was the ideal role for me but I just seem to be worrying all the time. How long does it usually take to really settle into a new role (especially when you're someone who tends to stay doing the same thing for a long time, rather than always looking for a change)?

OP posts:
Milliways · 22/02/2009 22:00

I think you need to allow at least 3 months before things improve.

The first month is a "Honeymoon Period", then the next 2 months the reality of change sinks in.

I left a job of 22.5 years! At my 3 month review in new job I was still "wobbly" with feelings like "What have I done, old job could be done in my sleep etc"

By 6 months I was happy. Had got into my own routine, staff got to know me, could start trying my ideas, and then it just gets easier.

Good luck

sunandmoon · 23/02/2009 06:55

Feeling a bit like you Dollybird... I have started my new job beginning of December after having worked for 10 years at my previous job. I did enjoy my new work for the first few weeks... but then now that my training period is finished, I suddenly find it all very stressful!!!! I will definitely do a 6 months period and see how it goes...
Good luck Dollybird...we really have to stick to our new jobs and we have to remember that after so long working in our previous jobs, any new jobs will be a long learning process!!

...I am saying all that and I am so not looking forward to be at my desk this morning ... I ll be ok!

notsoclever · 23/02/2009 11:25

Hi Dollybird,

Have you read about the change curve? There are several variations but one example is here:
www.nation.uk.com/imgs/pdfs/CopingWithChange.pdf

Basically, what you have gone through is a major change in your life, so it would not be unusual if you are experiencing some negative feelings (after the initial positive ones). Only you can determine how long it will take before you adapt fully to your new responsibilities and environment. Only be certain that you will, and that what you are experiencing is normal. Feeling like this does not mean that you have done the wrong thing - stay with it; recognise the feelings for what they are and look forward to the time when your new job becomes second nature to you (it will happen sooner than you think).

HTH

dollybird · 23/02/2009 21:08

thanks guys. I'll keep telling myself that! The thing is I don't want my old job back - that's why I changed and maybe it's that sense of being trapped - funny thing is, today I've been asked to help out my old team one day a week for a few weeks and whilst I will do it as both teams report to the same 'head of' I'm not thinking 'oh yay, I get to do my old job again', so that's got to be something positive.

did you guys change company's as well as roles?

OP posts:
tattycoram · 23/02/2009 21:12

It takes ages. I changed career last year and it took about a year before I felt truly settled. Mind you I was working a three day week which made it take far longer I think. It's hard, I know. I don't think two months is very long at all to adjust, even in the same company. In fact it might be harder to have a big change of role in a new company than it would be to have a completely fresh start.

dollybird · 23/02/2009 21:33

I agree actually. I couldn't get away with spending the first 2 weeks learning about the systems and where the toilets etc are! It was pretty much straight in! I work four days a week, but was back in my old team one day a week for december then there was christmas, and I was on hols in Jan, so I haven't really been there long at all.

OP posts:
BarcodeZebra · 23/02/2009 21:34

Took me 18 months to 2 years I'm afraid.

tattycoram · 23/02/2009 21:36

My post didn't really make sense - I started my new job at the end of 2007 and it took a year before I felt settled.

dollybird · 23/02/2009 21:53

Glad you've settled in now tc.

OP posts:
sunandmoon · 23/02/2009 22:13

I am in a completely different job... use to work in a small company (only 4 of us), an importing business and because of moving house, I left my job after 10 years.. and thought of restarting fresh and now work as a medical secretary in the local hospital!!! Still not sure why, what and how I got the job, and I just found it extremely difficult to cope with.... my office is very disorganised and do not know how to go about it!!! I am usually very positive but I don't think I can do this job, even not too sure if I can last another week....

dollybird · 23/02/2009 22:28

oh dear sunandmoon thank you for your support when you're feeling so bad yourself - I didn't realise it was that bad. Do you really need to work? Have you looked elsewhere?

OP posts:
tattycoram · 23/02/2009 22:32

Thanks dollybird! How long have you been there sunandmoon? Do you have a supportive line manager?

notsoclever · 24/02/2009 07:37

Sunandmoon, can you try and list the reasons why they offered you the job: perhaps it is because you are organised, calm, compassionate, mature, good at problem solving, good with people, intelligent.... lots of reasons. None of these will have changed, you are still that person, you probably just haven't found your feet yet, so haven't been able to apply your skills and experience.

Rather than finding 'everything' in your job stressful, can you try to identify the key things that you feel uncomfortable with, you might find it is not as many as you first thought. Then you can think about how to get help for each specific area, and set yourself a time-frame. For example, if new medical terminology was one of the problems then set yourself a challenge of learning 10 new terms each week for 6 weeks, then review to see whether it is still such a big worry.

Also think about the parts of your job (however small) that are OK really. And remind yourself how you are using your skills in those areas.

I have heard change being described as similar to a trapeze artist changing from swing to swing... They set up the momentum in the swings, and are practiced in making the leap, but there is a moment in the middle where they are in mid-air, not actually holding on to anything solid on either side. That may be where you are just now. Not surprising it feels scary, but the worst bit doesn't last that long - reach for the positive things on the other side. I am sure you will find them.

sunandmoon · 24/02/2009 07:42

I have a line manager but he does not have much clue... his only worries are the budget, and having his breakfast and lunch on time!!!!
I already tried to speak to him about finding the work quite difficult and needed help but it goes in one ear and come out the other one.
I have been there since the 01/12...
I just can't cope with the disorganisation, the stress, nothing done on time when we are dealing with very sick people .. it just gives me headaches!
I am feeling quite bad because I really wanted to give it a good go but obviously it is not happening!!! Well I am actually going to look for another job while still working here...
I only need to find part-time work really, it is nice to bring a little bit of my own money at home.
Sorry to go on and on... it is just nice dollybird that you started this thread (and I feel like I am stealing it!!!)...
I have Tuesdays off during the week so I will enjoy my day with DD today...
Thank you girls....

sunandmoon · 24/02/2009 07:52

Thank you notsoclever...
Working for a small company in the past, I was able to only count on myself to organise my work etc... but here in this job, when it is all so important dealing with patients and consultants, I don't have backup from the line manager, and my colleagues who are very supportive but unfortunately have the "i don't care attitude" which also drive me mad!!!!
I have managed to learn very quickly the medical terminology because of audio-typing including also in my work...

I really like the trapeze artist thinking when starting a new job... Sadly, I don't think I will change my office in quick enough time to change my decision of staying there (if it makes sense!)... But I will definitely remember your message for my future work!

Thank you

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