Struggling to settle into a new role...
Discussion
Not really sure why I am posting this but here goes...
I recently started a new job at an enterprise size company. This is after years of working for companies that could barely be described as SME. The new place is huge. It's a reputable place and many, many people seem to have long and happy careers there. It was supposed to be a hugely positive change in direction for me. I went in with high hopes (it was supposed to be the escape from my rut).
However, having been there a few weeks now I feel like I am really struggling to settle in. I don't think I have had one positive thing to say about the place/role since starting (from my own point of view).
The role is something of a new direction for me and as such I don't yet have all the prerequisite experience/knowledge (and this was made clear throughout the recruitment process). But there's been very little in the way of leadership/guidance, I was expecting more of an induction/a bit of hand-holding while I get to know the ropes etc. This hasn't happened and I've been left floundering a bit. This has made me feel pretty uncomfortable due to a lack of clarity about what I should be doing/how I should be doing it. More importantly, it raises questions in my own mind about whether what I am doing is the right thing/meeting expectations.
I've never worked in a large company before and am definitely going through some adjustment around that (working environment etc). In addition to this, it's quite a "cold" place on a personal level. Some people are friendly but it's not uncommon for colleagues with whom you may be working quite closely to just ignore you. On my first day most of the people around me just calmly got up and left in the evening without saying a word to me or anyone else
As I say, it's been a few weeks now and I'm in a bad way mentally about the role/company. I'm not really sure what to do. I don't want this to sound like a b
h and a moan but what was supposed to be a great move for me feels like anything but. I've had the Sunday evening blues since 06.00 on Saturday!
Does anyone have any similar experiences?
I recently started a new job at an enterprise size company. This is after years of working for companies that could barely be described as SME. The new place is huge. It's a reputable place and many, many people seem to have long and happy careers there. It was supposed to be a hugely positive change in direction for me. I went in with high hopes (it was supposed to be the escape from my rut).
However, having been there a few weeks now I feel like I am really struggling to settle in. I don't think I have had one positive thing to say about the place/role since starting (from my own point of view).
The role is something of a new direction for me and as such I don't yet have all the prerequisite experience/knowledge (and this was made clear throughout the recruitment process). But there's been very little in the way of leadership/guidance, I was expecting more of an induction/a bit of hand-holding while I get to know the ropes etc. This hasn't happened and I've been left floundering a bit. This has made me feel pretty uncomfortable due to a lack of clarity about what I should be doing/how I should be doing it. More importantly, it raises questions in my own mind about whether what I am doing is the right thing/meeting expectations.
I've never worked in a large company before and am definitely going through some adjustment around that (working environment etc). In addition to this, it's quite a "cold" place on a personal level. Some people are friendly but it's not uncommon for colleagues with whom you may be working quite closely to just ignore you. On my first day most of the people around me just calmly got up and left in the evening without saying a word to me or anyone else
As I say, it's been a few weeks now and I'm in a bad way mentally about the role/company. I'm not really sure what to do. I don't want this to sound like a b
h and a moan but what was supposed to be a great move for me feels like anything but. I've had the Sunday evening blues since 06.00 on Saturday!Does anyone have any similar experiences?
Edited by stuckinarut on Sunday 22 September 09:53
Most companies have their own culture. That is something that grows and you'll either grow into it or develop an allergy to it. You can influence the culture, when someone is leaving at the end of the day, loudly wish them a good evening. If they report to you, also thank them for something that they have done that day.
As far as being comfortable, sit down with your boss and ask him to set out what you need to achieve to do a good job and get on with it.
As far as being comfortable, sit down with your boss and ask him to set out what you need to achieve to do a good job and get on with it.
supertouring said:
I usually suggest 6 months to settle into new job or new company. It can just take time.
However, office culture can differ drastically from one company to another and is not something that can be guaged at an interview.
6 months! Argh However, office culture can differ drastically from one company to another and is not something that can be guaged at an interview.
To be honest, I was thinking the same thing but in my current frame of mind 6 months is going to creep by. I just hope things get better!
Agree about gauging things at interview. At interview it felt like it would be a really good move and it felt like there was a buzz. Now it's the total opposite.
spikeyhead said:
...sit down with your boss and ask him to set out what you need to achieve to do a good job and get on with it.
This is one of my issues. The chap who hired me and therefore, I assume, is my line manager has hardly been there. I've not had a welcome to the company or anything by him (other than an email). Even when he is there he's taken virtually no interest in me or in trying to guide/lead me.I reckon in 5-weeks he's spent the grand total of an hour, maybe two, talking to me about actual work related stuff. He's happy to shoot the breeze about various other stuff though
I say I assume he's my line-manager because there's very little clarity on this matter. Not just for me either, this is a general problem it seems...
Excuse me for a moment while I vocalise (?) this...what the f
k have I done taking this role! It was all supposed to be pastures new but it's starting to feel like a huge mistake! 
I have worked in mostly large / global companies most of my life and you will get past it. The way forward is to take the lead get involved with some projects get in a few meetings and build a network.
When we lose people to another business we often get in touch with them at around the 6 weeks stage and invite them back as that is when they are at their most vunerable.
play the game, sit on the right tables for lunch etc (its like being back at school and you are the new boy)
When we lose people to another business we often get in touch with them at around the 6 weeks stage and invite them back as that is when they are at their most vunerable.
play the game, sit on the right tables for lunch etc (its like being back at school and you are the new boy)
I think you're probably at the consciously incompetent stage. Give it 6 months. Then you'll move into the unconsciously incompotent stage (where you think you're doing a good job, but probably are not)
After that it's consciously competent for the 12-18 month stage, where you know and are, doing a good job.
By 18 months you move into unconsciously competent when you'll be doing a good job without really trying.
That's great for 12 months. Then boredom sets in!
Does for me anyway.
Stick with it.
After that it's consciously competent for the 12-18 month stage, where you know and are, doing a good job.
By 18 months you move into unconsciously competent when you'll be doing a good job without really trying.
That's great for 12 months. Then boredom sets in!
Does for me anyway.
Stick with it.
I´ve worked in large companies (50000 employees+) for the last 16 years and we regularly see people coming frmo smaller companies struggling for a while. What we try to do is:
- Ask the person to speak with someone who can help (Their line manager) about how difficult the transition is
- Get the person a coach (if they want one) to talk through how to make this better
- Ask the person to evaluate what are they doing to change this e.g. are they closed to others, do they understand the culture?, what can they do to "fit in"?
- Do they want to work on something to benefit the department e.g. sharing monthly business results, sharing a skill e.g. coaching/mentoring at a "lunch and learn" to bring them into the company more
Some enjoy large companies and some don´t. It can be frustrating as the pace is slower at times, but I also find a lot can be in the mindset of the employee. Once in the position you are, not all find their way out, so think about what a positive outcome looks like for you and how to make progress. Reward yourself when things do go well and get feedback from others.
Hope that things go well
- Ask the person to speak with someone who can help (Their line manager) about how difficult the transition is
- Get the person a coach (if they want one) to talk through how to make this better
- Ask the person to evaluate what are they doing to change this e.g. are they closed to others, do they understand the culture?, what can they do to "fit in"?
- Do they want to work on something to benefit the department e.g. sharing monthly business results, sharing a skill e.g. coaching/mentoring at a "lunch and learn" to bring them into the company more
Some enjoy large companies and some don´t. It can be frustrating as the pace is slower at times, but I also find a lot can be in the mindset of the employee. Once in the position you are, not all find their way out, so think about what a positive outcome looks like for you and how to make progress. Reward yourself when things do go well and get feedback from others.
Hope that things go well
Be thankful you're not in a small, bhy office where departments are so against each other it's a complete joke for morale.
As others have said, you'll need to give it time. If it's a big firm there must be someone you can speak to about your role, getting assistance or guidance? Or have a word with HR. Nothing wrong with piping up if you need help with something.
If you were stuck in a rut before, I still think you've done the right thing, even if after 6 months you still don't like it, get another job.
hy office where departments are so against each other it's a complete joke for morale.As others have said, you'll need to give it time. If it's a big firm there must be someone you can speak to about your role, getting assistance or guidance? Or have a word with HR. Nothing wrong with piping up if you need help with something.
If you were stuck in a rut before, I still think you've done the right thing, even if after 6 months you still don't like it, get another job.
I went from running my own four person company to working, in a senior role, for a 50,000+ company and despite spending five years there never really "got" the big company. The difference between something where you have a direct understanding of what the product means for customers and where they are a remote concept is not good.
There is also so much saying one thing when you mean the opposite, so much political shenanigans with the benefit of individual going counter to the benefit of the customer or company.
I described working for yourself as a sharp pain and working for someone else as a dull ache. And I think it's the kind of person you are which you are best able to tolerate.
Simon
There is also so much saying one thing when you mean the opposite, so much political shenanigans with the benefit of individual going counter to the benefit of the customer or company.
I described working for yourself as a sharp pain and working for someone else as a dull ache. And I think it's the kind of person you are which you are best able to tolerate.
Simon
simonrockman said:
There is also so much saying one thing when you mean the opposite, so much political shenanigans with the benefit of individual going counter to the benefit of the customer or company.
How so very true. It's an eye opener to see how some people act in a "professional" manner. They'd never make some decisions with their own money, but they do with large organisations cash.Quite a few also take solace from never making a decision, always a reason to put obstacles in the way.
I guess you just have to suck it up, it's part and parcel of the politics.
my advice (for whats is worth) 6 months is the minimum it will take to adjust YOUR approach to a new environment and is absolutely NORMAL.
You are the only one that can help you gain every possible positive experience from your time at you new employer - you need to adjust your view - expecting others to do this that and the other for you (and being disappointed when they haven't) will only add to your woes and your chances of making a positive impact!
People in new jobs go through 3 stages . . .
1 - ooooooo exciting, amazing, scary, clean sheet, new mates, new (very daunting) challenges
2 - oooooooooooooooooooo st, wth have I done, wish I stayed where I was, this is rubbish, ooooooh my god!!!!
3 - ok - just another day in the office and things are moving forward nicely
get through 1 & 2 and you will be fine - grit your teeth, chill out, you will only get out what you put in, don't give up and . . . RULE #5!!!
khushy
You are the only one that can help you gain every possible positive experience from your time at you new employer - you need to adjust your view - expecting others to do this that and the other for you (and being disappointed when they haven't) will only add to your woes and your chances of making a positive impact!
People in new jobs go through 3 stages . . .
1 - ooooooo exciting, amazing, scary, clean sheet, new mates, new (very daunting) challenges
2 - oooooooooooooooooooo s
t, wth have I done, wish I stayed where I was, this is rubbish, ooooooh my god!!!!3 - ok - just another day in the office and things are moving forward nicely
get through 1 & 2 and you will be fine - grit your teeth, chill out, you will only get out what you put in, don't give up and . . . RULE #5!!!
khushy
Thanks for all the feedback guys, it's much appreciated...
We're in the middle of a project at the moment. Once that's over I am going to have a word with someone and see where that gets me.
What's comforting is that I'm not the only one that feels this way. From what I can gather a few other people have gone through some similar transitional stuff.
We're in the middle of a project at the moment. Once that's over I am going to have a word with someone and see where that gets me.
What's comforting is that I'm not the only one that feels this way. From what I can gather a few other people have gone through some similar transitional stuff.
Sogra said:
I have worked in mostly large / global companies most of my life and you will get past it. The way forward is to take the lead get involved with some projects get in a few meetings and build a network.
That's the plan. I've got something lined up. mu0n said:
Be thankful you're not in a small, bhy office where departments are so against each other it's a complete joke for morale.
Been there.hy office where departments are so against each other it's a complete joke for morale.mu0n said:
If you were stuck in a rut before, I still think you've done the right thing, even if after 6 months you still don't like it, get another job.
Agreed. I can always go back to freelance/contract work.simonrockman said:
I described working for yourself as a sharp pain and working for someone else as a dull ache. And I think it's the kind of person you are which you are best able to tolerate.
Simon
Agreed. Freelance is like that. Quick stabbing pain and you get paid and get out. Simon
Maybe it's not so unusual, as I have had similar experiences. I've had dozens of jobs some being for the biggest banks in the world, and I've usually hated the job for the first few months. However, I go into new jobs expecting it. You have no idea of the rules, procedures, who's nice and who's not, who knows their job nd who freeload off others, etc, etc. There's so much to take in and you're currently on that road. Only when you've completed that route, can you start to stamp your mark on the place and crate a name for yourself.
Stick with it, and make small steps in the right direction. Perhaps set yourself weekly goals. Whether that's reading a chapter in the procedure manual, or striking a new friendship. Small steps. If I found getting to know people a problem, I used to get into the office earlier than anyone else, then as and when people arrive, introduce yourself and get chatting about them and their role.
Good luck, but at least give it a good chance.
Stick with it, and make small steps in the right direction. Perhaps set yourself weekly goals. Whether that's reading a chapter in the procedure manual, or striking a new friendship. Small steps. If I found getting to know people a problem, I used to get into the office earlier than anyone else, then as and when people arrive, introduce yourself and get chatting about them and their role.
Good luck, but at least give it a good chance.
I moved from a large office, very noisy and social 4 months ago. Now in an office with a terrible atmosphere and 4 people 1 of whom is out the majority of the time. I'm really struggling.
A quick question, nothing has been mentioned of passing my probation at 3 months. I haven't mentioned anything as I'm looking to move on and being still on probation would cut down my notice period. Would I get away with this as they have clearly overlooked making it formal (or they have decided they would extend it without telling me).
A quick question, nothing has been mentioned of passing my probation at 3 months. I haven't mentioned anything as I'm looking to move on and being still on probation would cut down my notice period. Would I get away with this as they have clearly overlooked making it formal (or they have decided they would extend it without telling me).
Spiffing said:
I moved from a large office, very noisy and social 4 months ago. Now in an office with a terrible atmosphere and 4 people 1 of whom is out the majority of the time. I'm really struggling.
A quick question, nothing has been mentioned of passing my probation at 3 months. I haven't mentioned anything as I'm looking to move on and being still on probation would cut down my notice period. Would I get away with this as they have clearly overlooked making it formal (or they have decided they would extend it without telling me).
That's one of the best things with very small organisations. You'll often find things like 'probationary periods are dealt with much more informally. Just have a word with your chief in charge, See what gives.A quick question, nothing has been mentioned of passing my probation at 3 months. I haven't mentioned anything as I'm looking to move on and being still on probation would cut down my notice period. Would I get away with this as they have clearly overlooked making it formal (or they have decided they would extend it without telling me).
Spiffing said:
I moved from a large office, very noisy and social 4 months ago. Now in an office with a terrible atmosphere and 4 people 1 of whom is out the majority of the time. I'm really struggling.
A quick question, nothing has been mentioned of passing my probation at 3 months. I haven't mentioned anything as I'm looking to move on and being still on probation would cut down my notice period. Would I get away with this as they have clearly overlooked making it formal (or they have decided they would extend it without telling me).
If nothing was mentioneed then you have passed your probation.A quick question, nothing has been mentioned of passing my probation at 3 months. I haven't mentioned anything as I'm looking to move on and being still on probation would cut down my notice period. Would I get away with this as they have clearly overlooked making it formal (or they have decided they would extend it without telling me).
I'm in a similar position to OP. Quite like the job but my boss is a complete
My situation is getting a little weird.
Nothing has really changed about the place, the people or the work but I feel much better
I should qualify that a bit, I just no longer feel the utter despair that I was feeling when I posted this thread and going to work now feels bearable...It really doesn't make any sense as absolutely nothing has changed.
I'm just going to see how it goes one day at a time as I'm still not really 100% sold on it...
Nothing has really changed about the place, the people or the work but I feel much better
I should qualify that a bit, I just no longer feel the utter despair that I was feeling when I posted this thread and going to work now feels bearable...It really doesn't make any sense as absolutely nothing has changed.
I'm just going to see how it goes one day at a time as I'm still not really 100% sold on it...
stuckinarut said:
My situation is getting a little weird.
Nothing has really changed about the place, the people or the work but I feel much better
I should qualify that a bit, I just no longer feel the utter despair that I was feeling when I posted this thread and going to work now feels bearable...It really doesn't make any sense as absolutely nothing has changed.
I'm just going to see how it goes one day at a time as I'm still not really 100% sold on it...
i left a <20 people company 6 years ago to join a company with +60,000 people, i am rejoining the old company in a few weeks, can't wait. Nothing has really changed about the place, the people or the work but I feel much better
I should qualify that a bit, I just no longer feel the utter despair that I was feeling when I posted this thread and going to work now feels bearable...It really doesn't make any sense as absolutely nothing has changed.
I'm just going to see how it goes one day at a time as I'm still not really 100% sold on it...
So...
It's the start of week-8 tomorrow. I'm feeling pretty "meh" about it all things considered. I find it a bit odd that I'm still counting the weeks though!
As it happens, I've had a chat with some of the senior management. They're of the opinion that my issues/experiences are not representative of the wider company but rather my specific group and there have clearly been some politics in this regard in the past (at least that is the impression I got).
They were pretty open with me and I definitely got the impression that they would like me to stay and actually seemed pretty grateful that I hadn't just quit.
This is interesting to me because they could have been of the "if you don't like it, you know where the door is" attitude and they have been anything but.
Ultimately, I'm still pretty unsure about the place. I'm just going to see how it goes day-by-day in the hope that things will start to fall into place. In my head I'm giving it until Christmas (notionally) to see how things pan out and then take stock again...
However, if I get really fked off between now and then...anything could happen!
It's the start of week-8 tomorrow. I'm feeling pretty "meh" about it all things considered. I find it a bit odd that I'm still counting the weeks though!
As it happens, I've had a chat with some of the senior management. They're of the opinion that my issues/experiences are not representative of the wider company but rather my specific group and there have clearly been some politics in this regard in the past (at least that is the impression I got).
They were pretty open with me and I definitely got the impression that they would like me to stay and actually seemed pretty grateful that I hadn't just quit.
This is interesting to me because they could have been of the "if you don't like it, you know where the door is" attitude and they have been anything but.
Ultimately, I'm still pretty unsure about the place. I'm just going to see how it goes day-by-day in the hope that things will start to fall into place. In my head I'm giving it until Christmas (notionally) to see how things pan out and then take stock again...
However, if I get really f
ked off between now and then...anything could happen!Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff