New Job But I Hate It!

Beancounter

I started an office based job a couple of weeks ago and to be honest, I hate it! The job itself is possibly going to be alright after a while. I say "possibly" because even after 2 weeks no-one seems to know what I am supposed to be doing and I am ending up doing basic clerical work which is not what I planned on doing. A job description has been promised nearly every day but never materialised.

The big problem for me however is the fact that I am finding it very hard to adjust to office life. In the past 21 years my jobs have taken me on the road for most or all of the day and I am finding sitting at a desk all day very stressful. Unfortunatly, I had a bit of a "wobbly" at work on Friday morning and was in tears, I felt really stupid and this is adding to my stress about going back on Monday now, I will be thinking everyone is laughing at me behind my back. The plus side of that is that I told the boss everything and she was very supportive but the fact remains I desperatley want out but of course can't afford to just walk out.

If I was eligible for JSA we could just about keep our heads above water for a few weeks but of course if I walk out and they told the truth (I wouldn't ask anyone to break the law after all!) I would be stuffed. I am sure I would be able to pick up something like a delivery job as a temp but really, I just don't know what to do. I feel that another week at that desk will drive me over the edge

I have spent the day searching the various websites and have applied for a few things I would really want to do and have another 2 to phone about tomorrow but I was hoping someone could offer some words of wisdom to me.....


And please don't ask why I took the job in the first place.......I am torturing myself over that question every waking hour

Horace

Hi Beancounter

All jobs are pretty awful at first, and people say that you should give a job at least 3 months before you decide to quit. It is poor that a job description hasn't materialised - how on earth did they advertise the job without one?

For what its worth my advice would be to stick in the job whilst you look for something else. Register with agencies, upload your CV onto Monster Jobs.

Try not to fret about going back on Monday, I am sure your colleagues will be very supportive and not be sniggering behind your back. They have probably been in the same situation.

Ask about the job description again on Monday because you cannot be expected to do a job when you have no idea what is expected of you.

Good luck

Beancounter

Hi Horace,thanks for the reply. I have uploaded my CV at Monster and got a phone call on Thursday from an agency, they have put me forward for a job which sounds ideal but of course I really don't want to pin my hopes on it. It is a similar type of role to my last job so here's hoping!

There is a management meeting tomorrow and the bosses PA is putting the job description situation on the agenda for me so that may get sorted out. I know you shouldn't jump to snap decisions about jobs but I am pretty sure I am not going to be able to settle in an office based role but probably have no option but to try and weather the storm.

Horace wrote: »

Hi Beancounter

All jobs are pretty awful at first, and people say that you should give a job at least 3 months before you decide to quit. It is poor that a job description hasn't materialised - how on earth did they advertise the job without one?

For what its worth my advice would be to stick in the job whilst you look for something else. Register with agencies, upload your CV onto Monster Jobs.

Try not to fret about going back on Monday, I am sure your colleagues will be very supportive and not be sniggering behind your back. They have probably been in the same situation.

Ask about the job description again on Monday because you cannot be expected to do a job when you have no idea what is expected of you.

Good luck

lilac_lady

I've been in the same position, beancounter. I once worked in an office for 6 weeks and 4 weeks of that was my notice. I realised that I hated the workplace and spent every free minute looking for another job. I got one and was much happier. I hope that you can do the same.

Scaredy_Cat_3

Just wanted to sympathise! I started a new job last Monday, found I was getting migraines all week - and that, combined with the general stress left me emotional and I did the same as you on Friday! I told them I was suffering migraines and burst into tears! Very cross with myself for breaking down but I was at the end of my tether and just couldn't cope.

I know exactly how you feel. I told myself I should at least wait a month but the migraines were so bad I can't face it. I feel awful quitting after only a week but that's what I'm going to have to do.

Like you, I need the money - so I'm intending to register with some temp agencies tomorrow and hope something turns up.

I'm sure everyone won't be laughing behind your back so don't worry on that score. It's possible office work just isn't for you. I know you should really give things a fair try before quitting but I think sometimes you can tell straight away that it's not right. I heard one of my colleagues, who started with me on Monday, talking on the phone and saying she 'loved' the job. That's how it should be with a new job - all excitement and fresh start. If you hate it already that's not a good sign! Sorry if that sounds negative - I'm talking about my own situation as much as yours. Personally I feel staying is going to make me more stressed and ill, and possibly that applies to you, too. You need to put your health first (emotional as well as physical).

Good luck.

andan

Just wanted to say that i sympathise with you guys. I also recently started a new job and knew after the first few weeks that it wasn't right for me. I decided to stick it out for two months to see if it improved and it didn't. I was becoming more and more unhappy there, so in the end handed in my notice. Luckily i only had to give a week's notice, but the moment i handed it in i felt a lot better. I am going to do temp work until i find something i want to commit to.

Best of luck with it all. I always think that in these situations, happiness is more important. Sometimes we make the wrong decisions in life, we just need to move on and learn from it.

Really hope you find something that you want to do soon and get yourself out of the situation your currently in.

Squashy_2

Those of you in a horrible work situation - you have my sympathies. Hope you can find something much better soon.

Beancounter

Well, went in this morning and was asked by the boss how I felt. Rather than lie I told the truth and after a management meeting it was decided it would be best for me to go. To be honest I am rather relieved but not it has sunk in I am obviously worried as to what the future holds. Either this will prove to be the best thing for me in the long run or it will be the biggest crisis of my life.

Wish me luck!!

Beancounter

Scaredy_Cat wrote: »

Personally I feel staying is going to make me more stressed and ill, and possibly that applies to you, too. You need to put your health first (emotional as well as physical).

Good luck.

Thanks, I felt the same too, frankly my mental health was suffering and I feel better already now I have left. I have an appointment with an agency tomorrow at 9am and they seem to have plenty temporary driving jobs so hopefully I can get something to pay the bills in the meantime. Hope it all works out for you too

whitewing

Good luck Beancounter. I think you have been brave. I admire you greatly for having the courage.

Too many people are stuck in jobs that they don't want to be in, and they can really make life miserable for others. I think it's great that you have been able to make a firm and honest decision. Onwards and upwards!

G-G_4

I am 25 and have spent all of my working life at a desk doing a job. I have finally decided that I hate office work and I cannot stand the idea of working in an office environment any longer!

I've decided to try and join the RAF. Something totally different, but I'm sure I will be more suited to it..

I hope you can find something that you enjoy.. x