Anonymous
Post 08/01/2013 12:36     Subject: Is "What did I do???" just a normal stage of adapting to a new job?
You are just out of your comfort zone, that is all. Give it time.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2013 12:34     Subject: Re:Is "What did I do???" just a normal stage of adapting to a new job?
OP, I am so glad you posted this b/c I am on the verge of accepting an offer from a new company and this is what I'm terrified of. I've been at my current job for almost 6 years and am somewhat senior here, definitely the one who people come to when they need something specific to what I work on. I (think I ) am moving on to a similarly senior position, but with a much bigger team so I'll be a little fish in a big pond and I'm terrified. All the posts on this thread are making me feel less scared about the transition, knowing it's normal for it to suck for awhile.
Anonymous
Post 08/01/2013 09:19     Subject: Is "What did I do???" just a normal stage of adapting to a new job?
Thank you all for being so reassuring. It's good to know it's normal to feel this way just a few weeks into a new job.
Anonymous
Post 07/31/2013 23:38     Subject: Is "What did I do???" just a normal stage of adapting to a new job?
Yes
Anonymous
Post 07/31/2013 23:21     Subject: Is "What did I do???" just a normal stage of adapting to a new job?
It's a sign you've taken on a challenge. I agree with the PPs who said give it 6 months. I'm at that mark with a new job that is a huge change and challenge for me and I'm very happy to have made the change. I'm learning and gaining new skills and knowledge. But at 3 weeks? I was scared shitless that I would never learn the new area.
Anonymous
Post 07/31/2013 13:08     Subject: Is "What did I do???" just a normal stage of adapting to a new job?
Anonymous wrote:I recently made a lateral move to a different department within the same company and I'm really regretting it. I'm in a senior position and was great at my job. I was the person people turned to for guidance and had been there for a long time and helped build the department up. I asked for the transfer because I'm more interested in the industry my new department works with, but I'm feeling lost. There's another person here that has the same position I have and who has been here for several years. She is basically what I was at my old position - the person everyone turns to, who knows how things work, etc. I feel like I have been demoted in some ways, like I will never be that person again. It's only been three weeks, and my husband keeps reminding me of all the things I was frustrated about in my last position, but right now all I want is my old job back (not an option)! I keep thinking, "What did I do???" Buyer's remorse. Is this normal? I've been with this company for 10 years, straight out of grad school, so I don't have a lot of experience switching jobs.


This is exactly what happened to me, except I moved to a completely new organization after being at my old job for 10 years. I will say, I've been at my new job for about 6 months and it is getting better--people have figured out that I know things and come to me first instead of defaulting to others who have been here longer, there's been some turnover so for new staff and new clients I am perceived the same as anyone else who was here when they started, etc.

It is very jarring and I wasn't real happy about it, esp. those first few months. Definitely felt like a demotion--I used to be the person at the head of the table, running the meeting, and suddenly I was just another newbie learning the ropes. You kind of have to ride it out.
Anonymous
Post 07/31/2013 13:07     Subject: Is "What did I do???" just a normal stage of adapting to a new job?
I think it's totally normal. Even if you move up a level, your responsibilities are always going to seem less at first. It takes TIME to build all that back up. And you will!! Definitely give it a year. If the position isn't what you want today, give it a chance to make it into what you want it to be. Especially since this is more aligned with the industry you like. Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 07/31/2013 13:02     Subject: Is "What did I do???" just a normal stage of adapting to a new job?
My mom always told me you have to give a new job 6 months before you make any judgment at all about whether you are happy with it. In my experience that has proved right on. I think of the first 6 months as an audition both for me, as an employee, and the new job, as a fit for me. On both sides it is hard to undo what was done during the first six months.
Anonymous
Post 07/31/2013 12:59     Subject: Is "What did I do???" just a normal stage of adapting to a new job?
If I were you I would be looking at this as an opportunity to learn new skills and competencies in a different role and to learn about a new industry. The more you expand these skills sets, the more marketable you are for the future. Staying in one role too long isn't smart IMO. Make friends with the woman who is admired in your department and learn everything you can from her. Hang in there.
Anonymous
Post 07/31/2013 12:43     Subject: Is "What did I do???" just a normal stage of adapting to a new job?
I recently made a lateral move to a different department within the same company and I'm really regretting it. I'm in a senior position and was great at my job. I was the person people turned to for guidance and had been there for a long time and helped build the department up. I asked for the transfer because I'm more interested in the industry my new department works with, but I'm feeling lost. There's another person here that has the same position I have and who has been here for several years. She is basically what I was at my old position - the person everyone turns to, who knows how things work, etc. I feel like I have been demoted in some ways, like I will never be that person again. It's only been three weeks, and my husband keeps reminding me of all the things I was frustrated about in my last position, but right now all I want is my old job back (not an option)! I keep thinking, "What did I do???" Buyer's remorse. Is this normal? I've been with this company for 10 years, straight out of grad school, so I don't have a lot of experience switching jobs.