STORM2K

as some of you may know, ive moved recently from toronto to Niagara falls.

the last few months have been pretty hectic, with finding a new place to live , to leaving my old job, to actually moving on moving day, to settling down, and then to finding a new job. I can say realistically, things went as smoothly as i could have ever imagined they could go, i had no major problems and things worked picture-perfect.

I even went for a couple interviews once i got here, and after only my second interview, i was hired an hour later. I was so happy, so so happy. Just 3 weeks after actually moving, i was starting a new job like 5 minutes from where i am living, and knowing some people have to wait months and months to start a new job or even getting any kind of job offer, i consider myself quite lucky.

Well, just a week into the new job, and im not too enthusiastic. Starting a new job can be and is absolutely terrifying. I wonder if I will succeed and impress the people im working with, if people will like me, and if i'm being properly trained.I wonder if I will be let go just as easy as i was hired, if I will make friends, if I will have an impact and if I will even make a difference. The strangest thing about all this worry is that i've kept it inside. I havent told anyone that i actually doubt myself.

I feel some people im working with arent taking an effort to get to know me, havent introduced themselves to me, and im just not used to that, it was very hard for me to handle this and has made me quite sad. I know that being new to a new job is hard, so much so that when i was in the opposite situation and people were new , i took the time to talk to them, to comfort them to tell them everything was gonna be ok, and id take time to help them.
At my new job, i feel im almost being a burden as i try to learn new things, and develop my own technique, but i sense frustration.

Im sure almost everyone who cares about doing a good job has had these same feelings that i am feeling. but i get so depressed over it, its hard enough trying to learn new things, but having to deal with some people shunning me and making me feel like an outsider is even harder.
What goes around comes around, i know this. Maybe in a month from now, i may feel differently to how im feeling now, i dont know.
All i know its taking every ounce of energy that i have to continue along. i pray for further strength , for guidance and for patience.

-justin-

Justin, I'm sorry to hear how difficult the environment is at your new job. I'm not sure what kind of job it is, but maybe there is a reluctance to get too close to new people, until it's obvious they are going to stay. Or, maybe there is a sense of competition (instilled by management style) that makes any new person an instant enemy until you prove yourself aligned with the employees, not the boss. Probably the best thing to do is just concentrate on your job, keep your head down.

And even though the shoe is on the other foot, and no one is doing what you used to do for new folks in your former jobs, be proactive. When you have an opportunity to chat with a fellow worker, ask them about themselves: How long have you worked here? Where do you live? Do you have a family (kids/husband/wife, etc.)? What do you like to do in your spare time? Maybe you will find a common off-work interest with someone and be invited to join them. The best way to forge friendships at work is by spending time in activities away from work. Maybe you could ask if anyone goes out after work on Friday, and ask politely if you could join them.

The most important thing, don't let resentment grow in you against people you don't really know yet. It will adversely shape your impressions, and they will feel it, even if you think you are hiding your feelings.

Congratulations!

That's probably one of the worst things about starting a new job - getting used to the new rules, people, personalities, tasks, etc. It really is easy to build up a comfort zone and not want to leave it. Give it time. It can be lonely at first, especially when you are on the outside looking in.