Feeling lost on what to do.

Feeling lost on what to do.

I started a new job about a year ago and I love the work life balance and benefits I get.

The problem is I still have no clue what my job is and the work I'm currently doing feels like I should have another role.

The onboarding was just about the organization and the role specific points were all extremely outdated and had not been updated in several years. So I felt like I might as well have had nothing.

I work as an analyst but it seems like the person before did a lot of various things and basically when they left they took all that knowledge with them and didn't leave it anywhere so I feel like I'm expected to fill a role no one can explain.

Soon after I started I was given a file and told to do the equations and report the data so it can go to a specific entity.

Now how I interpret the data is the issue. They expect me to do it a particular way and I feel like their explanation is equivalent too “do you see the lady or the lamp in the ink block first - there is a right and wrong answer”

Rather than explaining this is what were looking for, who we present it too, and what the numbers represent etc.

My boss is nice but they're always swamped and honestly like I said the previous person was well seasoned and Im brand new to this world.

I'm not giving up I like my position, and I want to do better I just feel like they expect us all to be independent but that can only go far!

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  1. Anonymous

    I almost feel like this is "the new normal". Was recently in a rather analogous position. What helped me was to look on the intranet for background and also see if I could get samples of previous reports from colleagues or customers. Also one of my customers - recipients of the data - was well versed in operations so I got a chance to see how the data was used, which helped with its interpretation. This is all predicated, though, on knowing who your customers are, which you may have to find out, if not known, from your manager. If there are any out-of-date videos, these also may help you in the sense that you can find out more about the mindset of the company, even if the specifics are out of date - also with the type of approach the company is using. Another resource that was also helpful with some of the technology that was new to me was just googling the technology and watching videos to get more proficient.Wishing you all the best - it is not easy, but as said by the previous commenter, the fact that your manager has not commented to you is a good sign. Be sure to ask for a schedule of deliverables (and who to find that out from if not from your boss).

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