I just started a new job and after two days I already don't like it.

16 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 5,2022 at 12:00AM UTC

   I don’t think this is indicative you are not fit for the corporate world. Corporate roles typically don’t have you drive around unless you are a personal driver or in real estate or something … especially not driving strangers. Say you are worried about COVID

2. Looking for a changeOctober 5,2022 at 12:28AM UTC

   If you signed something that didn’t mention the travel/car you can use that and say you signed the contract based on what was there. Don’t even say you don’t have a car cuz you still might have to go

3. Tabbi KinionOctober 5,2022 at 1:11AM UTC

   OK, don't lie to them about any of this. That will set you up for failure. Don't put other people's reactions on your current team members - that's not fair to them.

   You need to have a frank conversation with your direct supervisor - be clear that you took on this role because 1. you are more comfortable being in a remote position. 2. You are happy to fly places, but because you live in a big city you do not have much driving experience, don't need to own a car so you do not, and are uncomfortable with driving long distances or with passengers. 3. You are happy to meet with clients, but you would prefer to fly out and use Uber to get around.

   This new job is hard, but remember that all new jobs are hard. Give it a chance - they hired you, so they see potential in you. And, if they are managers worth your time, they will understand that people from big cities can exist without owning their own cars. It's who you are - own it as much as you own your talents and contributions to the team.

4. AnonymousOctober 5,2022 at 1:23AM UTC

   Explain this is not the job you signed on for, and this type of road warrior, sales smoozing type of corporate thing is more of a salesman position which usually comes with a company vehicle and expense account. They will back off or it is time to quit before you get sucked in farther.

5. AnonymousOctober 7,2022 at 3:16PM UTC

   Not the job because they asked her to drive to meet a client? Determining that the whole job is not a fit because of one workable aspect seems like a leap.

6. AnonymousOctober 5,2022 at 6:35PM UTC

   Keep in mind every company is going to ask whatever they can get from you. It's the nature of the business. Explain to the person you hired in with or your boss, that you would love to attend this meeting at the home office, but you don't own a car and would require the company to purchase you an airline ticket. Any company worth their salt has an expectation that they have to pay for certain travel expenses, hotel expenses, etc. The use of your personal car is a no go. My friend is a salesperson and when she travels the company pays for a rental. That is wear and tear on your personal vehicle and that should not be expected to be done for the benefit of the company. Do not think you can't handle the corporate world. It's just a matter of learning the rules/games they play by.

7. AnonymousOctober 7,2022 at 3:14PM UTC

   I would suggest a meeting with your boss where you come to the table with proposals.

   For example, I am happy to meet with clients in X city. To do that I propose the following. I fly to X city, grab a rental at the airport and meet the clients at X. I will schedule an Uber for them to meet me at X place.

   The itinerary is X and proposed agenda is Y.

   Give the job a chance. I’ve had a few jobs that weren’t exactly what I wanted, but I ended up developing unexpected skills (like networking with clients) that have served me very very well.

   A positive can-do attitude can open a lot of doors.

   IMHO Picking up clients is a bit odd in the era of Uber. In my last company I did this. Usually the “business” begins from the start of the meetings/business lunches and entertaining for one dinner and/or outing.

8. AnonymousOctober 7,2022 at 10:21PM UTC

   Thanks this is tremendously helpful! I will use your advice

9. AnonymousOctober 8,2022 at 2:03PM UTC

   You can share your agenda here (without any client details) to gather feedback. This forum has a lot of people who have expertise in the area where you seek contribution.

10. AnonymousOctober 7,2022 at 3:18PM UTC

    Clarifying question. It sounds like the job description/interview specified that the job involved meeting with clients.

    Have you decided that you no longer want to do that?

    Or is this really about the concern around HOW to make the client meeting work?

11. AnonymousOctober 7,2022 at 10:17PM UTC

    It is the “how”.
    The meeting itself is not the issue, it is that they want me to use a personal car (that I don’t have) and drive a long distance to a city I am not familiar with. As someone that lives in a major city, I rarely drive anywhere. The company home office where the meeting is taking place is in a Midwest suburb. I am worried that if I tell them I am uncomfortable driving they will treat me like there is something wrong with me, I have experienced this at other jobs. I don’t mind air travel but I don’t personally want to drive a long distance or drive strangers around a city I haven’t been to before.

12. AnonymousOctober 8,2022 at 2:01PM UTC

    Gotcha. That’s good to get. So when you interviewed and heard it involved some travel you must have had some plans about how you’d do that without a car and not wanting to drive.

    Thinking broadly, what did you have in mind to solve for this?

13. AnonymousOctober 30,2022 at 2:06PM UTC

    When I interviewed they told me there would be air travel, which I have no issue with. It was never mentioned that I would be expected to use a personal car or be a driver. I explained that to my boss who said, ok then your subordinate can go on the trip with you, she will rent a car, but know that this means you are not a good leader because your unwillingness to drive means you are difficult to work with - are you sure that is the choice you want?. I am not difficult but as someone uncomfortable driving I am preventing a potential accident. In an era of taxis/ Uber I am not sure why my driving is such an issue. I am unhappy with this job and will leave as soon as I figure out a next step. Thanks for your input and comments.

14. Audrey KirschOctober 10,2022 at 10:29PM UTC

    Seems simple. Tell them you don't own a car and didn't realize the position would require that you have one. Tell them you'd be happy to fly or train (if that's an option) to the office to meet clients, go to dinner and accompany them to the airport via Uber, but that you are not comfortable driving in a strange city. If you were hired as the wine, dine and chauffer for clients, then you're right, you're not a good fit, but if these aren't things mentioned in the interview and hiring process, then they misrepresented the position. They will either need to redefine your position or find someone else to do their errand work.

15. AnonymousOctober 30,2022 at 2:15PM UTC

    Follow-up: Thanks to all who commented, your support is sincerely appreciated. I explained to the supervisor that I do not have a car and because I drive rarely I would be uncomfortable driving in a city I am unfamiliar with. She decided to ask my subordinate to also go on the trip and rent a car, this was done behind my back. I was told after travel plans were made. I was also told that if my subordinate is the driver I will not look like a good leader and being unwilling to drive makes me difficult to work with and I should reconsider my choice. I am trying to prevent a potential car accident, because I am uncomfortable driving, which by the way, has nothing to do with my actual job. Now I have a mark against me because I don’t have what some expect to be a very common skill. I was correct in my assessment- this company is not for me, but I need to figure out next steps before getting out .

16. AnonymousOctober 31,2022 at 2:11PM UTC

    This is what the role requires.
    The manager is right to say what they did. And you have a right to your own preferences. But understand, that means it’s not a mutual fit. If you work in customer relations roles may require similar so it’s worth it to consider if the role you enjoy and your dislike for driving are at odds.