Struggling at a new job...

Anonymous

May 20,2022 at 4:55PM UTC

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Struggling at a new job...

For context, most of my previous roles have been in larger organizations with more structure and relatively clear roles and responsibilities. I've been at this new start-up role for a little over two months and I have to say, I'm pretty miserable. Great people and I'm totally devoted to our mission, but I came into this job with the expectation that I would be totally overwhelmed with tasks - and I was ready to jump in! That, however, has not been the case. My boss barely talks to me (he's rarely here), and when he does, he doesn't ever really talk about deliverables. I've been scrambling to make myself useful, but half the time, I show up without really knowing how I'm going to spend my time during the day. I've tried talking to my boss and others about it, but it's not really getting better. How long do I give this before I start seriously considering other roles?

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AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 7:07PM UTC
Startups are not for everyone. They are feast or famine and there is rarely a lot of structure or oversight.
This may not be a fit for you. If you can't find ways to engage and build your role on your own I would think about returning to a more traditional business where the expectations are more defined.
Cyndi RosenblattMay 20,2022 at 7:20PM UTC
Do you have enough understanding of what others are doing to suggest your own tasks? People who have been making do without assistance tend to know they're overwhelmed, but often don't have the bandwidth to stop and think about how someone else could effectively help them. Creating a new position sounds great in theory, but the thought process can get so bogged down with the effort of begging for help that concrete plans for what that person will do aren't articulated ahead of time. Can you "shadow" each of the other team members for a couple of days or a week (in the time left over after you've done the tasks they are already giving you)? You can suggest this as a way to learn what everyone is doing and then think about what tasks you might be able to take off their plates. If everyone is doing different things, you might find something that would be more effective or efficient if it were consolidated into one process assigned to one person. Or you might find overlapping responsibilities that are creating downstream confusion and the current staff were too busy to think through a different solution. There might be one person doing a shared task 10 times better and you can craft that into a best practice recommendation. Lots of possibilities here since it sounds like you can have a say in what your job will look like when it firms up. Good luck!
AnonymousMay 20,2022 at 7:39PM UTC
Start now and get your resumes out there to get back to an organization with a structure that you are used to.
Even if you were content with the level of work received, most startups fail within 5 years. So see the writings on the wall and make like a tree and well....you know. Start now that you have the momentum don't wait...and DON'T LOOK BACK.
When you interview for other jobs at other companies it is imperative that you interview them as well based on your need and expectations to thrive and flourish:
1) Can you please give me an example of a typical work day for me if I worked for your company in terms of tasks and workload.
2) Before I leave, would you mind if I pick the brain of one of your staff that is currently in a role I am interviewing for or in a similar role so I can get a better idea of the experience from their perspective?
3) Would I be assigned a peer sponsor or mentor if I assumed this role in the beginning?
4) How do you grow your staff in terms of developing some of your top performers for leadership?
JJMay 20,2022 at 7:48PM UTC
Startups vary but they are definitely different than large corporations. It may not be a fit, which is ok.
Barb HansenMay 20,2022 at 9:01PM UTC
If your gut tells you you are in the wrong job, start looking for a new job.
If you want to stick it out at the startup, see if there is another manager in your department or another department you can transfer too. If there is an engaged manager you like, schedule a meeting with them and see if there is an opening on their team. It never hurts to ask.
I wouldn't say that you're not happy or that your current boss is not a good manager, you can talk about wanted to move into another department that fits you better, learn new skills etc etc
Joanne RosenMay 20,2022 at 9:14PM UTC
Schedule an appointment with your manager. Sit down, tell him that you want to set goals for yourself. Ask how you can contribute? What are the company goals? What is your full job description?
It sounds like they didn't sit and think about these things. Most people who start businesses don't plan to fail but they fail to plan. Offer to help.
Cheers
Joanne
(Who is a total process person and spreadsheet addict)