I've been at my company for 8 months & I don't feel like I'm adjusting - Any tips?

Samantha

May 12,2022 at 3:21PM UTC

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I've been at my company for 8 months & I don't feel like I'm adjusting - Any tips?

I work as a design engineer with other Mechanical Engineers & Electricians. Of our team of 24, I am the only female. Overall our company has way more men than women. That's not really my problem - I think it's more with how Men work vs. Women (or maybe just how I work).

What I'm struggling with is I feel like I'm behind or something or not contributing. I came from a company where we discussed things as a team, brainstormed, and came up with solutions because it would affect everyone. We were more Men heavy, but I had a Female boss. & this could also be an issue with just being a larger team (my last company was maybe 40 people total, now the whole team I work on is over half that size). Everyone just goes around and makes changes, and is like - we're going to be doing this now. I've had ideas and talked to some people more senior to me as sort of brainstorming sessions, but I just don't feel any support to move forward with these ideas... I feel like some other coworkers who have started after me, have been working on making changes, and have done that.

Am I the problem? Do I just need to have more initiative and just implement these Ideas or Processes? I'm used to feeling supported by my team and boss, and now I sort of feel like I'm floating by myself... Is this normal work environment stuff? This is only my second job, so I don't know if this is normal... I would just love any tips, anecdotes, or experience for how to make this better...

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AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 6:33PM UTC
You are used to working in a heavily collaborative work environment so that is your reference and that collaborative mindset is where your head is at.
So you've done nothing wrong. You just need to shift into a more autonomous mindset where it appears you are supposed to be more soloed in your efforts.
I would have a quick 1:1 with your boss to get a better idea on you need to approach your changes and what the process should be.
Your feelings are just your uneasiness of not having more team oversight and guidance. Once you are more informed on the process and strategy to take to be more self guided I bet you'll feel so much better.
IkyMay 12,2022 at 6:37PM UTC
Have you discussed this with your boss? What about the team members you like the most? They may be able to provide specific suggestions to help you and the team.
A team of 24 people sounds a bit large, especially if all 24 people report to your boss. Amazon has been using a 2-pizza team to ensure any team is not too large. Some use a rule of thumb of a team size of no more than 10 people. This could be part of the cause of your undesirable situation.
Good luck with everything. Hang in there. There is always a lesson in a challenge. Sending you positive energy and good thoughts. Have an amazing day! Keep being awesome!
Bianca LagerMay 12,2022 at 6:53PM UTC
This probably isn't what you want to hear but there might be a culture misfit here. What kind of work environment you thrive in is important to know and sometimes these experiences help us learn that about ourselves. You can certainly meet with your boss and find ways to adjust to their culture and work type. If your manager is helpful, they will adjust understanding your style of work better. But, they might not. You will only be able to mold yourself to the environment so much and that nagging voice in your head will not go away. Here are your options if the discomfort persists:
1.) Do your best to manage your expectations while you find a new role.
2.) Recognize your work style, discuss it with your team members and boss. Find one or two like minded folks and bond with them, maybe even create a regular "brain storming/group problem solving" lunch for those who enjoy more collaborative work. Again this is kind of a bandaid to a problem that will likely nag until you move on. Truly, we can run under bandaids for YEARS and it's ok. It might not be your favorite job ever but if it serves a purpose in your life then you will have to accept that there will always be something a bit off for you there.
I don't think you can fix this in general. They likely won't change their preferred work types and your won't change yours, though you can adjust your mindset and do your best, while maybe bringing a bit more collaboration to the group while you're there. Good luck!
Klara Nemes BrownMay 12,2022 at 7:33PM UTC
I am new in Lakeland. Moved from Colorado. I am a therapist in private practice and Relationship Coach. I am looking for like minded women. My intention is to connect, make a difference in the community..
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 7:55PM UTC
Did you mean to post this somewhere else?
Sarah NMay 12,2022 at 8:44PM UTC
Hi Samantha, If you decide that to look for something new (or are just open to connecting with a local FGBer) - please reach out! I am a recruiter out of Edina and would love to help.
AnonymousMay 12,2022 at 10:09PM UTC
At the end of the day when you enter a new job role you have to observe and respect the existing atmosphere. Perhaps a majority of these workers are introverts and operate autonomously. If that is the case, there is no amount of encouragement you can do to change that unless you are promoted as their boss and require it.
Since you just got there, I would focus on what your specific job function is. Learn who are subject matter experts in the specific task you are trying to accomplish. If you need help try seeking help directly 1 on 1 if you your environment is filled with introverts. If your environment is introvert dominant, you cannot change personalities that have been embedded in people since childhood.
I would give the environment 6mths to a year to see if you can adapt. If you still feel the environment does not create an atmosphere where you feel you can be authentic and accomplish work in a more social/brainstorming way, you may want to switch to a new environment. But if you do decide to leave, make sure you do your thorough research and ask the right questions on interviews to get a sense of the environment before you commit to the next role.
Good Luck!