I was hired for a job in the fall but communication was always shaky prior to starting.

Anonymous

January 15,2023 at 1:52PM UTC

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I was hired for a job in the fall but communication was always shaky prior to starting. I was asked to be patient on my start date (which originally was supposed to be October) until the first week of January 2023. I didn’t mind but this did not happen. I kept inquiring on my start and finally got a meeting two days ago in person and was told this is my start with no defined days I make up my own schedule. I had to pull teeth to get definitive answers to things such as what is my work email so I can contact people (which I didn’t get) or where is my office cuz when I started my boss had to run out and was unable to show me. I have been digging to find out answers of who do I contact for certain information to get the ball rolling. I can’t disclose where I am referring to but it should be managed differently. I have two months to get a program up and started but it feels I walked into total chaos and disorganization. I guess I’m venting but I don’t want to be the fall guy if something doesn’t go right. Any advice?

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Carol23January 15,2023 at 2:08PM UTC
RUN!!!!! If they are having tbis much trouble at the beginning of this venture, how much more will you get later when you will need MUCH more info? Such as...When do I get paid, how will I get paid? Etc... Cut your losses now and find something more stable than this.
AnonymousJanuary 15,2023 at 7:01PM UTC
I thought about running but I didn’t want to mess up my resume if a future employer contacts them.
KatJanuary 16,2023 at 2:03AM UTC
This won't mess up your resume, as you haven't started working for them yet. You don't have a written job offer or even a firm start date yet! Stop wasting your time with them. They've strung you along for 3 months. That's more than enough time to get you hired, on board and start training (and paying) you. None of that's happened. Cut your losses and move on. Don't put this on your resume either, since you never actually worked for (as in getting paid by) them.
AnonymousJanuary 15,2023 at 2:42PM UTC
Too chaotic for me, you are being hired. You should not have to run around looking for information, and it does sound like they need you, but at what cost to you? be straight and ask for info and provide a deadline for it.
AnonymousJanuary 15,2023 at 6:58PM UTC
Thanks for your input! I’m going to assert myself and try to get answers in a timely fashion.
AnonymousJanuary 15,2023 at 6:27PM UTC
Good gravy, I would find another job and dump that company asap!
Lisa MarieJanuary 15,2023 at 6:55PM UTC
You could run, or you could do what you can to get things organized/set up.
Your choice.
AnonymousJanuary 15,2023 at 7:07PM UTC
I honestly think about running but I never did that before with a job even if it is challenging. I don’t know if this is a hurdle right now and it will calm down.
Mary EgesaJanuary 16,2023 at 1:19AM UTC
I am in the same situation. I am beyond depressed about it. Running was what I thought of first, but then I need a job to run to; of which until I find one, I am just going to push through
AnonymousJanuary 16,2023 at 3:59AM UTC
Good luck and stay strong! I guess I have to push through too
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 16,2023 at 3:26AM UTC
EDIT: On re-reading your post, have you even started this job yet?
If not, RUN. Run as far and as fast as you can.
What was the interview process with this company like? What were the answers when you inquired about your specific responsibilities? What were the answers when you drilled down about specific procedures?
I take it as a big red flag that you are unable to get even a straight answer about your email address.
It feels like you walked into total chaos and disorganization because, based on your description, that's exactly what has happened.
I would consider a two-pronged approach - fire that resume back up and start looking for a new job and do the best you can for as long as you can at your current position.
AnonymousJanuary 16,2023 at 3:57AM UTC
I started officially working during the meeting (which I’m going to bill them for). Initially I didn’t have any red flags because I’ve worked with starting programs before.. They answered all my questions and provided me with appropriate details for the interview process. But once I said yes to the job it changed and details kept changing closer to the end of the year. My resume is still ready but I fear walking away. I have a family and can’t just walk away.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 16,2023 at 7:34AM UTC
So start looking for a new job and do the best you can for as long as you can at your current position.
AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 5:47PM UTC
Time to take a pause on whether this is the right place for you....look at the history of who has left and tenure. If its a startup, this is typical messy stuff. Big company, proceed with caution. Good luck.
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 3:21PM UTC
Keep interviewing in parallel. It sounds like this envmt is not a match.
GirlBossanova934974January 18,2023 at 4:26PM UTC
I would say DON'T STOP interviewing for other positions. IF the phone or an email comes in for another job, jump on it. People who cannot give you a work email address are not serious. 2 months to get everything up? With WHAT RESOURCES? Sounds like everyone is running around like a bunch of crazy people. I have worked for outfits similar to this. You are unlikely to get anyone to help you out. They are all too busy themselves trying not to drown from the chaos. KEEP checking your email INBOX and phone for new companies to interview with.