New job chaos.

Anonymous

September 14,2023 at 2:52AM UTC

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New job chaos.

I started a new job about 6 weeks ago. I am coming from the same industry, but a completely different scope of work so I definitely do not know how everything works.

I received no formal training whatsoever, and have just been trying to get myself up to speed through peers, asking questions, etc as much as I possibly can.

I was assigned a project ~2.5 weeks ago, that was supposed to deliver by the end of September. I was given absolutely no guidance, no details, no overview of the project, despite doing my best to try to gather info. I was essentially just thrown into the flames.

As I get deeper into the project, it has become clear to me that there was no way to deliver the project on time even from the very day it was handed to me. Its absolute chaos getting the project sorted out, while also learning as things are needing to happen immediately.

It's highly stressful, and frustrating. I'm already so exhausted and now also navigating a client who is not very happy.

Any advice?

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Barb HansenSeptember 14,2023 at 4:09AM UTC
I have been in this situation a few times in my career, and here are some tips that I learned over the years.
Meet with your manager as soon as you see the wheels are falling off a project or in this case, the project had no wheels what so ever, and get their feedback. It's their job to help you and remove roadblocks.
Before the meeting, have all of your roadblocks documented, and the questions you need to ask.
Remember - it's not your fault that the project is off-kilter, so approach these issues as a detached third-party. Your job is to communicate the issues not to be concerned that "you can't complete the project,"
here are some questions you could ask:
-- can the project timeline be adjusted?
-- can the project be broken into sections (and the first part can be delivered by the end of the month)?
-- is there documentation from a similar project you can review?
-- is there a SME who worked on a similar project who can help you?
-- are there other team members who can assist with
certain parts of the project?
-- can your manager dedicate time every few days to answer any questions you have and/or give feedback on draft section?
On that last point above, breaking the project into small deliverables that you deliver to a SME or your manager in draft form to get their feedback may feel like too many steps but right now the project is stalled and delivering smaller drafts for review should build speed as you learn how projects are completed in this new company, and the best format, and style for successful projects. After a few interim steps with drafts, you'll know more and be able to complete parts of the project without the draft review steps.
Good luck!

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