I reached my 90 day employment milestone last week with no clear purpose.

Anonymous

July 11,2022 at 12:40AM UTC

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I reached my 90 day employment milestone last week with no clear purpose.

I'm a Senior Engineer with 20+ years in my field and an expert-level position. I took a dream job this year with potential for large bonuses and excellent benefits. I was told when I was hired that it might take a while to get projects assigned to me. My position was opened to relieve the workload of my colleagues and give them someone to use as a backup for taking time off. It's now been 90+ days and I still have almost nothing to show for it. My colleagues keep telling me to enjoy this time while it lasts. Then, I lost my dad and was put on bereavement. The time off really helped but might have further delayed my integration into the team. Now I'm bored and embarrassed its been months and I've brought no value to our team. Last week the organization announced an external hiring freeze. Should I have a direct conversation with my Director on whether I should start looking at all the internal positions where I could move and make an impact? Or should I pursue my colleagues and the lack of work they have offloaded to me? I feel like they are avoiding me because of my recent loss.

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AnonymousJuly 11,2022 at 12:56AM UTC
Hey, this sounds super frustrating and I'm sorry for the loss of your father; may his memory be a blessing.
I think that having a conversation with your peers is a good place to start. Seeing what you can do to help, add backup and so forth seems like a good place to start. Don't wait for them to reach out -- see how you can help.
If you get nothing, maybe have that conversation to see if there are other places you can contribute. I think that being proactive is the way to go.
Good luck!
Kristie WhiteJuly 11,2022 at 4:15AM UTC
They may be avoiding you. And - from my experience with the brainy types - they often feel awkward about making the first move socially. Make a point to invite them to lunch, ask them about their work, insert your availability. And make sure you clear this approach with your superior - it may be that you have to be "assigned" to work. So be sure you can tell them "I have cleared it with X and I can jump in and work as support to you immediately."
AnonymousJuly 11,2022 at 3:03PM UTC
Now it's up to you to engage, support and provide a path if communication. This is not a passive activity.
Speak with your manager and draft a 30 day plan to meet with the various factions of the team, ask questions surrounding workload, challenges and the team's goals.
Be proactive and open. Get your manager's input & suggestions.