So I am a month into my new job.

Anonymous

October 26,2021 at 9:52AM UTC

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So I am a month into my new job. It is a fast paced environment with different divisions and processes.

We have to fill and complete a timesheet at the end of each day showing what work we have done, etc. Today we had a meeting and I was told to pull up my socks when it comes to my work speed. Is this the norm? I have done a lot of different projects since the start date. At times I sit and idle waiting for work. Yet I ma expected to bill 100 percent and I work from home as well. Making things a tad bit complex. Am I unreasonable to think my employer is expecting too much from me. Given the time frame I have been at the new gig. Also given the dynamics of the environment. As I type this. I have no idea what I am gonna put on my time sheet because I have been waiting for work. Yet miraculously expected to deliver at high speed. During meetings everyone is willing to help. Post meetings, no help is received. How do I tackle this?

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AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 12:31PM UTC
Start by having a one on one chat with the manager to get a handle on expectations. Also, have some tasks or mini projects (process improvements, developing a new report for new insights, etc...) in mind you would like to tackle to discuss with the manager for feedback. Hopefully this helps.
AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 6:18PM UTC
Thanks so much. Will definitely try this. Thank you.
AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 3:20PM UTC
We do one every month. One with my team lead, then another with my boss. Essentially it is our time to discuss what is going on both at work and personally. It helps us to discuss things that we may not otherwise bring up in front of the group and difficulties or successes that we are seeing that they may not be aware of. It also allows them to give us feedback and things we may have not realized were a problem or success as they react with groups that we do not.
While really not my favorite thing, it does help to check in as things that you may see one way may not be what they actually are. Also, in this era of COVID, it does help to connect to your team leads/boss that you may have done in person previously.
AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 5:38PM UTC
It sounds as if they are hoping you'll take some initiative on your own potentially to show that you'll not sit idle waiting. Rather, find something useful that might contribute, take a look at the processes being used, is there a way to improve upon them that might save $$ or time? Not something that "benefits" you and makes your life easier and your boss' lives harder, but something that might help the organization as a whole. If someone is suggesting you put out more effort, it's worth figuring out a way to do that. If you meet with resistance, you can explain you were trying to pull up your socks.
AnonymousOctober 26,2021 at 6:17PM UTC
Thank you for your response. I do take initiative but do be honest. Magic is expected from me. I still sit and idle a lot.
AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 12:12PM UTC
Your new job sounds alot like my former employer. I was so used to working fast and furious while proving myself ( creating projects out of thin air with no guidance from management). Hopefully you can make it work in your favor.
Kristie WhiteOctober 27,2021 at 2:22PM UTC
If you are expected to bill 100%, then your employer is going to start complaining at the reduced billing. It is also possible that no one is taking the initiative to pull you into a project - that requires training, management, and taking the time to coordinate it. When you are new to an organization, many times your co-workers already have their routines established and don't want to take the time to interrupt their own work. In addition, if they are also expected to bill 100% of the time - and they pull you into a project - does that reduce their reportable billable time? i.e. are you then competing for billable hours? If that is the case, you need management to step in and coordinate that. In fact, you need projects of your own that are billable or a project that has a clear roles where you can generate billable hours. I am assuming that you are not responsible for business development, so that is someone else's role. So it is logical for your employer to expect your time to be billable; however, your employer has a responsibility to assign the work to spread billable hours evenly and ensure quality work is produced without putting anyone into a crisis mode. It almost sounds like everyone is holding on to their billable hours until they are up against the deadline and can't get it done on time - then they punt to you for the extra help and you are supposed to produce with very little notice or ramp time. This is a management issue.
AnonymousOctober 27,2021 at 9:21PM UTC
can you asked to be matched with another employee who models the behavior they want? You can shadow that person.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 4:14AM UTC
We are a small team and I think most people are holding on to the little they have :-(
RhondaOctober 28,2021 at 12:15PM UTC
First, remember that they hired you. Brining on headcount for any company is a big expense. They would not have hired you if they did not think that there was full-time work to be done.
Somewhere there is a disconnect. You should be asking questions: When you are assigned a task/project ask what is the expectation on how long this will take? (maybe you work fast and that is why you are idle) When you have completed a task/project ask who do I go when I am finished? I think especially when working remotely, you have to speak up. It is easy to get lost in the shuffle.
If they perceive you as somebody who is going to sit idle and not speak up, that is not a trait that an employer would admire so instead of saying you are sitting idle, ask the questions.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 12:16PM UTC
Any message you were trying to convey was completely lost behind the snark and snotty attitude.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 12:46PM UTC
I don’t think the answer was snarky or snotty rather it was to the point and not filled with a lot of “oh you poor thing it’s a toxic work environment.”
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 12:26PM UTC
Since you are remote, set up 1-1 10-15min zoom calls with coworkers, manager(s). Maybe one/two per day. Just to introduce yourself “officially” and chitchat. Find common grounds. This might help you build relationships and hopefully get you into the loop of what work/project is coming down the pipeline. You’re new, so it’s hard to know how everyone is surviving without the in office coffee breaks. Good luck!
GirlBossanova934974October 28,2021 at 12:29PM UTC
2 words suffice here. BAD management! This is Operations 101. If you expect all your resources to operate at 100% capacity, you must eliminate queues and wait times. If someone is waiting for the project to get to them, there are probably a few more waiting after that. MY BET is that a resource downstream from you complained about the same issue from you. So Management blames the Upstream resource. I have worked with project driven timecards. The first thing you have to know is to have at least 1-2 long term projects that can be worked on to fill up time gaps.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 1:15PM UTC
I was thinking the same thing. Ask management why you have idle time. It’s counterproductive to what they’re requesting of you. Someone downstream from you is complaining. Nip the specific issue in the bud by speaking up and asking questions. Contrary to what others might suggest, I would ask those questions in full meetings. This signals your boss that you are willing to do the job with proper supports in place and signals your coworkers that you’re not afraid to speak up when you feel you’re being treated unjustly.
Natalie MendiolaOctober 28,2021 at 12:41PM UTC
It sounds like there’s a miscommunication with management. I would start with asking your direct supervisor for a 1:1, during which you can explain your confusion and get clarification. Good leadership will always help you to succeed because your progress & success reflects back on them.
Ilsy HooOctober 28,2021 at 12:52PM UTC
Have weekly check ins with your manager and then send an email with a recap of your conversations and tasks you were given. It holds them accountable when it’s in writing.
LisaOctober 28,2021 at 1:01PM UTC
Run. Run away.
Start the search for a new position. This type of management style only gets worse.
Allison RuffnerOctober 28,2021 at 1:10PM UTC
Oh yes. They should run away.
Allison RuffnerOctober 28,2021 at 1:09PM UTC
No, you are not unreasonable. And the idea that 100% of your time is billable in the sense that there are not gaps and activities related to managing the work in any organization is simply not realistic. They SHOULD have a 'shop time' or category that is added to any bill that handles that.
I have been there, and what i found is that it was the most inefficient place I had ever worked, and it was the hardest place to actually get anything done, because knowledge was not shared, and people were to busy to show you the ropes because, well, they needed to be billing 100% at all times.!!! Nor did any project want to 'pay' for anything that might be another person's project.
Put on your time sheet - waiting for work. Because I ran into that as well. I couldn't move forward on projects, but if I used that time to learn or study and go through learning more about the organization, I got slapped on that as well.
Just document what you do.
But I am not sure that I appreciate an organization that also talks to you in public about 'pulling up your socks," or anything else.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 1:39PM UTC
Your description reminds me of a mouse inside of a box, with the lid on tight. The mouth runs from corner to corner trying to find an exit, never to be found. This is your problem. It is not solvable because there is no clear workflow or work description or anything else. Do you see what I mean? This is not the job for you or for anyone else start looking to go somewhere else
Karen GongawareOctober 28,2021 at 1:49PM UTC
Fast paced environment is code for toxic environment. It is code for we will work you to death and never value you at all. As for their stupid timesheet, put research on improving project times and speeds.
Antonia CalzettiOctober 28,2021 at 1:54PM UTC
I agree with some of the other posts here. Prior to accepting the position, did you know you were expected to complete this project list? Their expectation is a glaring red flag that doesn't sit right and it seems like it may become a factor in your happiness at work. Keep your feelers out for a company that respects and values their employees. No one needs the stress of a chaotic environment.
Jenny Cox, PHROctober 28,2021 at 1:55PM UTC
Unfortunately, often times perception is reality. As a remote worker, that is even more true so we have to over communicate when we are new to a job.
I would encourage you to schedule a meeting asap with your direct manager and ask for clear expectations. Ask them "What would great look like?" And then continue to ask "how" and "what" questions until you have a common understanding. "How would you like me to handle times when I am sitting idle with no work/projects?" "Who should I contact directly for assistance/new work assignments?" "How should I handle situations where I'm asking for help and not getting the support I need?"
Make sure they know that you want to do a good job. If they aren't open to answering these questions, and any others that you have, then perhaps it is time to look at other options. But I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet. Good luck!
BrandieFarmerOctober 28,2021 at 2:21PM UTC
Thanks.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 1:58PM UTC
I was in a position just like you and ended up getting let go but the company didn't have the courtesy to tell me. When I tried to log in on my computer that morning, it said my privileges were revoked. Never in my career was I ever let go. Their loss!!!
Nancy AronsonOctober 28,2021 at 2:40PM UTC
Wow, so sorry that happened to you. Sometimes companies can be quite unreasonable.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 6:48PM UTC
How did they (eventually) inform you that you were officially no longer employed with them? Was there any other communication beyond you getting locked out? I'm sorry you experienced this.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 9:39PM UTC
These employers and managers have ZERO respect and no courtesy--so we have to look out for OURSELVES. The hell with them!! haha
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 2:44PM UTC
I "over communicated", show enthusiasm, took the initiative, and when given a task, the turnaround was very speedy with accuracy! As a new employee, I gave 200% of myself, but like you, I had to submit a timesheet--indicating what I had done, and my role was one that was "supportive" where my work load depended on OTHERS giving me work!! What is so difficult about that concept. If you are not in a "Business Development or Sales" position, there is little you can do, other than start looking elsewhere - -which is what I did--and I LET THEM GO!! hahaha. They failed...not I! They didn't keep me engaged. They didn't give me WORK. They didn't offer me the opportunity to grow,, or utilize my superb skills. I gave them 3 weeks...and I saw the writing on the wall, and aggressively looked elsewhere--and found something MUCH BETTER - in every sense. Then I Fired them! Felt great...I am done with the bullshit out there. If a company does not set you up to succeed--you need to Kick them to the curb. You deserve better.
Nadia SobhanOctober 28,2021 at 2:54PM UTC
I would have made it very clear that I am not being given any work and sit around waiting, when told to increase my work speed. Clearly, someone is missing something in this picture. That's how you tackle this - communicate this truth and if nothing is done, start looking for another job.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 7:00PM UTC
Start looking for a better position, but in the meantime, send out emails, stating you are willing ready and able to pitch in, or help others, since you have downtown and CC your manager. Time to FIRE them. You are being under-utilized.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 7:35PM UTC
Funny. I did today. Updated them every 2 minutes. But my emails wire ignored. Add to that. I just took my second jab and have had an adverse reaction to it. I mentioned it to my manager. He could not care less. Not sure how one is expected to work and have a great output with nausea and dizzy spells. Surely I am allowed to sleep it off for a day so that I regain my energy. But being ignored has me feeling helpless.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 9:38PM UTC
No need to be helpless. Help yourself, and go onto LinkedIn and find yourself another position...while you are still employed there--and then - here is the best part! QUIT - with 1 days' notice!! You don't need them as a reference and they have wasted enough of your valuable time. I did that--gave the company that was OH SO over the moon to hire me--and then didn't give me any damn work....and I was willing, ready and quite able...and showed initiative...I did everything but create work myself! They lost--I continued networking - since I was "working from home" which was easier--and I blindsided THEM! haha....I accepted another offer, and they were lucky I gave them 5 days notice. That was nice on my part. Time is money--and I have goals and obligations. I don't play games. Don't allow them to do that to you. YOU take charge of the situation and laugh at the very end!! This market is now a candidate's market.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 7:32PM UTC
I am. Thanks ? I am in touch with connections now.
Renee Radcliff SinclairOctober 28,2021 at 3:37PM UTC
If I were in your shoes, I'd go to my supervisor and let her / him know that you heard the feedback and want to fulfill the requirements of the job to the best of your ability. Ask that person to help you have a better understanding of what that means and how you might go about filling your down time in productive ways that meet the request to "pull up my socks." You're new, show that you are willing to step up if you can get a clearer picture of what stepping up looks like.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 3:37PM UTC
What does working at home have to do with your inability to bill 100%? Maybe there is a solution we can suggest?
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 7:37PM UTC
I don't know all clients. I need to be told daily what to do. But as I said: my team leader ignores my calls. I have a feeling it is subtle bullying. He and the manager are best friends.
Beth ConsugarOctober 28,2021 at 3:39PM UTC
If possible, request a meeting with your manager and explain that you are not getting enough work. Do you have emails where you requested more work? If so, use that as support when you have this discussion.
Make sure your manager knows what’s going on. Perhaps communicating at the beginning and end of each day, just updating your manager about your work status. Once they see how often you need work, they’ll make sure you get it.
If you don’t start getting enough work soon, consider looking for another job.
EMILY KIKUE FRANKOctober 28,2021 at 3:47PM UTC
I don't think a month is sufficient time for you to have learned everything. I'd suggest making an outline of how you're spending your workdays and then having a conversation with your manager about it. You can explain exactly where you're struggling to come up to speed, then, and you can get advice about what you can do in those idle times. At a guess, they don't know the reality of your daily structure, but hopefully they will want to help once you have explained it to them!
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 7:31PM UTC
I feel attacked hey. The lady assigned to me. Her phone is always off and I am humiliated at meetings. I think the environment is plain toxic.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 3:55PM UTC
If it was me, I'd keep a super, super detailed spreadsheet of my working hours. I've been in a similar situation and realized later that the supervisor actually had no idea what I was doing during the day.
Bosses are ALWAYS going to want more out of you. I've nearly had a breakdown over this kind of crap until I realized that was basically my manager's default comment to everyone (she was a whip-cracking type). You can only do what you can do. Ask for work whenever you are idle. Ask if they have a long term project you can work on during down time. Seriously, get on the boss' nerves about it!
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 7:29PM UTC
Believe me I do. But it is ignored.
Sarah HubbardOctober 28,2021 at 3:56PM UTC
Billing 100% seems unrealistic to me, look for another position.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 6:58PM UTC
It IS unrealistic and UNREASONABLE, but that's how many employers operate and those are their expectations. Time to leave I say....onto a place that has a work/life balance. We are not indentured servants here.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 7:27PM UTC
So so true.
Onkar Nath OjhaOctober 28,2021 at 4:52PM UTC
C what others did in the last few days ans plan to do the same things to fill your timesheet.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 7:26PM UTC
It is worse here. Only one task is assigned to a relevant person to avoid staff overbilling. It makes sense in an efficient environment. I just want out. Thanks for your response.
Vidya RajaOctober 28,2021 at 4:53PM UTC
Have a frank and detailed discussion with your manager and set expectations clearly. Apprise them of the situation and arrive at conclusions and a game plan that everyone agrees to. Else I think it may cause problems in the future especially if management gets a feeling that you're not delivering much as an employee (which, of course, is not the case here) and hence they may not hesitate to lay you off if at all there is such a situation. So, be on you guard, and take action right now and be clear that you are ready to work and give your best and they need to be aware of this!
Good luck, and you will do great!
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 7:24PM UTC
I think it is easy for people who have worked here long term to score new work. I ask. I shout. I scream. I call when I have no work. Even send emails. But no assistance what so ever.
ElsaOctober 28,2021 at 6:30PM UTC
Basically what you’ve told us here, tell your boss. You need clear directions and expectations and your boss needs to give this to you. You can’t do when you don’t know what to do.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 7:23PM UTC
Thank you. I am back in the market as we speak. Genuinely not lazy and this situation gives me anxiety.
Deb BeuryOctober 28,2021 at 10:10PM UTC
I am in same boat. I am too good of a worker to put up with this. Back in the mArket as we speak also
AnonymousNovember 3,2021 at 6:08PM UTC
The beautiful and advantageous thing about "working from home" is you can network - and they will never know!! haha...that's what I did--I remained employed with a company until I secured something much better--and came out ahead. I took Zoom calls midday--since I had all this downtime....and made it work for me!! Then I quit!
Audrey KirschOctober 28,2021 at 9:39PM UTC
You work at trying to get work. That's what you put on your time sheet. Called a,b, c at these times, emailed d, e & f, results - no response as yet
Maryann HrichakOctober 29,2021 at 12:40AM UTC
Great advice Audrey! I agree!
AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:51PM UTC
So true. This is essentially what I have been doing and no one cares.
AnonymousNovember 2,2021 at 8:27PM UTC
I've worked for people like that. there is no solution. Misery is misery.
AnonymousOctober 28,2021 at 9:55PM UTC
Talk to your manager. Life is too short if it's not for you find something else. There are jobs out there. Waiting for work is crazy to hear how can you put in full hours with all that down time? Never set yourself up for failure. Good luck!
AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:54PM UTC
I called him. He didn't take my call. But I spelt out my truth about how frustrated I am directly to his mobile ? I have a feeling he got the hint.
Rebecca J. Visneau-ShawOctober 29,2021 at 12:55AM UTC
I agree with all comments....thanks, ladies. Have a 1:1 with your supervisor/manager and not only find out what his/her expectations are of you, but also let him/her know what your expectations are of him/her (i.e., during "idle times" what is there that you can do for the team to contribute billable hours, etc.). Express concerns about comments reflecting on job performance and ask for guidance/mentoring to bring you up to their expectations. You didn't mention the industry. Don't be shy...you can't do what you don't know. New jobs aren't easy. They always assume you already know what you're doing. Ask for help. Good luck!
surfnwriteOctober 29,2021 at 1:12AM UTC
Why don't you tell them what you told us? "At times I sit and idle waiting for work." Wouldn't this explain your low billing?
AnonymousNovember 3,2021 at 6:06PM UTC
With these unreasonable inefficient trolls, you can talk till you are blue in the face and NOTHING will change or be addressed. Time to leave, or hang on until you find something and then leave them instantly - with little notice!! Absurd, that there is zero communication.
AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 3:31PM UTC
I agree that 100 percent billable sounds awful. I have been expected to be 95 percent billable at one point, and I found myself spending a lot more time than needed on “work” because I would just not charge for hours when I was waiting on people in an attempt to please the powers that be. Of course that led to basically not having a life other than work, burn out, and quitting. Don’t be like me. Talk to your boss now.
AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 6:07PM UTC
Story of my life. ?
Amanda theriotOctober 29,2021 at 4:14PM UTC
Is there someone at the company who has the same job as you? If so, before going to your boss, I would ask to sit down with a fellow co-worker and compare timesheets, see how they fill things out, and it may give you ideas as to how to fill yours out. Sometime I find reaching out to someone who has the same boss can give me more insight on my position and how I can be successful. Hope that helps! Good luck!
AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 6:06PM UTC
Hi. Thank you so much for all your responses. I appreciate all ? I confronted my boss today. The working environment in which I work is so cold and hostile. A whole nightmare. The boss himself ignores my calls. But I ended up texting him. I need a new job. That's it ?
AnonymousOctober 29,2021 at 7:34PM UTC
If you work in an unsupportive environment, nothing you do or don't do will change that...if your peers and managers/higher mgmt has a toxic approach, it's time to FIRE them. You can have a great work ethic--but you need the tools, and a team of others who are responsive and want EVERYONE to succeed in order to be effective. And now - with many work from home, I have seen a sense of "absence" - where you can reach out - ALL DAY_ and NOBODY gets on the phone, or replies to emails! Time to FIRE them and step into a better place. They don't deserve you.
AnonymousOctober 30,2021 at 6:03PM UTC
Wow. I am in the job market as we speak. Thank you so much. I actually thought the same thing.
Janet ParkhurstOctober 30,2021 at 11:32PM UTC
I agree with all the comments. Great job, ladies! Just be direct with your boss (we're all adults, here) and be prepared to let the job go--or BE let go. No real loss. A month ago, I started a new job in a new industry and was told it was only 24 hours per week, but I have been putting in more like 30 to 40 hours. My boss loves to tell me how long projects or tasks "should" take, which really annoys me. We all work at different paces and some of us are better at some things than others. She has told me that my job "shouldn't" take more than 24 hours per week, but it does. I've decided to stay at least til the end of the year and see what happens. But now I'm putting my foot down and reminding people that I "shouldn't" have to be available all the time (I had to "beg" for one day off per week), as full-time availability is NOT part-time work. I am letting my boss know which projects interfere with my schedule (she knows I have a freelance writing business of my own) and leaving HER to figure it out.
AnonymousNovember 1,2021 at 7:48PM UTC
Nice one. Way to go!!!
Janet ParkhurstNovember 2,2021 at 12:07AM UTC
Thanks so much!
AnonymousNovember 2,2021 at 7:45AM UTC
Honestly. I have never been so miserable. Everyone at work makes working so impossible.
Eloisa JacintoOctober 31,2021 at 11:43PM UTC
If the environment is hostile and your boss is not helping you navigate the system, it might be time to assess your options.
One indicator of a good company is the effort it puts into creating a positive experience for new hires. Looking forward to know you found one. Regards
AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 11:32AM UTC
It is so draining. Been asking for a payslip for so long as well since I wanna buy something. But to no avail.
AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 6:12PM UTC
Don't bother anymore....you can't make a square peg fit into a round hole....they are incompetent and unresponsive at best. Move on, and don't expect much from them. Just create a paper trail...find something else, that is your priority-and leave--but make sure you get paid. Resign in writing, and call payroll dept. prior to resigning to go over what vacation you are entitled to. This way they don't screw you over with that. Put everything in writing.
AnonymousNovember 3,2021 at 6:11PM UTC
Sure--during meetings - everyone saves face - and "CLAIMS" they are willing, ready and able to help out and mentor, guide and/or train--but then when you truly need someone to pick up their damn phone - RADIO SILENCE. I call nonsense, when I see it. Time to FIRE them, and get something else - on THEIR dime. It can be done.
AnonymousNovember 4,2021 at 11:30AM UTC
So true. It is only 6 weeks and I am to discouraged. I am searching for something else.