Struggling at new workplace

[contel3]

Without going into too much detail: I recently changed from a position that had a relatively informal work environment to a place that is super hierarchical. The only person I can really talk to is my boss. He is unfortunately quite stressed and doesn't like me asking too many questions. Everyone else will either tell me off completely or tell me to come back a week later, even when they have nothing to do. I had to wait a week to be allowed to ask for a missing folder for a case I was assigned to. Also, some don't give me (negative) feedback directly, but talk to my boss instead. 

For lunch I'm only allowed to eat with people on "my level" and some superiors barely even say hi when I greet them. Which is super awkward since there's only one other person in my position and we're about 20 people.

At the same time it's like they expect me to be fully trained for the job from the get-go and make no mistakes without having to ask anyone for guidance. I've been there for about 4 weeks and I've absolutely no idea what I'm doing. Fortunately my work contract is limited.

I hate it there. I still want to do a good job. Any advice from people who have worked at similar places?

[glows]

I'm so sorry. I joined a firm similar to this, typical corporate environment. You're not there to make friends until you prove yourself or fit into the culture and you may not be able to do that until you start getting a hang of your work or what's expected of you. Try to observe more and see how the information flows, look at past documents and filings and brush up any knowledge you feel is lacking. Don't expect the info to be handed to you. 

Although it's a work contract it's good that you still want to do a good job. That speaks to your work ethic. Word of mouth travels fast too.

[Wiseman2]

2 hours ago, contel3 said:

Fortunately my work contract is limited. I hate it there. I still want to do a good job. 

Yes that's fortunate. try to survive, knowing there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Just toe the line, leave with good recommendations

Update/tune-up your resume and LinkedIn profile.  Continue making "connections" by researching your educational places looking for fellow alumni, keep in touch with former coworkers, upload your contact lists see who's on there that you already know.

Every day check the job sites. This way, after a day of regimentation and being relegated to the peer table, you can laugh looking at all the better jobs out there.

[ShyViolet]

My goodness, it sounds like you work with some really nasty and unfriendly people.  I'm curious what industry this is.

With such a nasty and toxic workplace culture, it sounds like you should just make plans to leave.  You won't be able to change the whole workplace culture, and they're making it very hard for you to succeed.

[contel3]

20 hours ago, ShyViolet said:

I'm curious what industry this is.

Law enforcement. I expected it to be very interesting, but I was quite taken aback by how much I dislike it so far. Everyone is stressed, some are rude, I get paid minimum wage and the work is not interesting enough to make up for it. 

I hope it's going to get better and I will be able to learn something from that experience. But so far I just miss my old job.