New job isn't what I expected

[robaday]

A few months ago I got a new job at a major organisation in my sector. On paper it was an excellent experience to gain more management and technical experience. However I am on part time hours yet the work required is more than full time. I am working an extra day from home just to keep on top. 

Although I probably didn't have quite the experience they were looking for, I still cannot seem to find a way past this mountain of work. Stay late, go in early, work on my off days. I'm two months in and I haven't been given any time to settle in. Essentially I am worried the quality of my work will suffer if this workload continues as I am spread so thin. I am a hard worker and have never shirked going above and beyond. What I lack for in talent and experience I have always tried to make up for in terms of work rate. 

I have flagged the workload to my boss who told me that I had to plan better. I also asked if I could work full time even as time in liue as I get past this difficult early period but they are not willing to do it. 

So....I'm not sure what to do. On paper, its incredible experience and if some things could be adjusted I could see myself staying (i.e. some of my responsibilities taken away). But I'm not convinced that will happen. 

[Wiseman2]

4 hours ago, robaday said:

. I also asked if I could work full time even as time in liue as I get past this difficult early period but they are not willing to do it. 

Are they keeping it "part-time" to avoid paying you properly or providing benefits? Keep your resume up to date and keep looking for full-time work.

There have been companies that hire people just under the "full-time" criteria, simply to cheat workers out of benefits.

Edited August 11, 2022 by Wiseman2

[robaday]

I get all the benefits of a full time contract, and pay isn't necessarily the issue. I also knew what the job required before coming. However I underestimated how much oversight I need to have and I feel its a risk for the organisation for me to be spread so thin - I dont really have anyone to delegate to, if I take time off the work just piles up.

[glows]

45 minutes ago, robaday said:

I get all the benefits of a full time contract, and pay isn't necessarily the issue. I also knew what the job required before coming. However I underestimated how much oversight I need to have and I feel its a risk for the organisation for me to be spread so thin - I dont really have anyone to delegate to, if I take time off the work just piles up.

Has your boss said anything else aside from suggesting you plan better? 

If you don't sense that the company is structured right or this is a poor company to work for, start applying for other positions. While it may look good on paper this is a ticking bomb or a house of cards. It won't last. Positions like this usually give insight into poor management and declining financial health of an organization.

I generally think it's fair to give a new position at least six months to one year but if you're feeling this stretched thin and stressed out while sensing the company is struggling, it may not be worth it. You yourself know what you're worth or what your skills are. It may pay off better taking a more reasonable job with a realistic workload in a better company and gaining momentum there.

[robaday]

My boss understood the situation but didn't really offer any solutions, just told me to prioritise. I've never quit a job within six months and keep telling myself I will get on top of it, but part of the challenge I am experiencing is I have on average five hours of meetings a day, which leaves me with just three hours to do any of the technical work that got me the position in the first place. So part of the issue is given the right circumstances (full time paid hours and less meetings) I would probably be producing much better work and making a bigger dent in all of it. But as things are I feel they are unstainable.

[glows]

1 minute ago, robaday said:

My boss understood the situation but didn't really offer any solutions, just told me to prioritise. I've never quit a job within six months and keep telling myself I will get on top of it, but part of the challenge I am experiencing is I have on average five hours of meetings a day, which leaves me with just three hours to do any of the technical work that got me the position in the first place. So part of the issue is given the right circumstances (full time paid hours and less meetings) I would probably be producing much better work and making a bigger dent in all of it. But as things are I feel they are unstainable.

I'm sorry to hear this. Do those meetings require any input from you? I sometimes multi-task and do other things during meetings while listening in. He may think that the technical work does indeed only take three hours or less to complete. Do you think it's because you may be new(er) to the position that you haven't yet adjusted?