New job regret

[bravojohn]

I started a new job beginning of December...and honestly I'm unsure if this position will be good to me in the long run.

1. My position is tremendously specialised and as a result I require unique software. I put in my software requests on my first day, and since then it's just been a waiting game. A month essentially. No amount of follow-up and asking seems to help it gain traction. Now, on the other hand, my Manager is starting to want to see delivery, but, even outlining to her that I'm not winning with the software, doesn't prompt her to offer support or assist me in making progress in this regard. I am concerned as my probation ends in two months, and at this rate I can see myself missing deadlines already. On top of that it's an hour commute each way daily, to sit and stare at my pc while I wait.

2. I get this feeling, in our interactions, that my Manager isn't too fond of me. We've had two less-than-ideal interactions since I started
One was about the software issue above, with her seemingly not understanding what the problem is (irate but offering zero support). 
The second about a in-person meeting she set up to introduce me to some colleagues. Day of the meeting she isn't in office so I reach out to her to ask if I can maybe dial her into the session virtually (mostly a friendly gesture, but also as I had no clue who I was meeting and have never met them before, thinking she could maybe just facilitate the introductions). She responded saying that it was my responsibility to meet with them in person, alluding to it that I should not be involving her. This of course made me feel beyond stupid, and like she was treating me like a child. I'm 42 for goodness sake, coming from one of the biggest consulting firms in the planet. I know how to attend a meeting, but seeing as I am new, some proper intros would have been appreciated.

Considering the above I am really thinking of maybe pulling the plug on this career move. I am committed to delivering what they want but if they can't even sort something simple like a software request in a reasonable time (not a month +), I foresee problems. On top of that my Managers attitide isn't pleasant and I have a feeling it could get worse in future. 
I have an opportunity to return to my previous employer, but will have to start discussions ASAP. It'll be sad as my new job offers substantial higher salary and excellent perks, but I considering the above, I'm not even remotely excited about the future here. 

Thoughts? 
 

[basil67]

Were you hired as an employee or a consultant?  

[bravojohn]

37 minutes ago, basil67 said:

Were you hired as an employee or a consultant?  

Employee

[glows]

Is that exact software you’ve put a request in critical to doing this particular job that you’ve been hired to do? Are you given any software to work with at all now presently? 

I’m asking as you’ve told this to us as if the job is not possible at all right now. Are you able to still get some work done with older or outdated software for example? 

Anytime you join a new company think of it as wiping the slate clean and lowering your expectations. People don’t know you. Your manager doesn’t deem it important for intros. You may have been a big deal at your last company but you’re a regular guy here. If that offends you easily then go back to your old company. I happen to think this is excellent for personal growth. I wouldn’t hang onto this if you truly want the opportunity. If you don’t I’m sure someone else wants it much more and will take your place gladly. 
 

[bravojohn]

41 minutes ago, glows said:

Is that exact software you’ve put a request in critical to doing this particular job that you’ve been hired to do? Are you given any software to work with at all now presently? 

I’m asking as you’ve told this to us as if the job is not possible at all right now. Are you able to still get some work done with older or outdated software for example? 

Anytime you join a new company think of it as wiping the slate clean and lowering your expectations. People don’t know you. Your manager doesn’t deem it important for intros. You may have been a big deal at your last company but you’re a regular guy here. If that offends you easily then go back to your old company. I happen to think this is excellent for personal growth. I wouldn’t hang onto this if you truly want the opportunity. If you don’t I’m sure someone else wants it much more and will take your place gladly. 
 

I cannot do a stitch of work without the requested software, no. I had a session scheduled with my Manager today to raise my concerns again which she canceled last minute. My concern in this regard, as mentioned, is that Management is starting to prod for delivery of the first batches of deliverables, yet, there's no reasonable way this is possible considering the current constraints and lack of support. They're well aware of this. No matter who I speak to, everyone has excuses. 

I never alluded to being a big deal, more towards that I come from a professional environment where things worked a little differently. I do know that this is a new environment and I also need to adapt, but, treating a new hire poorly cos of a process issue which wasn't clear to begin with isn't acceptable either, and in my view a red flag. I've dealt a large portion of my earlier career with poor Management who threw others under the bus and I'm thinking that all the goings on here is pointing towards the same on the horizon. I can't afford to be a casualty of their process issues either. Work in my line is very scarce. 

[glows]

I agree it’s time to cut your losses if you are not able to do the job. That’s the main issue and very frustrating. 

Cancelling meetings without a reschedule or ever executing those meetings effectively (not wasting time and putting it in an email instead) is poor management. Who does she report to or who hired you? She may be one foot out the door herself, about to be let go or planning to leave as well - disinterest and lack of support.

Edited January 3, 2023 by glows

[Johnjohnson2017]

When they hired you, they should have known your work requires that particular software, I assume. Even if they hire someone else, they would need that software too. 

I would look for another job. 

[ShyViolet]

If you know it's a bad job and you don't want to stay there, it's best to leave as soon as possible.  Or else you would have too big of a gap on your resume.

[Eternal Sunshine]

It all depends on what's your past track record. If your last few jobs are under 2 years each (not including contracts), then leaving so early will just add to a string of red flags for the next job.

Also things can change quickly. For example, your manager could resign and you would have a completely different situation. BTW, I doubt anyone would really force you to deliver something without access to the right software/tools.

[salparadise]

On 1/3/2023 at 11:45 AM, bravojohn said:

My concern in this regard, as mentioned, is that Management is starting to prod for delivery of the first batches of deliverables, yet, there's no reasonable way this is possible considering the current constraints and lack of support. They're well aware of this. No matter who I speak to, everyone has excuses. 

Isn't it strange how dysfunctional companies can be –– hire a new person and put them under pressure to deliver while denying them essential software at the same time; Since the manager seems to be unsupportive there isn't much you can do. I think you need to get out of there quickly. It would be a shame to have to go back to the same job, but that's probably better than waiting for the other shoe to drop at the new job. If this is the only way out, move fast before the window of opportunity closes.

[Acacia98]

On 1/3/2023 at 12:54 PM, bravojohn said:

I have an opportunity to return to my previous employer, but will have to start discussions ASAP. It'll be sad as my new job offers substantial higher salary and excellent perks, but I considering the above, I'm not even remotely excited about the future here. 

Thoughts? 
 

The level of dysfunction you're experiencing tends to lead to crisis, and you may find yourself being scapegoated when that happens. I think an exit plan is a good idea. 

[JTSW]

On 1/3/2023 at 9:54 AM, bravojohn said:

I have an opportunity to return to my previous employer, but will have to start discussions ASAP. It'll be sad as my new job offers substantial higher salary and excellent perks, but I considering the above, I'm not even remotely excited about the future here. 

Thoughts? 

Do this!

Don't stay where you are unhappy and clearly being set up to fail.

Nothing will improve. In fact it will just get worse.

Going back to a previous employment may be a drop in salary but that's better than having your mental heath affected by people who want to see you fail.