I’m Struggling with My New Job, and I'm Afraid I'm Not Picking up Everything Quickly

Your Corporate Black Girl

Dear Nikki, 

I’m struggling with my new job. I’ve been working there for almost three months. I’m still learning my job responsibilities, but I’m afraid that my managers expect for me to pick up everything quickly.

I gave up a lot for this job, and I’m worried that I didn’t make the right decision.

Entry-Level

Hampton, Virginia

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This is always a little bit tricky...

Nikki: 

Are your managers doing something that makes you feel like you're not meeting their expectations?  Are you having regular meetings with your manager(s) discussing your progress and the role in general?  

You've been there 3 months now and this is usually the time when human resources will reach out to do a 90-day review with you.  If they haven't done this yet, it may be a good time to reach out to them to discuss the issues you're experiencing to get their idea of proper steps you should take.

You're going to have to "manage up". If you feel comfortable with your manager(s), I would suggest putting one meeting together on their calendar to discuss the role, their expectations, and your progress.  

From there, you can not only set the tone for future discussions but also be in a position to set the pace-setting expectations and communicating milestones. 

The goal here is to:

  • Set the standard for how they can help you be successful in your new role.

  • Ask for what you need from them.

  • Ask for regular feedback. This can done in those periodic (weekly, biweekly, monthly) one on one's.

Depending on your team dynamics and your managers' experience as being a people manager, if they have good resources for managing people etc will determine how they'll interact with you but taking these steps will ensure that you're in control.

Good luck!

Nikki Davis

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NIKKI

Your curly girl manager, just trying to live her happiest life! 

Wife, new mom, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. with 11 years industry experience, 6 years of management experience. Manager a team of men in a male dominant industry, while being the only woman on the team. DIY fashion blogger, a self taught seamstress. Owner/Creator of a monthly subscription service, SewConscious.com. 

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