New job is driving me mad

LegacyUser

I recently got a new job around 5 months ago with a small software company, and im going a bit mad. The job requires an hours commute and then a lot of travel to sites. I am not long out of college, my previous experience is from working in a shop, and about half a years work experience at a big company.

One of the biggest problems is the travel, I dont know where ill be from week to week which really makes me nervous (im a very nervous person, which is probably a big problem here). I dont like driving for extended amounts, in my opinion its the most dangerous everyday things in life, and Im constantly seeing loopers and near misses. The biggest killer is the time it eats, if I have a 3 hour drive after work I just go to bed when I get back, and if you have to do a few times during the week your free time is gone.

Then im stuck in a hotel, I do have mobile broadband and my laptop to stave off bordom and keep in contact, which is fantastic, but food is a real pain, Im kinda fussy, but eating at the hotel or locally is expensive, and is pretty unhealthy. I like milk and bread and such, but its hard to keep and prepare such things in a hotel.

I find the job itself very stressful, my previous experience was pretty easy, the company I was on placement were extremely nice and encouraging, so until now I didnt get a feel for a proper job with people chasing you for things. Like I said im pretty jumpy, and quiet around new people, but once i get used to them Im fine (unless there a particularly angry person). Of course as I am going to new places all the time, just as Im getting comfortable with people im pulled off to something else.

I also feel there is alot expected of me (i guess its a pretty normal thing), but I feel anywhere else that takes on somebody young starts them off slow, where i was sent to an abroad for few weeks at the start of the job. The work also varies from easy to hard, but when your working for customers they expect alot of you and if you dont know something your really put on the spot. As its such a small company Im alone alot. I really dont like being deceptive, but it seems part and parcel of the work, nobody wants a new guy when they pay a fortune for work to be done.

Socially i am alone in the job, there are only a few people at the office, which I am rarely at, and they are a good deal older than me (nothing i mind or anything), where as jobs I had before I worked in a team and got on well.

I would really like to get a job with less travel, but there is no doubting this is a good job advancement and money wise. I would be quite happy to take an easier job and the wage hit, but still work in the computing field, but with all the goings on I feel Im lucky to have what I got, let alone to go looking. I do see jobs listed however, and have applied to a few, with no sucess. I feel kind of trapped, and sometimes I come back hating the job and dreading the next day.

nyarlothothep

Been there. Worked in a job, long commute and hours and absolutely despised it so I left and got another better job in the same field soon after, mind you that was before the recession but regardless of whether it was then or now, my decision would end up the same inevitably, because the stress and pressure isn't worth it, and its silly to wear it like some masochistic badge of honour. My advice is to keep looking for other jobs, even ones abroad, a change of scene, better weather etc. There is a lot of panic about the global recession, that its a good idea to keep your job. I guess it probably is, depending on your situation. I would put some of the money into savings, if possible. But plan your exit strategy because there is absolutely no point being a slave to fortune and being unhappy.

Otis Driftwood

Couple of points

1.You have a job-be thankful,Id rather have a job that got on my tits than doing what Im currently doing - SFA
2.Its good for your career and good financially - Definite plus points
3.You are only there 5 months.I worked in recruitment for 2 years and the first thing a recruiter looks for is structure.A grad that leaves their first job in less than a year(unless it was a contract/placement etc) and hasnt alot of experience apart from that immediately raises red flags.There are thousands of grads looking for jobs,so again,be greatful you got one.

We've all had to do crappy jobs after graduation,its how things work so suck it up.

My advice would be stick with the job for at least a year and depending on tha market place.
I would also suggest you see a life coach/mentor for the other issues you mentioned - confidence,neediness etc

Hope this doesnt come across as overly critical but its just my honest opinion.

MagicMarker

Surely you knew what the job entailed before you accepted?

321654

Ah the job that promises so much in the ad.

Mete new people.
Make great contacts.
Opportunity to travel.

Such lies. Sounds great when you are a student, but after a few weeks of travelling, meeting new people and making contacts it gets old.

Never ever go for a job that has a description like that is all I'll say.

Stick it out and see what happens but keep you're eye out for another job in the meantime.

spongeman

I have worked in an Accountancy practice for 12 years. Every week a new place, a new challenge.


Remember :

1) There is always somebody on the end of a phone.

2) If you dont know the answer to a question theres no shame in saying
that you will get the answer.

3) Everything the previous poster said is correct. Nobody likes a quitter.

4) Even now I still encounter new things.

5) People on the dole have too much free time.

spongeman

Sorry, the poster nedtheshed was who I agreed with.