Started a new job, have no idea how to act need advice
Hi there,
I just started my first-ever job at H. Samuel as a part-time employee, and I’m struggling to adjust. I deal with severe mental health challenges and haven’t had many friends growing up, so I feel unsure about how to act or communicate properly in the workplace.
Today was my first day, and it didn’t go as well as I hoped. It was a training day where I was shown around the store and introduced to the different areas, but I didn’t know what questions to ask or how to interact with my manager.
For example, how should I respond if my manager says I’ve done something wrong, but I only made the mistake because I followed their instructions? Should I explain, “I followed what you told me, which is why I did it this way,” or is it better to just say, “Sorry, I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again”? For instance, today I wore the wrong color shirt, and my manager pointed out that it wasn’t part of the dress code. However, the dress code hadn’t been clearly explained to me before, so I didn’t realize it was a mistake. In situations like this, am I allowed to clarify or should I just apologize and move on?
I just started my first-ever job at H. Samuel as a part-time employee, and I’m struggling to adjust. I deal with severe mental health challenges and haven’t had many friends growing up, so I feel unsure about how to act or communicate properly in the workplace.
Today was my first day, and it didn’t go as well as I hoped. It was a training day where I was shown around the store and introduced to the different areas, but I didn’t know what questions to ask or how to interact with my manager.
For example, how should I respond if my manager says I’ve done something wrong, but I only made the mistake because I followed their instructions? Should I explain, “I followed what you told me, which is why I did it this way,” or is it better to just say, “Sorry, I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again”? For instance, today I wore the wrong color shirt, and my manager pointed out that it wasn’t part of the dress code. However, the dress code hadn’t been clearly explained to me before, so I didn’t realize it was a mistake. In situations like this, am I allowed to clarify or should I just apologize and move on?
Reply 1
anyone please
Reply 2
Original post
by Anonymousanyone please
Just apologize and move on. Mistakes like that aren't a big deal, especially on day 1.
Reply 3
For the dress code I may have responded by asking when I was going to be supplied with clothing that matched their dress code.
Especially if the job description didn't specify that a requirement of the job was that I already had clothing that they'd approve of.
IE they want you to wear certain coloured clothing. Why should you go out and buy that coloured clothing?
If you're following the procedures that they've given you and a manager says you'd done something wrong, I'd respond with something like "I was following procedure 4.12b, as per the manual. Are you telling me that that procedure is a load of nonsense?"
Your job at H Samuel is a rubbish job. Because you're at the bottom. And it's only a retailer. So nothing special as a place to work.
They're lucky to have you.
Any job should be a 2 way fit. You right for the job and the job right for you. If that's not the case either you should resign or they should cease your employment contract.
It may well be that you getting the sack could be the best thing that can happen to you, right now. As you would then be free to do something more enjoyable or profitable with your time.
You don't have to ask any questions on your first day. It's OK if you just listen and absorb as much as you can. You won't take it all in. Some of it will take reinforcement to absorb. Any good supervisor will know that.
But then again, try not to be intimidated. Open your mouth and speak when it's appropriate for you to do so.
As long as you try to behave in a hard working, helpful and professional manner during the hours of your employment contract, then you can hold your head high and have a clear conscience, regardless of what any customers or supervisors or co-workers say.
Do what you can to sort out or mitigate your mental health.
With this including seeing professionals on it.
As well as looking at what you eat and drink. And your exercise levels.
Especially if the job description didn't specify that a requirement of the job was that I already had clothing that they'd approve of.
IE they want you to wear certain coloured clothing. Why should you go out and buy that coloured clothing?
If you're following the procedures that they've given you and a manager says you'd done something wrong, I'd respond with something like "I was following procedure 4.12b, as per the manual. Are you telling me that that procedure is a load of nonsense?"
Your job at H Samuel is a rubbish job. Because you're at the bottom. And it's only a retailer. So nothing special as a place to work.
They're lucky to have you.
Any job should be a 2 way fit. You right for the job and the job right for you. If that's not the case either you should resign or they should cease your employment contract.
It may well be that you getting the sack could be the best thing that can happen to you, right now. As you would then be free to do something more enjoyable or profitable with your time.
You don't have to ask any questions on your first day. It's OK if you just listen and absorb as much as you can. You won't take it all in. Some of it will take reinforcement to absorb. Any good supervisor will know that.
But then again, try not to be intimidated. Open your mouth and speak when it's appropriate for you to do so.
As long as you try to behave in a hard working, helpful and professional manner during the hours of your employment contract, then you can hold your head high and have a clear conscience, regardless of what any customers or supervisors or co-workers say.
Do what you can to sort out or mitigate your mental health.
With this including seeing professionals on it.
As well as looking at what you eat and drink. And your exercise levels.
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- ex gf wants to get back together
- how do I make a comeback in year 13
- how to get a job...
- How Do You Actually Get Into a Relationship?
- Just changed what I want to do for uni entirely - is it too late??
- GCSE Drama devising log
- What to do?
- Career and life advice
- One thing I wished I knew before starting University
- gap year jobs that start in sept. suggestions?
- ADVICE NEEDED - LAW russel group
- What are your post-exam summer plans?
- First year in uni already struggling.
- So lonely at Oxford uni - how much alone time is normal a day? how to be happier?
- Qualified Lawyers Assessment
- Do I need to memorise for my law degree? Feeling really lost since starting uni
- Should I become a manager at my work while studying at Uni?
- can somebody please give advice on how i can improve my english essay?
- LAMDA GRADE 6 help and advice
- Overwhelmed by Uni Assignments
Latest
Trending
Last reply 2 months ago
Am I the only one who hates holidays especially the summer holidays?Last reply 3 months ago
Anyone else been out of work for 9 years in a row?Last reply 3 months ago
How do I tell my instructor I don't want lessons with her anymore?Last reply 4 months ago
How do I tell my best friend I've purchased a flat on her parents road?Last reply 4 months ago
Why life isn't over when things don't go exactly as planned. (Uni)Last reply 4 months ago
For those who need a bit of motivation (about anything but A-Levels mostly)Articles for you
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
