Software Industry - is this normal to feel lost in first month?

I've been working with software development for nearly 3 years, but always in small companies with 6 employees at most. In Dec 2018, I started working in a big company and I'm still feeling completely lost.

When I started, no one told me who my manager was or what project I'll be working on. I started with configuring my computer before asking who my manager was, what I'll do etc.

When my manager finally shows up, he told me that I won't work on external projects for now, but when this happens here, they ask the employees to work on an internal project. I finished all my tasks in about 2 days, which was 1 week ago, and since then I, again, don't have any work to do.

I sent a message to my manager this morning to ask for more work, including suggesting new things. But I think he's on vacation.

I don't know if what I'm doing in the meantime is correct e.g. studying. It's really annoying to me to be just sit here and be useless.

What do you all recommend that I do with my time?

EDIT

I was studying yesterday and I found something that I like to implement in this internal project that I was working before. So I think this could be productive for me today. My plan is, when I finish this, to send an e-mail to my manager's boss, who interviewed me, and ask about what's happening and what the plans for me are.

EDIT 2

I sent the e-mail to my manager's boss, and I tried to be diplomatic in saying that I don't want to go over anyone's head, but my manager is on vacation this week and I don't have anything to do. I think he'll answer tomorrow (I hope), because its almost 6 PM.

FINISH EDIT

My manager's boss called me today, to have a chat about my email that I sent yesterday. On my email I told about another skills who could be useful for the company, and I could help when I'm without any task and my desire to learn new technologies too. He will give me a MacBook to help in another projects with iOS development, I'm a Android developer with some XP in iOS, to help in a project.

He have told me about that internal project, my manager didnt give me permission to see the tasks so he gave me now and I will implement the new features.
He was very understanding about my email, and the fact about to be able to work with another technologies too make me feel happy.

edited Jan 4 at 13:40

asked Jan 2 at 17:44

LMaker

4491213

178

I'm 30 years into it, I'll let you know when that feeling changes.

– Richard U
Jan 2 at 18:04

75

I answer questions on StackExchange in my free time...

– jcmack
Jan 2 at 19:01

14

PS your English is better than the vast majority of native English speakers.

– Fattie
Jan 2 at 22:28

2

BTW, your English is fine. :)

– Barmar
Jan 2 at 22:43

10

With all due respect to English language learners, I don't think it's a good idea to tell OP their English was great when you're looking at the already-edited post. Original text was pretty rough.

– thumbtackthief
Jan 3 at 17:29

|
show 16 more comments

When I started, no one told me who my manager was or what project I'll be working on. I started with configuring my computer before asking who my manager was, what I'll do etc.

I sent a message to my manager this morning to ask for more work, including suggesting new things. But I think he's on vacation.

I don't know if what I'm doing in the meantime is correct e.g. studying. It's really annoying to me to be just sit here and be useless.

What do you all recommend that I do with my time?

EDIT

EDIT 2

FINISH EDIT

edited Jan 4 at 13:40

asked Jan 2 at 17:44

LMaker

4491213

178

I'm 30 years into it, I'll let you know when that feeling changes.

– Richard U
Jan 2 at 18:04

75

I answer questions on StackExchange in my free time...

– jcmack
Jan 2 at 19:01

14

PS your English is better than the vast majority of native English speakers.

– Fattie
Jan 2 at 22:28

2

BTW, your English is fine. :)

– Barmar
Jan 2 at 22:43

10

With all due respect to English language learners, I don't think it's a good idea to tell OP their English was great when you're looking at the already-edited post. Original text was pretty rough.

– thumbtackthief
Jan 3 at 17:29

|
show 16 more comments

When I started, no one told me who my manager was or what project I'll be working on. I started with configuring my computer before asking who my manager was, what I'll do etc.

I sent a message to my manager this morning to ask for more work, including suggesting new things. But I think he's on vacation.

I don't know if what I'm doing in the meantime is correct e.g. studying. It's really annoying to me to be just sit here and be useless.

What do you all recommend that I do with my time?

EDIT

EDIT 2

FINISH EDIT

edited Jan 4 at 13:40

asked Jan 2 at 17:44

LMaker

4491213

When I started, no one told me who my manager was or what project I'll be working on. I started with configuring my computer before asking who my manager was, what I'll do etc.

I sent a message to my manager this morning to ask for more work, including suggesting new things. But I think he's on vacation.

I don't know if what I'm doing in the meantime is correct e.g. studying. It's really annoying to me to be just sit here and be useless.

What do you all recommend that I do with my time?

EDIT

EDIT 2

FINISH EDIT

software-industry management software-development developer

edited Jan 4 at 13:40

asked Jan 2 at 17:44

LMaker

4491213

edited Jan 4 at 13:40

asked Jan 2 at 17:44

LMaker

4491213

edited Jan 4 at 13:40

asked Jan 2 at 17:44

LMaker

4491213

asked Jan 2 at 17:44

LMaker

4491213

asked Jan 2 at 17:44

LMaker

4491213

178

I'm 30 years into it, I'll let you know when that feeling changes.

– Richard U
Jan 2 at 18:04

75

I answer questions on StackExchange in my free time...

– jcmack
Jan 2 at 19:01

14

PS your English is better than the vast majority of native English speakers.

– Fattie
Jan 2 at 22:28

2

BTW, your English is fine. :)

– Barmar
Jan 2 at 22:43

10

With all due respect to English language learners, I don't think it's a good idea to tell OP their English was great when you're looking at the already-edited post. Original text was pretty rough.

– thumbtackthief
Jan 3 at 17:29

|
show 16 more comments

178

I'm 30 years into it, I'll let you know when that feeling changes.

– Richard U
Jan 2 at 18:04

75

I answer questions on StackExchange in my free time...

– jcmack
Jan 2 at 19:01

14

PS your English is better than the vast majority of native English speakers.

– Fattie
Jan 2 at 22:28

2

BTW, your English is fine. :)

– Barmar
Jan 2 at 22:43

10

With all due respect to English language learners, I don't think it's a good idea to tell OP their English was great when you're looking at the already-edited post. Original text was pretty rough.

– thumbtackthief
Jan 3 at 17:29

178

I'm 30 years into it, I'll let you know when that feeling changes.

– Richard U
Jan 2 at 18:04

I answer questions on StackExchange in my free time...

– jcmack
Jan 2 at 19:01

PS your English is better than the vast majority of native English speakers.

– Fattie
Jan 2 at 22:28

BTW, your English is fine. :)

– Barmar
Jan 2 at 22:43

With all due respect to English language learners, I don't think it's a good idea to tell OP their English was great when you're looking at the already-edited post. Original text was pretty rough.

– thumbtackthief
Jan 3 at 17:29

|
show 16 more comments

8 Answers
8

active

oldest

votes

It's completely normal to feel lost as a new job the first month

It sounds like you're doing the right thing

Waiting, studying in this free time, and looking for be busy

Keep studying. You will get better.

A few things I do when I start a new job/project

1) Spend personal time reading a book on their technology stack

2) Volunteer for grunt work that will show me more of the system

3) Find a mentor on the team I can go to for help

answered Jan 2 at 18:26

sevensevens

10.5k32439

9

What annoying me its no one have spoke with me or something, maybe they were more interesting in their vacation

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:33

53

@LMaker To be honest, you might be right about people being more interested in their vacations. Most white-collar businesses get pretty quiet in late December as most employees go on Christmas vacation. Now that the holiday season is over, I predict that you'll find things become a lot more lively - and it will be easier to get the onboarding help you need.

– Kevin
Jan 2 at 23:00

2

Learn as much as you can about the business and the product/s.

– Criggie
Jan 2 at 23:26

1

@Kevin Indeed. I ended up being the only person on my entire floor for a week when I was an intern at an oil & gas company. Taking a solid vacation and completely turning off your phone was a big perk of that particular large corporate lifestyle.

– mbrig
Jan 2 at 23:45

+1 for find a mentor. To expand, I would definitely talk with other team members if you don't have tasks from your manager. They may have things you can help with or at least validate what you're doing with the down time

– aw04
Jan 3 at 1:20

|
show 2 more comments

Some level of feeling lost is normal. But most of what you're going trough is probably related to starting right before the company semi-shut down for the holidays. I'd expect a return to something normalish by next week since even people who burned 2 weeks of time off via Christmas and New Years weeks should be back in the office.

That said, it's still not a good situation for them to have put you in. You shouldn't've been given a mid-December start date without someone committing to be at least minimally available at a level to keep you from being totally unproductive. If nothing else, saying something on the line of "if you finish your first batch of project XYZ tasks, the general backlog is here, feel free to skim off anything that looks obviously valid and which would be appears to be straightforward to implement." Generally this means minor cosmetic issues and quality of life improvements that don't require changing back end logic.

What's done is done though. In the meantime, I'd suggest trying to find anyone involved in the project you did a few days work on, and ask if there's anything else you could do to help them out.

Failing that, if you know where the backlog is, you could still look for other simple tasks. Alternately studying/practicing with the tech stack you'll be using so that when your manager is back in the office you'll be better placed for whatever you are assigned.

edited Jan 3 at 20:17

Kat

2,73221218

answered Jan 2 at 18:37

Dan Neely

3,55811630

3

exacly what I think! Look, I've received R$1700 for have worked for 2/3 days, tbh. Its a Junior Dev wage for a month. "Oh, but you received so much money to be there doing nothing". I dont feel comfortable with that, really.

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:47

If I read the OP correctly, he's been there for 6 months. If I'm correct, his problem is much deeper than the firm being 'semi-shut' for the holidays.

– dan.m was user2321368
Jan 2 at 19:01

@dan.mwasuser2321368 nah, I'm here for less than 1 month

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:02

3

I've worked Software Development at a few big companies, and not one of them has had a "general backlog" pool of work that developers could just dip into on their own initiative. I once got chewed out because a manager (incorrectly) thought I'd picked a new task for myself while he was on vacation without talking to a more senior engineer about it.

– T.E.D.
Jan 2 at 22:53

1

@LMaker you shouldn't feel bad, they screwed up.

– DonQuiKong
Jan 4 at 6:26

|
show 1 more comment

Relatively new employees (and I include someone with 3 years experience in this category) often think that their manager(s) have "super powers" - that their managers always know what they are working on, how busy they are, how much work they have left, etc. Anyone who has ever been in the manager's chair, though, knows that this is far from the truth.

New employees also think that they shouldn't bother their manager, or keep him/her informed of their status, where they are having problem, etc. This is also very far from the truth.

The best way to be successful at work is to establish a good, open, dialogue with your manager, so that you know what is expected of you, and so that he/she can learn what you are strong with, where you need support, etc. You cannot be successful without this, and your manager cannot be successful unless you are.

Now that the holidays are over, ask to have a meeting with your manager, and ask to have her fully explain what your responsibilities are, what her priorities are, whom you should be working with, how and from whom you should seek assistance, etc. Most importantly, establish a regular meeting with your manager (I recommend weekly) so that you can keep each other in touch.

edited Jan 2 at 20:52

answered Jan 2 at 19:14

dan.m was user2321368

4095

Thanks for your advice mate, I always try to give feedbacks to my manager. Its like "Who is not seen is not remembered"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:16

1

I think in english is something like "out of sight, out of mind"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:17

2

It's sometimes the case at big companies that when a team is 'in the weeds' that they will be 'given' new team members to help. The problem is that the last thing a team needs when they are behind is to have to bring a new team member up to speed. This is a bad situation for all involved and it might be what you've been dropped into. Ask your manager if there are some low-priority defects or technical debt items that you can address without slowing anyone down significantly. This will keep you busy and help you become a contributor.

– JimmyJames
Jan 2 at 22:33

^ That is known as Brook's Law.

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:30

Of course it is true that manager don't see all and know all, but new employees coming on-line always call for attention. If LMaker's normal manager was going to be unavailable he should have delegated the problem of getting LMaker up to speed (this would be a good opportunity to give someone else on the team some mentoring/managing experience, too).

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:34

add a comment |

It could be the time of the year.

As said by Kevin in comments, Most of the IT companies go quiet during the month of December. This is particularly true if your company is located in America or Europe or Australia.

Don't judge the work load and it's nature from a single month.

I used to work in a project which will have zero tasks when the clients are in vacation and will have peak work load for certain months. The tasks and work load will not be always even. You could ask your co-workers about it.

During such time we will be spending time on internal projects, learning, documenting, experimenting with new technologies, etc...

Since you are a new employee here you could spend your time on learning about the project you will be working on.

edited Jan 3 at 5:22

answered Jan 3 at 5:04

Kolappan Nathan

1514

add a comment |

One piece of advice that has always stuck with me came from an old director of mine. She was an excellent manager. She said: Work tends to gravitate towards capable people. When I started in a large company I felt the exact same way, I was fortunately paired up with one of these capable people who had more than enough to do and he could hand me work.

I can also echo the statements here to spend the first few weeks learning as much as u can it will likely not be so easy going after you get your assignments =)

Best of luck!

answered Jan 3 at 12:52

JPK

381311

add a comment |

You seem to be employed in an oursourcing company. They do not have own projects which you can checkout and start hacking from day one. First they need to "sell" you to a customer company and establish a contract. Before they do it they don't get money for your work and you don't have access to customer's data so you might be useless whatever you do.

It is not exceptional that you have to wait for a month, especially during holiday peroid.

So you can relax and do whatever is not a total waste of time. In most cases it is some learning. You could start some project but I'm not sure you should commit too hard to it. Probably this situation will not ever happen again in this company, so you won't be able to continue what you started.

answered Jan 3 at 8:08

max630

1963

add a comment |

For my second job, I went from a small company to a big company after 4 years. I felt lost for months. I know how to do my job but it felt like pulling teeth to get some direction and tasking. Everyone was too busy and the company itself was so slow to get accounts ready and other administrative things.

When I started my first job at a much smaller company I had a lot more oversight and more direction which helped prevent me from feeling lost. In a big company its much more likely for helping a new person startup to be a low priority, unless they setup a good system. Don't stress about it just keep asking for help when you need it.

answered Jan 3 at 18:56

Chris

20713

Exacly! I know they have their own work but I think its important for the company to help new employees AFAP. They paid me a good money to days when I didnt do anything

– LMaker
Jan 3 at 19:04

The problem with a lot of companies is it costs money to setup a good process for onboarding new employees as well as having current employees spending time helping them. This is a cost now with a benefit in the future and that can be hard to get approved.

– Chris
Jan 3 at 22:20

add a comment |

I have found though 15 years experience that the workplace is what you make it. The role you are in should allow you freedom to express your self. Take this freedom. You might not get it with a more autocratic manager. Use this freedom to show others how good you are and what you can do. People will respect this.

I had a similar experience with a role. It took me a week just to get a network password and another week to get access to all the systems that I needed. This is normal. At that point I spent the best part of a month studying the code and reading about their technology stack.

During this time I discovered a number of places where solutions where suboptimal and could be improved. I took it upon my self to gather feedback on pain points from stakeholders of the system who where working with it each day. I asked questions like "Why is the system like this?" and "What where the original design considerations?". With that feedback and my newly gathered technical knowledge of the system I was able to make a number of technical improvements. Other members of the department where grateful and that work directly helped operations run more smoothly.

Here is the situation you are most likely facing: No one knows or understands your skills. No one knows that you can offer value. This is common place in big organisations. You need to demonstrate your value though action. The responsibility is on you not your manager. When you do that all the feelings you describe will fade very quickly. Trust me, I have been there.

edited Jan 10 at 23:46

answered Jan 3 at 2:32

Stewart

1212

"I took it upon my self to improve them." So long as your initiative is balanced with the principle of Chesterton's Fence. Get the balance wrong, and you'll be seen as meddling in systems you don't understand. Particularly important for junior developers.

– Max Barraclough
Jan 5 at 22:19

Good point @MaxBarraclough. However I did not make that part clear in my original answer. I have updated it now.

– Stewart
Jan 10 at 23:47

add a comment |

Your Answer

StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "423"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);

StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});

function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: false,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});

}
});

draft saved

draft discarded

Sign up or log in

StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fworkplace.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f125707%2fsoftware-industry-is-this-normal-to-feel-lost-in-first-month%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

StackExchange.ready(function () {
$("#show-editor-button input, #show-editor-button button").click(function () {
var showEditor = function() {
$("#show-editor-button").hide();
$("#post-form").removeClass("dno");
StackExchange.editor.finallyInit();
};

var useFancy = $(this).data('confirm-use-fancy');
if(useFancy == 'True') {
var popupTitle = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-title');
var popupBody = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-body');
var popupAccept = $(this).data('confirm-fancy-accept-button');

$(this).loadPopup({
url: '/post/self-answer-popup',
loaded: function(popup) {
var pTitle = $(popup).find('h2');
var pBody = $(popup).find('.popup-body');
var pSubmit = $(popup).find('.popup-submit');

pTitle.text(popupTitle);
pBody.html(popupBody);
pSubmit.val(popupAccept).click(showEditor);
}
})
} else{
var confirmText = $(this).data('confirm-text');
if (confirmText ? confirm(confirmText) : true) {
showEditor();
}
}
});
});

8 Answers
8

active

oldest

votes

8 Answers
8

active

oldest

votes

It's completely normal to feel lost as a new job the first month

It sounds like you're doing the right thing

Waiting, studying in this free time, and looking for be busy

Keep studying. You will get better.

A few things I do when I start a new job/project

1) Spend personal time reading a book on their technology stack

2) Volunteer for grunt work that will show me more of the system

3) Find a mentor on the team I can go to for help

answered Jan 2 at 18:26

sevensevens

10.5k32439

9

What annoying me its no one have spoke with me or something, maybe they were more interesting in their vacation

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:33

53

@LMaker To be honest, you might be right about people being more interested in their vacations. Most white-collar businesses get pretty quiet in late December as most employees go on Christmas vacation. Now that the holiday season is over, I predict that you'll find things become a lot more lively - and it will be easier to get the onboarding help you need.

– Kevin
Jan 2 at 23:00

2

Learn as much as you can about the business and the product/s.

– Criggie
Jan 2 at 23:26

1

@Kevin Indeed. I ended up being the only person on my entire floor for a week when I was an intern at an oil & gas company. Taking a solid vacation and completely turning off your phone was a big perk of that particular large corporate lifestyle.

– mbrig
Jan 2 at 23:45

+1 for find a mentor. To expand, I would definitely talk with other team members if you don't have tasks from your manager. They may have things you can help with or at least validate what you're doing with the down time

– aw04
Jan 3 at 1:20

|
show 2 more comments

It's completely normal to feel lost as a new job the first month

It sounds like you're doing the right thing

Waiting, studying in this free time, and looking for be busy

Keep studying. You will get better.

A few things I do when I start a new job/project

1) Spend personal time reading a book on their technology stack

2) Volunteer for grunt work that will show me more of the system

3) Find a mentor on the team I can go to for help

answered Jan 2 at 18:26

sevensevens

10.5k32439

9

What annoying me its no one have spoke with me or something, maybe they were more interesting in their vacation

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:33

53

@LMaker To be honest, you might be right about people being more interested in their vacations. Most white-collar businesses get pretty quiet in late December as most employees go on Christmas vacation. Now that the holiday season is over, I predict that you'll find things become a lot more lively - and it will be easier to get the onboarding help you need.

– Kevin
Jan 2 at 23:00

2

Learn as much as you can about the business and the product/s.

– Criggie
Jan 2 at 23:26

1

@Kevin Indeed. I ended up being the only person on my entire floor for a week when I was an intern at an oil & gas company. Taking a solid vacation and completely turning off your phone was a big perk of that particular large corporate lifestyle.

– mbrig
Jan 2 at 23:45

+1 for find a mentor. To expand, I would definitely talk with other team members if you don't have tasks from your manager. They may have things you can help with or at least validate what you're doing with the down time

– aw04
Jan 3 at 1:20

|
show 2 more comments

It's completely normal to feel lost as a new job the first month

It sounds like you're doing the right thing

Waiting, studying in this free time, and looking for be busy

Keep studying. You will get better.

A few things I do when I start a new job/project

1) Spend personal time reading a book on their technology stack

2) Volunteer for grunt work that will show me more of the system

3) Find a mentor on the team I can go to for help

answered Jan 2 at 18:26

sevensevens

10.5k32439

It's completely normal to feel lost as a new job the first month

It sounds like you're doing the right thing

Waiting, studying in this free time, and looking for be busy

Keep studying. You will get better.

A few things I do when I start a new job/project

1) Spend personal time reading a book on their technology stack

2) Volunteer for grunt work that will show me more of the system

3) Find a mentor on the team I can go to for help

answered Jan 2 at 18:26

sevensevens

10.5k32439

answered Jan 2 at 18:26

sevensevens

10.5k32439

answered Jan 2 at 18:26

sevensevens

10.5k32439

answered Jan 2 at 18:26

sevensevens

10.5k32439

9

What annoying me its no one have spoke with me or something, maybe they were more interesting in their vacation

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:33

53

@LMaker To be honest, you might be right about people being more interested in their vacations. Most white-collar businesses get pretty quiet in late December as most employees go on Christmas vacation. Now that the holiday season is over, I predict that you'll find things become a lot more lively - and it will be easier to get the onboarding help you need.

– Kevin
Jan 2 at 23:00

2

Learn as much as you can about the business and the product/s.

– Criggie
Jan 2 at 23:26

1

@Kevin Indeed. I ended up being the only person on my entire floor for a week when I was an intern at an oil & gas company. Taking a solid vacation and completely turning off your phone was a big perk of that particular large corporate lifestyle.

– mbrig
Jan 2 at 23:45

+1 for find a mentor. To expand, I would definitely talk with other team members if you don't have tasks from your manager. They may have things you can help with or at least validate what you're doing with the down time

– aw04
Jan 3 at 1:20

|
show 2 more comments

9

What annoying me its no one have spoke with me or something, maybe they were more interesting in their vacation

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:33

53

@LMaker To be honest, you might be right about people being more interested in their vacations. Most white-collar businesses get pretty quiet in late December as most employees go on Christmas vacation. Now that the holiday season is over, I predict that you'll find things become a lot more lively - and it will be easier to get the onboarding help you need.

– Kevin
Jan 2 at 23:00

2

Learn as much as you can about the business and the product/s.

– Criggie
Jan 2 at 23:26

1

@Kevin Indeed. I ended up being the only person on my entire floor for a week when I was an intern at an oil & gas company. Taking a solid vacation and completely turning off your phone was a big perk of that particular large corporate lifestyle.

– mbrig
Jan 2 at 23:45

+1 for find a mentor. To expand, I would definitely talk with other team members if you don't have tasks from your manager. They may have things you can help with or at least validate what you're doing with the down time

– aw04
Jan 3 at 1:20

What annoying me its no one have spoke with me or something, maybe they were more interesting in their vacation

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:33

@LMaker To be honest, you might be right about people being more interested in their vacations. Most white-collar businesses get pretty quiet in late December as most employees go on Christmas vacation. Now that the holiday season is over, I predict that you'll find things become a lot more lively - and it will be easier to get the onboarding help you need.

– Kevin
Jan 2 at 23:00

Learn as much as you can about the business and the product/s.

– Criggie
Jan 2 at 23:26

@Kevin Indeed. I ended up being the only person on my entire floor for a week when I was an intern at an oil & gas company. Taking a solid vacation and completely turning off your phone was a big perk of that particular large corporate lifestyle.

– mbrig
Jan 2 at 23:45

+1 for find a mentor. To expand, I would definitely talk with other team members if you don't have tasks from your manager. They may have things you can help with or at least validate what you're doing with the down time

– aw04
Jan 3 at 1:20

|
show 2 more comments

What's done is done though. In the meantime, I'd suggest trying to find anyone involved in the project you did a few days work on, and ask if there's anything else you could do to help them out.

edited Jan 3 at 20:17

Kat

2,73221218

answered Jan 2 at 18:37

Dan Neely

3,55811630

3

exacly what I think! Look, I've received R$1700 for have worked for 2/3 days, tbh. Its a Junior Dev wage for a month. "Oh, but you received so much money to be there doing nothing". I dont feel comfortable with that, really.

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:47

If I read the OP correctly, he's been there for 6 months. If I'm correct, his problem is much deeper than the firm being 'semi-shut' for the holidays.

– dan.m was user2321368
Jan 2 at 19:01

@dan.mwasuser2321368 nah, I'm here for less than 1 month

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:02

3

I've worked Software Development at a few big companies, and not one of them has had a "general backlog" pool of work that developers could just dip into on their own initiative. I once got chewed out because a manager (incorrectly) thought I'd picked a new task for myself while he was on vacation without talking to a more senior engineer about it.

– T.E.D.
Jan 2 at 22:53

1

@LMaker you shouldn't feel bad, they screwed up.

– DonQuiKong
Jan 4 at 6:26

|
show 1 more comment

What's done is done though. In the meantime, I'd suggest trying to find anyone involved in the project you did a few days work on, and ask if there's anything else you could do to help them out.

edited Jan 3 at 20:17

Kat

2,73221218

answered Jan 2 at 18:37

Dan Neely

3,55811630

3

exacly what I think! Look, I've received R$1700 for have worked for 2/3 days, tbh. Its a Junior Dev wage for a month. "Oh, but you received so much money to be there doing nothing". I dont feel comfortable with that, really.

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:47

If I read the OP correctly, he's been there for 6 months. If I'm correct, his problem is much deeper than the firm being 'semi-shut' for the holidays.

– dan.m was user2321368
Jan 2 at 19:01

@dan.mwasuser2321368 nah, I'm here for less than 1 month

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:02

3

I've worked Software Development at a few big companies, and not one of them has had a "general backlog" pool of work that developers could just dip into on their own initiative. I once got chewed out because a manager (incorrectly) thought I'd picked a new task for myself while he was on vacation without talking to a more senior engineer about it.

– T.E.D.
Jan 2 at 22:53

1

@LMaker you shouldn't feel bad, they screwed up.

– DonQuiKong
Jan 4 at 6:26

|
show 1 more comment

What's done is done though. In the meantime, I'd suggest trying to find anyone involved in the project you did a few days work on, and ask if there's anything else you could do to help them out.

edited Jan 3 at 20:17

Kat

2,73221218

answered Jan 2 at 18:37

Dan Neely

3,55811630

What's done is done though. In the meantime, I'd suggest trying to find anyone involved in the project you did a few days work on, and ask if there's anything else you could do to help them out.

edited Jan 3 at 20:17

Kat

2,73221218

answered Jan 2 at 18:37

Dan Neely

3,55811630

edited Jan 3 at 20:17

Kat

2,73221218

edited Jan 3 at 20:17

Kat

2,73221218

edited Jan 3 at 20:17

Kat

2,73221218

answered Jan 2 at 18:37

Dan Neely

3,55811630

answered Jan 2 at 18:37

Dan Neely

3,55811630

answered Jan 2 at 18:37

Dan Neely

3,55811630

3

exacly what I think! Look, I've received R$1700 for have worked for 2/3 days, tbh. Its a Junior Dev wage for a month. "Oh, but you received so much money to be there doing nothing". I dont feel comfortable with that, really.

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:47

If I read the OP correctly, he's been there for 6 months. If I'm correct, his problem is much deeper than the firm being 'semi-shut' for the holidays.

– dan.m was user2321368
Jan 2 at 19:01

@dan.mwasuser2321368 nah, I'm here for less than 1 month

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:02

3

I've worked Software Development at a few big companies, and not one of them has had a "general backlog" pool of work that developers could just dip into on their own initiative. I once got chewed out because a manager (incorrectly) thought I'd picked a new task for myself while he was on vacation without talking to a more senior engineer about it.

– T.E.D.
Jan 2 at 22:53

1

@LMaker you shouldn't feel bad, they screwed up.

– DonQuiKong
Jan 4 at 6:26

|
show 1 more comment

3

exacly what I think! Look, I've received R$1700 for have worked for 2/3 days, tbh. Its a Junior Dev wage for a month. "Oh, but you received so much money to be there doing nothing". I dont feel comfortable with that, really.

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:47

If I read the OP correctly, he's been there for 6 months. If I'm correct, his problem is much deeper than the firm being 'semi-shut' for the holidays.

– dan.m was user2321368
Jan 2 at 19:01

@dan.mwasuser2321368 nah, I'm here for less than 1 month

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:02

3

I've worked Software Development at a few big companies, and not one of them has had a "general backlog" pool of work that developers could just dip into on their own initiative. I once got chewed out because a manager (incorrectly) thought I'd picked a new task for myself while he was on vacation without talking to a more senior engineer about it.

– T.E.D.
Jan 2 at 22:53

1

@LMaker you shouldn't feel bad, they screwed up.

– DonQuiKong
Jan 4 at 6:26

exacly what I think! Look, I've received R$1700 for have worked for 2/3 days, tbh. Its a Junior Dev wage for a month. "Oh, but you received so much money to be there doing nothing". I dont feel comfortable with that, really.

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 18:47

If I read the OP correctly, he's been there for 6 months. If I'm correct, his problem is much deeper than the firm being 'semi-shut' for the holidays.

– dan.m was user2321368
Jan 2 at 19:01

@dan.mwasuser2321368 nah, I'm here for less than 1 month

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:02

I've worked Software Development at a few big companies, and not one of them has had a "general backlog" pool of work that developers could just dip into on their own initiative. I once got chewed out because a manager (incorrectly) thought I'd picked a new task for myself while he was on vacation without talking to a more senior engineer about it.

– T.E.D.
Jan 2 at 22:53

@LMaker you shouldn't feel bad, they screwed up.

– DonQuiKong
Jan 4 at 6:26

|
show 1 more comment

New employees also think that they shouldn't bother their manager, or keep him/her informed of their status, where they are having problem, etc. This is also very far from the truth.

edited Jan 2 at 20:52

answered Jan 2 at 19:14

dan.m was user2321368

4095

Thanks for your advice mate, I always try to give feedbacks to my manager. Its like "Who is not seen is not remembered"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:16

1

I think in english is something like "out of sight, out of mind"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:17

2

It's sometimes the case at big companies that when a team is 'in the weeds' that they will be 'given' new team members to help. The problem is that the last thing a team needs when they are behind is to have to bring a new team member up to speed. This is a bad situation for all involved and it might be what you've been dropped into. Ask your manager if there are some low-priority defects or technical debt items that you can address without slowing anyone down significantly. This will keep you busy and help you become a contributor.

– JimmyJames
Jan 2 at 22:33

^ That is known as Brook's Law.

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:30

Of course it is true that manager don't see all and know all, but new employees coming on-line always call for attention. If LMaker's normal manager was going to be unavailable he should have delegated the problem of getting LMaker up to speed (this would be a good opportunity to give someone else on the team some mentoring/managing experience, too).

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:34

add a comment |

New employees also think that they shouldn't bother their manager, or keep him/her informed of their status, where they are having problem, etc. This is also very far from the truth.

edited Jan 2 at 20:52

answered Jan 2 at 19:14

dan.m was user2321368

4095

Thanks for your advice mate, I always try to give feedbacks to my manager. Its like "Who is not seen is not remembered"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:16

1

I think in english is something like "out of sight, out of mind"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:17

2

It's sometimes the case at big companies that when a team is 'in the weeds' that they will be 'given' new team members to help. The problem is that the last thing a team needs when they are behind is to have to bring a new team member up to speed. This is a bad situation for all involved and it might be what you've been dropped into. Ask your manager if there are some low-priority defects or technical debt items that you can address without slowing anyone down significantly. This will keep you busy and help you become a contributor.

– JimmyJames
Jan 2 at 22:33

^ That is known as Brook's Law.

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:30

Of course it is true that manager don't see all and know all, but new employees coming on-line always call for attention. If LMaker's normal manager was going to be unavailable he should have delegated the problem of getting LMaker up to speed (this would be a good opportunity to give someone else on the team some mentoring/managing experience, too).

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:34

add a comment |

New employees also think that they shouldn't bother their manager, or keep him/her informed of their status, where they are having problem, etc. This is also very far from the truth.

edited Jan 2 at 20:52

answered Jan 2 at 19:14

dan.m was user2321368

4095

New employees also think that they shouldn't bother their manager, or keep him/her informed of their status, where they are having problem, etc. This is also very far from the truth.

edited Jan 2 at 20:52

answered Jan 2 at 19:14

dan.m was user2321368

4095

edited Jan 2 at 20:52

answered Jan 2 at 19:14

dan.m was user2321368

4095

answered Jan 2 at 19:14

dan.m was user2321368

4095

answered Jan 2 at 19:14

dan.m was user2321368

4095

Thanks for your advice mate, I always try to give feedbacks to my manager. Its like "Who is not seen is not remembered"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:16

1

I think in english is something like "out of sight, out of mind"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:17

2

It's sometimes the case at big companies that when a team is 'in the weeds' that they will be 'given' new team members to help. The problem is that the last thing a team needs when they are behind is to have to bring a new team member up to speed. This is a bad situation for all involved and it might be what you've been dropped into. Ask your manager if there are some low-priority defects or technical debt items that you can address without slowing anyone down significantly. This will keep you busy and help you become a contributor.

– JimmyJames
Jan 2 at 22:33

^ That is known as Brook's Law.

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:30

Of course it is true that manager don't see all and know all, but new employees coming on-line always call for attention. If LMaker's normal manager was going to be unavailable he should have delegated the problem of getting LMaker up to speed (this would be a good opportunity to give someone else on the team some mentoring/managing experience, too).

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:34

add a comment |

Thanks for your advice mate, I always try to give feedbacks to my manager. Its like "Who is not seen is not remembered"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:16

1

I think in english is something like "out of sight, out of mind"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:17

2

It's sometimes the case at big companies that when a team is 'in the weeds' that they will be 'given' new team members to help. The problem is that the last thing a team needs when they are behind is to have to bring a new team member up to speed. This is a bad situation for all involved and it might be what you've been dropped into. Ask your manager if there are some low-priority defects or technical debt items that you can address without slowing anyone down significantly. This will keep you busy and help you become a contributor.

– JimmyJames
Jan 2 at 22:33

^ That is known as Brook's Law.

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:30

Of course it is true that manager don't see all and know all, but new employees coming on-line always call for attention. If LMaker's normal manager was going to be unavailable he should have delegated the problem of getting LMaker up to speed (this would be a good opportunity to give someone else on the team some mentoring/managing experience, too).

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:34

Thanks for your advice mate, I always try to give feedbacks to my manager. Its like "Who is not seen is not remembered"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:16

I think in english is something like "out of sight, out of mind"

– LMaker
Jan 2 at 19:17

It's sometimes the case at big companies that when a team is 'in the weeds' that they will be 'given' new team members to help. The problem is that the last thing a team needs when they are behind is to have to bring a new team member up to speed. This is a bad situation for all involved and it might be what you've been dropped into. Ask your manager if there are some low-priority defects or technical debt items that you can address without slowing anyone down significantly. This will keep you busy and help you become a contributor.

– JimmyJames
Jan 2 at 22:33

^ That is known as Brook's Law.

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:30

Of course it is true that manager don't see all and know all, but new employees coming on-line always call for attention. If LMaker's normal manager was going to be unavailable he should have delegated the problem of getting LMaker up to speed (this would be a good opportunity to give someone else on the team some mentoring/managing experience, too).

– dmckee
Jan 4 at 15:34

add a comment |

It could be the time of the year.

As said by Kevin in comments, Most of the IT companies go quiet during the month of December. This is particularly true if your company is located in America or Europe or Australia.

Don't judge the work load and it's nature from a single month.

During such time we will be spending time on internal projects, learning, documenting, experimenting with new technologies, etc...

Since you are a new employee here you could spend your time on learning about the project you will be working on.

edited Jan 3 at 5:22

answered Jan 3 at 5:04

Kolappan Nathan

1514

add a comment |

It could be the time of the year.

As said by Kevin in comments, Most of the IT companies go quiet during the month of December. This is particularly true if your company is located in America or Europe or Australia.

Don't judge the work load and it's nature from a single month.

During such time we will be spending time on internal projects, learning, documenting, experimenting with new technologies, etc...

Since you are a new employee here you could spend your time on learning about the project you will be working on.

edited Jan 3 at 5:22

answered Jan 3 at 5:04

Kolappan Nathan

1514

add a comment |

It could be the time of the year.

As said by Kevin in comments, Most of the IT companies go quiet during the month of December. This is particularly true if your company is located in America or Europe or Australia.

Don't judge the work load and it's nature from a single month.

During such time we will be spending time on internal projects, learning, documenting, experimenting with new technologies, etc...

Since you are a new employee here you could spend your time on learning about the project you will be working on.

edited Jan 3 at 5:22

answered Jan 3 at 5:04

Kolappan Nathan

1514

It could be the time of the year.

As said by Kevin in comments, Most of the IT companies go quiet during the month of December. This is particularly true if your company is located in America or Europe or Australia.

Don't judge the work load and it's nature from a single month.

During such time we will be spending time on internal projects, learning, documenting, experimenting with new technologies, etc...

Since you are a new employee here you could spend your time on learning about the project you will be working on.

edited Jan 3 at 5:22

answered Jan 3 at 5:04

Kolappan Nathan

1514

edited Jan 3 at 5:22

answered Jan 3 at 5:04

Kolappan Nathan

1514

answered Jan 3 at 5:04

Kolappan Nathan

1514

answered Jan 3 at 5:04

Kolappan Nathan

1514

add a comment |

I can also echo the statements here to spend the first few weeks learning as much as u can it will likely not be so easy going after you get your assignments =)

Best of luck!

answered Jan 3 at 12:52

JPK

381311

add a comment |

I can also echo the statements here to spend the first few weeks learning as much as u can it will likely not be so easy going after you get your assignments =)

Best of luck!

answered Jan 3 at 12:52

JPK

381311

add a comment |

I can also echo the statements here to spend the first few weeks learning as much as u can it will likely not be so easy going after you get your assignments =)

Best of luck!

answered Jan 3 at 12:52

JPK

381311

I can also echo the statements here to spend the first few weeks learning as much as u can it will likely not be so easy going after you get your assignments =)

Best of luck!

answered Jan 3 at 12:52

JPK

381311

answered Jan 3 at 12:52

JPK

381311

answered Jan 3 at 12:52

JPK

381311

answered Jan 3 at 12:52

JPK

381311

add a comment |

It is not exceptional that you have to wait for a month, especially during holiday peroid.

answered Jan 3 at 8:08

max630

1963

add a comment |

It is not exceptional that you have to wait for a month, especially during holiday peroid.

answered Jan 3 at 8:08

max630

1963

add a comment |

It is not exceptional that you have to wait for a month, especially during holiday peroid.

answered Jan 3 at 8:08

max630

1963

It is not exceptional that you have to wait for a month, especially during holiday peroid.

answered Jan 3 at 8:08

max630

1963

answered Jan 3 at 8:08

max630

1963

answered Jan 3 at 8:08

max630

1963

answered Jan 3 at 8:08

max630

1963

add a comment |

answered Jan 3 at 18:56

Chris

20713

Exacly! I know they have their own work but I think its important for the company to help new employees AFAP. They paid me a good money to days when I didnt do anything

– LMaker
Jan 3 at 19:04

The problem with a lot of companies is it costs money to setup a good process for onboarding new employees as well as having current employees spending time helping them. This is a cost now with a benefit in the future and that can be hard to get approved.

– Chris
Jan 3 at 22:20

add a comment |

answered Jan 3 at 18:56

Chris

20713

Exacly! I know they have their own work but I think its important for the company to help new employees AFAP. They paid me a good money to days when I didnt do anything

– LMaker
Jan 3 at 19:04

The problem with a lot of companies is it costs money to setup a good process for onboarding new employees as well as having current employees spending time helping them. This is a cost now with a benefit in the future and that can be hard to get approved.

– Chris
Jan 3 at 22:20

add a comment |

answered Jan 3 at 18:56

Chris

20713

answered Jan 3 at 18:56

Chris

20713

answered Jan 3 at 18:56

Chris

20713

answered Jan 3 at 18:56

Chris

20713

answered Jan 3 at 18:56

Chris

20713

Exacly! I know they have their own work but I think its important for the company to help new employees AFAP. They paid me a good money to days when I didnt do anything

– LMaker
Jan 3 at 19:04

The problem with a lot of companies is it costs money to setup a good process for onboarding new employees as well as having current employees spending time helping them. This is a cost now with a benefit in the future and that can be hard to get approved.

– Chris
Jan 3 at 22:20

add a comment |

Exacly! I know they have their own work but I think its important for the company to help new employees AFAP. They paid me a good money to days when I didnt do anything

– LMaker
Jan 3 at 19:04

The problem with a lot of companies is it costs money to setup a good process for onboarding new employees as well as having current employees spending time helping them. This is a cost now with a benefit in the future and that can be hard to get approved.

– Chris
Jan 3 at 22:20

Exacly! I know they have their own work but I think its important for the company to help new employees AFAP. They paid me a good money to days when I didnt do anything

– LMaker
Jan 3 at 19:04

The problem with a lot of companies is it costs money to setup a good process for onboarding new employees as well as having current employees spending time helping them. This is a cost now with a benefit in the future and that can be hard to get approved.

– Chris
Jan 3 at 22:20

add a comment |

edited Jan 10 at 23:46

answered Jan 3 at 2:32

Stewart

1212

"I took it upon my self to improve them." So long as your initiative is balanced with the principle of Chesterton's Fence. Get the balance wrong, and you'll be seen as meddling in systems you don't understand. Particularly important for junior developers.

– Max Barraclough
Jan 5 at 22:19

Good point @MaxBarraclough. However I did not make that part clear in my original answer. I have updated it now.

– Stewart
Jan 10 at 23:47

add a comment |

edited Jan 10 at 23:46

answered Jan 3 at 2:32

Stewart

1212

"I took it upon my self to improve them." So long as your initiative is balanced with the principle of Chesterton's Fence. Get the balance wrong, and you'll be seen as meddling in systems you don't understand. Particularly important for junior developers.

– Max Barraclough
Jan 5 at 22:19

Good point @MaxBarraclough. However I did not make that part clear in my original answer. I have updated it now.

– Stewart
Jan 10 at 23:47

add a comment |

edited Jan 10 at 23:46

answered Jan 3 at 2:32

Stewart

1212

edited Jan 10 at 23:46

answered Jan 3 at 2:32

Stewart

1212

edited Jan 10 at 23:46

answered Jan 3 at 2:32

Stewart

1212

answered Jan 3 at 2:32

Stewart

1212

answered Jan 3 at 2:32

Stewart

1212

"I took it upon my self to improve them." So long as your initiative is balanced with the principle of Chesterton's Fence. Get the balance wrong, and you'll be seen as meddling in systems you don't understand. Particularly important for junior developers.

– Max Barraclough
Jan 5 at 22:19

Good point @MaxBarraclough. However I did not make that part clear in my original answer. I have updated it now.

– Stewart
Jan 10 at 23:47

add a comment |

"I took it upon my self to improve them." So long as your initiative is balanced with the principle of Chesterton's Fence. Get the balance wrong, and you'll be seen as meddling in systems you don't understand. Particularly important for junior developers.

– Max Barraclough
Jan 5 at 22:19

Good point @MaxBarraclough. However I did not make that part clear in my original answer. I have updated it now.

– Stewart
Jan 10 at 23:47

"I took it upon my self to improve them." So long as your initiative is balanced with the principle of Chesterton's Fence. Get the balance wrong, and you'll be seen as meddling in systems you don't understand. Particularly important for junior developers.

– Max Barraclough
Jan 5 at 22:19

Good point @MaxBarraclough. However I did not make that part clear in my original answer. I have updated it now.

– Stewart
Jan 10 at 23:47

add a comment |

draft saved

draft discarded

Thanks for contributing an answer to The Workplace Stack Exchange!

Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!

But avoid …

Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.

Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.

To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.

draft saved

draft discarded

Sign up or log in

StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

Sign up or log in

StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

Sign up or log in

StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

Sign up or log in

StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});

Post as a guest

Name

Required, but never shown

Name

Required, but never shown

Name

Required, but never shown

This page is only for reference, If you need detailed information, please check here

Search This Blog

Ufyukyu