‘I feel underqualified' — New hire considers quitting her job less than a month in, as she's 'left to struggle without much help'

Independent Singapore

03-06-2025

SINGAPORE: Feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, one Singaporean employee is already thinking of leaving her new job less than a month after starting.
In a recent anonymous post on Reddit's 'Ask Singapore' forum, she opened up about her rocky start, sharing, 'I feel underqualified for the role, left to struggle without much help, and don't think I could add any value to the company. I feel like quitting already.'
Under her post, many kind-hearted Redditors reassured her that feeling lost or overwhelmed in the first few weeks of a new job is incredibly common, and reminded her that it often takes time to find one's footing in a new environment.
One wrote, 'It took me 7 months to understand my role and make sense of what I am doing… Just be patient with yourself if it's not a toxic role… If it hits your core and it's tough 24/7, then find a job now and quit once you have a new one.'
Another encouraged her to stay on a little longer, saying, 'Try and stay for 6 months!!! I think feeling overwhelmed in the first month is quite normal for many, but it gets better.'
A third chimed in with a practical reminder, writing, 'Unless your mental health is /severely/ affected right now, stay on. You would NOT want to be jobless and have bills to pay that just keep coming.'
Others, meanwhile, offered practical advice. One suggested, 'Learn the ropes of your role and responsibility even in your free time. Invest time in learning, and your adjustment will take less time. It helps big time if you can find some kind of a mentor; talk to your supervisor/manager and request a buddy system.
Tell them the faster you learn, the more productive you will be. Just keep hustling; you'll look back at this thread and just laugh at it.' How long does it take to settle into a new job?
According to Rednax Recruitment , it usually takes around three to six months for someone to really feel comfortable and settled in a new job. That period gives new employees the chance to learn what their role involves, get a feel for what their boss and company expect from them, and adjust to the overall work culture.
But it's important to remember that this timeline isn't the same for everyone. How quickly someone settles in can depend on a bunch of things. For example, some people pick up new skills faster by jumping right in and doing the work, while others might need more time with training or guidance. The company culture also matters because if it is a friendly and supportive place, it is easier to feel at home faster. On the other hand, a high-pressure or fast-paced environment might make things more challenging.
Read also: Man finds out his colleague earns S$500 more than him, asks if he should speak up or stay silent
Featured image by Depositphotos (for illustration purposes only)