A new hire shares their difficulties with independent tasks and seeks advice from fellow Singaporeans for career improvement.

A frustrated new employee turned to an online forum for advice after struggling with performance at their job. The individual expressed feeling like they “suck at work” and couldn’t pinpoint the reasons why. Although they are quick to pick up new tasks in the first couple of weeks, things seem to unravel by the third or fourth week, and they often panic and make mistakes when expected to work independently.

In their second job, the employee confessed to being uncertain about how to improve, as even after checking frequently, they continue to misinterpret instructions. “I haven’t even gotten to the main duties yet, but I already struggle with managing tasks on my own,” they shared. They explained that they feel comfortable when someone else is there to guide them, but once left to manage tasks alone, panic sets in, leading to errors.

Seeking reassurance, the employee asked for advice from Singaporeans, who offered words of encouragement and practical tips. Many responses focused on the idea that it’s natural for new employees to face challenges during the early stages of their job. “Nobody starts off perfect at their job,” one commenter noted, advising the employee to give themselves time to adjust. Another emphasised that mistakes were part of the learning process, and personal growth would come with time and experience.

Several commenters also suggested strategies to cope with mistakes and improve performance. These included writing things down, standardising tasks, and keeping communication open with the manager. One individual encouraged the employee by saying, “Even my boss, who’s been at the company for 20 years, makes mistakes. What matters is how you fix them.”

Experts agree that a structured transition period is crucial for new hires. According to insights from Indeed, clear instructions and support from managers or mentors can significantly boost an employee’s confidence and efficiency, especially during the initial phase of a job. With patience, practice, and ongoing guidance, new employees can adapt and grow into their roles.