Oh no. I've landed a well-paying job with a FS consultancy. Been here two days. 30% pay rise over what I was on with my previous employer. And I feel totally out of my depth. I can't understand a word they're saying. They are working on transactions that are totally over my head. I'm just not understanding anything and I don't feel like I'm fitting in. And I've already had a 'quiet word' from somebody who on my first day of working there said I need to change my attitude (I asked a question about reporting lines and was told that they're a flat organisation).I now have that sinking feeling. Starting to wish I had stayed where I was. Feeling really 'out at sea'. I literally have that 'dumping myself' feeling that I've done something very wrong.Any advice please guys?

Go before you are pushed (which will be quick in coming from the sounds of it) - you can simply ignore this episode on your CV, but you'll need to move quickly. It certainly won't get any better if you are already feeling like this.Trust your instincts.

Andy MI normally agree with everything A Mars A Day writes. In this case, I think there may be some missing links.Did you expect to be out of your depth? If you did, that is the most likely reason for feeling as you do. Go with your instincts if you are usually right. I often feel as you describe at the beginning of a challenge but (almost) always come through ok.Was the person who "scolded" you representative? At my last co I was talked to in a similar way and, as often happens, later discovered that that person was obsessed with irrelevant detail and was in no way representative of the culture etc of the co.Options:- If you ask people to explain what they are talking about and they don't, the culture is hardly likely to suit you, leave- You presumably have a line manager, however flat the structure. Talk to him/her and ask to go over a couple of things - use the opportunity to ensure the job is what you think it is. Cos will not have employed someone they don't think is capable of doing the job. If you didn't lie outrageoulsy at interview, it's likely your colleagues are jerking you around- Find a mentor or someone doing a similar job and talk to them frankly about how to cope within the co- Whatever happens, keep your self confidence as high as you can. Even if you end up leaving, you will move somewhere else and forget about this experience in a year or twoIn my opinion, one of the most frustrating things in a co is people staying when they can't or won't do the job. Even worse is someone capable of doing the job who leaves because they are worried they can't.Good luck

Andy MI normally agree with everything A Mars A Day writes. In this case, I think there may be some missing links.Did you expect to be out of your depth? If you did, that is the most likely reason for feeling as you do. Go with your instincts if you are usually right. I often feel as you describe at the beginning of a challenge but (almost) always come through ok.Was the person who "scolded" you representative? At my last co I was talked to in a similar way and, as often happens, later discovered that that person was obsessed with irrelevant detail and was in no way representative of the culture etc of the co.Options:- If you ask people to explain what they are talking about and they don't, the culture is hardly likely to suit you, leave- You presumably have a line manager, however flat the structure. Talk to him/her and ask to go over a couple of things - use the opportunity to ensure the job is what you think it is. Cos will not have employed someone they don't think is capable of doing the job. If you didn't lie outrageoulsy at interview, it's likely your colleagues are jerking you around- Find a mentor or someone doing a similar job and talk to them frankly about how to cope within the co- Whatever happens, keep your self confidence as high as you can. Even if you end up leaving, you will move somewhere else and forget about this experience in a year or twoIn my opinion, one of the most frustrating things in a co is people staying when they can't or won't do the job. Even worse is someone capable of doing the job who leaves because they are worried they can't.Good luck

All organisations have their own language and culture. You cannot expect to be part of that on day 1. This is called "culture shock".I suggest you find a friendly face who joined from outside the organisation in the last few months. I suspect they may have had similar experience.BTW I joined my consultancy 12 months ago and I still think most of my colleagues talk gibberish most of the time. However I have good client relationships and have found others who joined from outside have similar views on the inbred/established consultants.

don't panic, stay calm and positive, you will be fine. you passed interview and got the job didn't you. Keep your head down, learn as much as you can, do the best job you can, try and find a mentor to talk things over with.ignore the tosser who had a word with you, could just be someone sounding off ar trying to get one over you, steer clear from them if you can. Just do a good job on your first few engagements, exceed expectations as much as you can, be proactive and cheerful when under fire, if you make a mistake take it on the chin and move on, ask for feedback from someone you trust, once you have been in a few months you will be right at home.It's unlikely that you have made a bad choice by joining, it's just scary that's all.Worst case scenario is you really don't fit, but you should give it at least 6 months before you reach that conclusion

I disagree with the first posters. They are quiters. Are you a loser?I moved from consulting to PE . The first day i barely could make out what language people were speaking in. After the first week i wanted to jump off a bridge. But the hours turned to days, the days turned to weeks and then to months. And the more i stuck it out the more i learned and understood. Dont think anyone expects you to run the company on your first day. If you dont understand terminology, use the web. Its amazing how much finance you can teach yourself with Wikipedia. Keep your head up .

Again, Mars A Day usually writes sensible posts but there is some danger in offering this advice based on the advice we see here. The guy who"had a word" should be ignored. You do not yet know the internal dynamics of the company. Often those in situ are wary of new faces for a variety of reasons. You have moved from an environment you know well to one yo do not. I changed job a couple of years ago and, although much of th work was similar to my previous job I had the sense of going back 5 years and feeling like a complete amateur. It drove me mad. To be education is the key. Perhaps you did not learn enough about the industry before joining. This can be easily corrected. Research like crazy over the week-end. Try to identify those who can spoon feed you a little and most of all do not panic. You will get there. It will be months before it all really makes sense to you but this is fine. Don't worry about those who turn up and try to join in with the language. Be genuine. Fight for it. You will be fine. You will probably outlast and overtake the person who criticised your attitude.

You're British (I assume). Where is your stiff upper lip, your Dunkirk spirit? We built an empire - do you think those guys quit after 2 days? You can do it. It's just a job, you're not a brain surgeon, no one will die if you make a mistake. Let's face it, if you could hit the gorund running and make an immiediate impact on day one with no getting up to speed period then you should be paid a lot more.

Ok, in all fairness I didn't quite do this justice (or myself for that matter) - I was looking at it from the most pesimistic view, and assumed (perhaps incorrectly) that Andy M was already at the stage where he has decided its not for him. What's the one piece of advice we all give one another in most instances? Network like hell. In this you want to network in not outwards, get to know what others are working on, take someone out for a drink or two and get to know your colleagues (yes including the scolder, in fact especially the scolder). I recently placed someone in the same situation and they have stuck at it and getting traction in the role but it has taken a few months. Pantier laid out the main options for you, but if you try to bring people on side, so you are not drowing, and get to know people, they won't want you to drown and will help you out.You can turn things around but you need to be confident you can do so. If not I would advise leaving simply because it would be more damaging on your CV to disrupt what I assume (again) is career continuity with an episode like this (assuming you cannot make it work).

Andy M........it's been 2 days only, behave yourself. Put it this way, if they thought you'd be out of your depth would they have hired you? If you are relatively new to FS then asking what the F they're going on about is not out of order. However if you come from a FS background then perhaps you really ought to know what they're on about. Naturally if you are from a FS background you'll be aware that there are many strands to FS and perhaps you've yet to get in with your set. As for the attitude guy on your first day I'd say he was the one with the attitude problem seeing as it was your first day. Locate a friendly face and get him out for a beer after work. Failing that have a word with your coach if one has been appointed. Above all keep to the front of your mind that they hired you and therefore as far as they're concerned you're perfectly qualified for what they want you to do. Things like understanding CDS,IRS etc can be picked up fairly quickly or by using (as another poster said) Wikipedia.

If anyone gives you crap punch em in the mouth and rub your nipples whilst licking your lips as you stand over them - works every time, and I've been out of my depth for months.Hang on, some security bloke is pestering me to come to reception with hi.............

If you're out of your depth, you should try to make your way to the side of the pool/boardroom. If you feel you are unable to reach the side of the pool, you should not panic, but attract the attention of a lifeguard/recruitment consultant and remain calm. Float by lying on your back with your arms out to the side and your legs at rest. Remain on your desk in this position until rescued.If you are at sea, remove your trousers, tie the legs and inflate to create a makeshift float. If you are in the office, just remove your trousers.

I pity the fool who can't swim, I pity the fool!

Hi folks it's the original poster here. The week got worse and I could just feel that it just wan't going to get any better - this just isn't the place for me.Have resigned today and am off to the pub to consider my options. There's a strong chance my old place will take me back so all may not be lost.Cheers for the helpful, and not so helpful comments!

Well that's the end of that thread I guess! Good luck fella !

Hi Andy MFeeling your pain I start a consulting job next week Internship grad role I've had some experience doing some contract work for a boutique. This is my first time working client facing and my maths isn't much to write home about, its a strategy house so I'm comfortable with most of the stuff but I still have this awful feeling that they'll throw me a curve ball at me.

Hi Tony T,Its understandable to be nervous when starting any new job but there is no reason for you should be going into a job thinking you are not up to it.First of all, you have done well by landing yourself a job. Most firms are realistic in terms of what they expect from interns/new grads.Yes, you will be challenged but keen an open mind, dont start getting worred the first time you hear about something that you dont understand.Its perfectly fine to ask questions and guidance, my advice is..find someone in the firm (preferably someone who was in the same boat as you a few years back) and network with as many people as you can

Hi NRTWThanks for the pep talk I know i shouldn't be worried its just its my demeanor to be worried but I think I should be fine once I get that first month over me thanks again