After just one month at my new agency job, the boss has already stated that my work is merely mediocre. I'm essentially flying blind, though, because they never really explained their workflow. When combined with the expectation of unpaid OT, I'm starting to feel exploited. Is judging me after only 30 days really fair?

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Sounds like you were not onboarded—shown/explained processes. Being expected to figure things out as you go is lazy, inconsiderate, reveals poor people management that will get significantly worse by the looks of it.

You would have distracted focus, would not be feeling supported in your new role, with no concern for getting you established in your new company.

Most people would be stressed, anxious, feeling exploited with the unpaid OT, second guessing themselves at every step and not feeling valued.

This is a situation for failure, not for thriving.

The fact that you are somehow surviving, kudos to you! Amazing survival skills! And think how stellar your performance if their obligation to onboard you were handled well!

Your boss needs to understand what they are doing to you, sounds like they have no clue.

Find someone with pull to talk to if your boss is not empathetic and start with goodwill, that you were excited to be hired but surprised by the lack of onboarding.

Be honest, while highlighting everything you had to figure out in your own, try to document as many details to have that prepared.

They need to realize what a gem they have in you, help them see it!

A positive but honest conversation may be the thing to get them to fully understand the circumstances. Being gracious shows your character while the details reveal theirs, how difficult it has been despite doing your best. You might suggest spearheading a solid onboarding process after everything you have been through and learned fresh on scene. Onboarding improvements are best determined by the ones experiencing how bad it is.

See what happens. You are giving them a chance to course correct. If they continue to mistreat you, time to leave, it will only get worse, and you will become more miserable.

30 days in, you gave it a chance. How they handle you now is where you’ll learn if you should leave to find something better.

You deserve much better!

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This is some of the best advice I have ever heard. I know several designers who have had the same experiences. They find a way to push you out until you quit.

In general, maybe. In this context? Definitely not. How are you supposed to know what to correct if you were never given clear direction or actionable feedback? "Mediocre" is meaningless as a standalone.

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Yikes, that sounds really rough. I don't think 30 days is enough time to tell how you are doint. Especially when you consider that nobody exxplained the workflow. I am sorry that happened.

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I’ve had that exactly in a design agency.

I’m assuming you’ve asked your boss for guidance as to what they see as at the right level? Also remember they hired you based on your CV and portfolio. If you haven’t done that you should.

I’d look to have a bigger conversation with someone about where you’re at to get your position across. Speak frankly about what’s going on, put it in writing if you need to. You never know, they might just not be aware of the problem. Try to be proactive and constructive about where gaps are, them you’re feeling all at sea about processes and expectations particularly.

It would be a mistake not to do that now.

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It takes time to build relationships and earn trust in your skillsets, especially within a competitive agency setting. Have frank conversations with your boss about their process and expectations and how you can work smarter within that.

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