etherealphilodendron's journey

I recently started my first full-time job as a health inspector in public health, just six weeks ago after completing my MPH in epidemiology, biostatistics, and environmental health. Initially, I was excited about this opportunity, even though it wasn't my dream job. The pay was decent, and I thought it would be a good way to get my foot in the door. However, I've quickly found myself feeling miserable. From day one, I sensed something was off. After the onboarding process, I was left at my desk with little to no guidance or tasks. I tried to engage with my supervisor and colleagues, but it often felt like I was bothering them. There was no formal training structure, despite being promised support during the hiring process. Currently, my work mainly consists of shadowing others, which is dependent on their availability. On days when shadowing isn't possible, I find myself sitting alone, struggling to stay productive. This lack of structure has left me feeling underutilized and invisible. The workplace culture has also been challenging. The team has been together for years, and I often feel like an outsider. I don’t expect everyone to be my friend, but my attempts to ask questions or engage have often felt unwelcome. This is a stark contrast to my previous experiences in supportive environments where I felt valued and encouraged. There is one colleague who has been a great mentor and advocate for me, which I truly appreciate. However, this single positive relationship isn’t enough to counterbalance the overall negative atmosphere. As time goes on, I find myself dreading work more and more, which is affecting my mental health. I’ve started applying for other positions because I can’t ignore these feelings any longer. I keep wondering if this is a common experience for others in their first professional job. Did things improve over time, or should I trust my gut feeling?