SwirlyPretzel
SwirlyPretzel

Not able to keep up in meetings

So I come from a very traditional company to a startup and when I’m in a meeting with seniors and directors, a lot of what they’re talking about goes right over my head. I have a hard time just keeping up with the pace that they’re going.

Lots of it involves domain knowledge but some of them have only been hired a couple months earlier than me and the gap is just ridiculous.

Is this normal or am I fucked

36mo ago
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SillyMarshmallow
SillyMarshmallow

Start keeping up. Ask for help/ google/write down things they are talking about.. you cant be a liability for too long before they let you go at a startup

FluffyRaccoon
FluffyRaccoon

+1 to first part. Unaware about tolerance level in startups towards employees so no comment on second part

SquishyBagel
SquishyBagel
Student35mo

It is normal as well as abnormal. You should be adapted to it within a week or so...but if you can't you lack somewhere at grasping things - And you can't do anything about it (that means it won't happen automatically - you need to work yourself hard to fit)

SqueakyCupcake
SqueakyCupcake

Till you figure out things completely I would say take notes. Buy a notebook and just keep writing down major points of each discussion in a simple enough manner so that you can understand later when you read. I don’t want you to take notes on your phone coz that will distract you. Maybe i’m old school but I feel writing them down will also drill them a little into your head. Go through the notes later in the day and definitely before the next follow up meeting.

QuirkyWalrus
QuirkyWalrus
Amazon36mo

Just start taking a better KT from your manager/ peers. No shame in not knowing something if you're new in the org.

DerpyPotato
DerpyPotato

Pretty normal .. typically means you're working with smart people so that's not a bad thing. Ramp up hard and you'll keep up pretty quickly

GigglyLlama
GigglyLlama

It's normal. You'll figure it out in a few weeks. Always takes about 2-4 months to figure out a new role or how a company functions.

FluffyNugget
FluffyNugget
Plivo36mo

I get what you mean and according to me it should be normal. They must’ve faced more problems than you to acquire so much knowledge of what they’re talking about. There’s no way can ramp up just by reading docs or code. You should be able to talk or know about things that you’ve worked on.

SleepyNugget
SleepyNugget
Amazon36mo

I don’t think it’s normal. If you are hired for a job you usually know enough to be able to take part in regular conversations

Probably not worth it to stay at a place where you’re so miserable

DerpyNarwhal
DerpyNarwhal

You’re probably fucked, but small chance they also have no idea what they are saying

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