Is it normal to hate your job on the first day?
Yes, it’s pretty normal to hate how your first day feels. You’re dealing with new people, routines, and pressure all at once, so give it a little time before deciding the job itself is a bad fit.
A first day can feel awkward, exhausting, and overwhelming—even when the job turns out to be fine. You’re learning names and systems while trying to look like you know what you’re doing, which is a lot for one day. Plenty of people go home thinking, “I’ve made a terrible mistake,” then feel more settled once the routine clicks.
That said, you don’t have to talk yourself out of genuine red flags. If the workplace is unsafe, disrespectful, or wildly different from what you were promised, take that seriously. Otherwise, try to give it a few days or weeks before judging the whole job by its rough opening scene.