You’ve started your new job and it’s not what you thought it would be. The people are nice enough, but the work is boring and you’re not sure if this is the right career for you. Now what?
First, don’t panic. It’s not unusual to feel this way after starting a new job. It can take some time to adjust to a new work environment and figure out if it’s the right fit for you. If you’ve only been in your new job for a few weeks, give it time before making a decision. But if, after a few months, you’re still not happy, it may be time to start looking for a new job.
The good news is, you’re not alone. Many people change jobs several times throughout their careers. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips to help you:
The Betrayal of Expectation
We have all been betrayed by our expectations at one time or another. We expect our loved ones to be perfect, only to discover that they are human and imperfect just like the rest of us. We expect the world to be a fair and just place, only to discover that it is often anything but. We expect our jobs to be fulfilling and fun, only to find out that they are just a means to pay the bills. Disappointment does not mean that we should give up on our dreams or stop expecting great things from the world. It just means that we should be prepared for life not going according to plan.
It’s Not You, It’s The Job
It can be tough to realize that you’re not loving your new job. You might have thought it was your dream job, but after a few weeks or months, you might feel miserable. It’s important to figure out the problem before making any decisions. Is it the long hours? The demanding workload? The difficult co-workers? Once you know what the problem is, you can decide whether it’s something you can tolerate or whether you need to make a change. If you decide to stick it out, try to find ways to make your work more enjoyable. If you decide to look for a new job, take your time and find one that’s a better fit for you.
What Now?
Certainly, it would be preferable if the situation could be settled at your existing workplace. Consider whether that is possible; perhaps a bad manager is on his or her way out, or maybe you’re in the wrong job, but the right one is available within the company you’re already at. If it’s possible that things may change and you can explore options for change within your current company , you may want to consider this option strongly. However, You must decide whether that is a risk worth taking. Going to HR is a gamble. It is risky to request a change in groupings. If your abilities are marketable and you aren’t scared about losing your job or worsening your circumstances. The risk could be worthwhile.
Moving Forward
If you ultimately decide to leave, you should let the recruiter, company, or hiring manager know the following:
- The reason you are leaving.
- Is there anything you are experiencing that is making you want to leave?
- In the most positive terms possible, why is this happening?
- Is there anything you have done about it?
- What were the results of these actions?
- What ultimately led you to decide that leaving was better than staying?
- What do you suggest doing differently because of your experience in the situation to ensure it won’t happen again?
Sometimes, we, as individuals and organizations, need to go through some very challenging times when it comes to figuring out the right career solutions. If you are still truly unhappy, despite your best efforts, don’t be hard on yourself for coming to this conclusion. After all, being miserable in your role is not business as usual!
If you’re ready to start your job search, or looking to connect with a recruiter to find a career you’ll love, contact us to get started.