What To Do When You Don’t Like Your New Job

Starting a new job often comes with a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and hope for a bright future. However, what happens when the spark fades, replaced by a sinking feeling of dissatisfaction?

Understanding the Feeling

It’s not uncommon to feel discontent in a new environment. Reasons may range from not aligning with the company culture to facing unexpected job responsibilities. Sometimes, it’s merely the challenges of adjusting to a new environment, while other times, it’s genuine dissatisfaction.

Steps to Take Before Making a Decision

Before jumping to any conclusions or making any rash decisions, it’s crucial to consider a few essential steps.

Take a Moment of Self-Reflection

Upon starting the role, what were your aspirations? What did you expect from the job, the company, and yourself? Were these expectations communicated clearly, and were they realistic? By pinpointing what you anticipated versus the reality, you can better identify any gaps that might be causing discontent.

Recognise Unrealistic Demands from Oneself

Often, our biggest critic is the reflection we see in the mirror. Are you setting unrealistic standards for yourself? It’s natural to want to make an immediate impact, but understanding that there’s a learning curve and that perfection isn’t always attainable can alleviate some of the pressure.

Seek Feedback

Sometimes, we’re too close to a situation to see it objectively. This is where external perspectives become invaluable. Talking candidly with a mentor or trusted colleague can offer insights that you might not have considered. They might see potential in you that you haven’t noticed or recognise the same challenges they once faced. Their feedback can help you discern whether your feelings are a natural part of the onboarding process or indicative of a deeper issue.

Give it Time

Change, by its very nature, can be unsettling. Every job has its rhythms and cycles, and understanding this can be the key to navigating initial uncertainties. When entering a new role, it’s not uncommon to go through various emotional phases, from initial excitement to potential disillusionment before settling into a routine. This curve can be steep for some and more gradual for others. Recognising that feelings of unease might be temporary can offer the patience needed to truly gauge the suitability of a position.

Effective Communication About Your Situation

Communication is the bridge that links our internal world with external realities. When facing doubts or concerns about a new job, transparent and effective communication becomes paramount. Here’s how you can navigate these potentially tricky waters.

Discuss Concerns with Your Manager

Your direct supervisor or manager is typically the first point of contact when it comes to work-related concerns. They have a vested interest in your success and can provide the most direct insights about your role.

Before approaching your manager, it’s essential to:

Clearly define your concerns: What specifically is bothering you? Is it the role, the team dynamics, or perhaps external factors?
Offer solutions: Rather than just presenting problems, come prepared with potential solutions or compromises.
Be open to feedback: Understand that your manager might have a different perspective. Be ready to listen actively.

Timing can be everything. It’s best to:

Opt for scheduled one-on-ones: Your regular check-ins can be an ideal time to bring up your feelings.
Avoid high-stress periods: If your team or manager is under significant stress or tight deadlines, wait for a calmer period to discuss your concerns.

Addressing Concerns with HR

The Human Resources department plays a crucial role in employee well-being, serving as an intermediary between staff and management. Every organisation has policies and guidelines that protect the rights of its employees.

Before approaching HR:

Review the employee handbook: Understand the company’s policies on grievances, feedback, and other related concerns.
Maintain documentation: If your concerns involve incidents, interactions, or decisions, it’s always a good idea to have a written record.

Your HR department is there to ensure a conducive work environment. While they work for the company, their role is to balance organisational needs with employee well-being. Whether it’s conflict resolution, counselling, or training, HR often has tools and resources that can help

Seeking External Guidance

Sometimes, the challenges we face in our professional lives require an external lens to bring clarity and perspective. Beyond the internal avenues of communication within your company, there are external resources that can provide invaluable support, insights, and direction.

Professional Counselling

While often associated with personal or emotional concerns, professional counsellors can be instrumental in addressing work-related stressors and dilemmas.

Benefits of Counselling in a Professional Context:

Objective Perspective: Counsellors can provide an unbiased viewpoint, free from the influences of company culture or politics.
Strategies for Coping: Whether it’s managing stress, improving interpersonal skills, or addressing feelings of inadequacy, counsellors offer tools and techniques tailored to individual needs.
Confidentiality: Discussions with a counsellor remain private, allowing for candid conversations without fear of repercussions.

Peer Insights

Connecting with peers, both within and outside your industry, can shed light on shared experiences and best practices.

Harnessing the Power of Peer Networks:

Networking Events and Groups: From industry conferences to local meet-ups, these events provide opportunities to discuss common challenges and solutions.
Online Forums and Communities: Platforms like LinkedIn groups, Reddit communities, or industry-specific forums can be rich sources of advice and shared experiences.
Mentorship Programs: Many industries offer mentorship programs where seasoned professionals guide newcomers, providing insights drawn from their personal journeys.

Career Coaches

If you’re at a crossroads about the direction of your career, a career coach might be the answer.

The Role of a Career Coach:

Personalised Guidance: Career coaches assess your strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations to provide tailored advice.
Navigating Transitions: Whether you’re considering a job change, a return to education, or a complete career pivot, coaches can guide you through these transitions.
Networking and Opportunity: Many coaches have vast professional networks and can introduce you to potential employers, mentors, or other invaluable contacts.

Strategies to Make it Work When You Don’t Like Your New Job

When faced with challenges or dissatisfaction in a new job, it’s not always about exiting the scene. Sometimes, the answer lies in adopting a new approach, reshaping our mindset, and leveraging available opportunities. Here are some strategies to consider that can turn a rocky beginning into a fulfilling experience.

Embracing a Growth Mindset

At the heart of professional evolution is the ability to see challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles. When you shift your perspective, you’ll see challenges, not as setbacks but rather experiences that sharpen your skills and resilience.

Adopting a growth mindset means recognising that there’s always room for improvement and expansion. Some options for continuous learning and development might include:

Staying updated with industry trends
Enrolling in workshops or courses
Always being on the lookout for skills that can enhance your role
Leveraging internal training opportunities that companies often provide to their employees

Achieving Work-life Balance

A fulfilling professional life is intertwined with personal well-being. Achieving a harmonious balance can significantly impact your outlook on job challenges. Some strategies to help achieve that balance can include:

Time Management: Prioritising tasks, setting clear boundaries between work and personal time, and learning to delegate when possible.
Self-care Rituals: Whether it’s a hobby, exercise, meditation, or merely reading a book, find activities that rejuvenate you.
Avoiding Burnout: Recognise the signs of career burnout and take proactive measures, be it taking breaks, vacations, or seeking counselling.

Building Internal Relationships

Building a robust internal network can not only enhance your professional experience but also provide support during challenging times. Within the work environment there may be opportunities to join work committees where you can broaden your network and engage in projects outside of your usual job description. This can include things like volunteering to help organise events, involvement in CSR activities or innovation hubs. Attending company events, from formal seminars to informal get-togethers can help align to the company’s culture, values, and vision while also building rapport with colleagues and superiors.

When to Consider Leaving

Not every job will be a perfect fit, and while it’s essential to give it time and effort, there may come a point when the best option is to move on. Recognising when to make this decision and doing so professionally is key to ensuring your future career prospects and maintaining a positive reputation.

Red Flags You Can’t Move Past

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, certain job-related issues may prove insurmountable. It’s crucial to recognise when these challenges are not mere bumps in the road but fundamental problems.

Persistent Misalignment: If your values, goals, and work style consistently clash with the company’s culture or expectations, it may indicate a deeper misalignment.
Detrimental to Well-being: If the job significantly affects your physical, emotional, or mental health even after seeking solutions, it’s time to reconsider your position.
Stagnation and Lack of Growth: If you feel there’s no room for personal or professional growth, despite expressing and seeking out opportunities, it could be a sign that it’s time to move on.

Preparing for a Graceful Exit

Before handing in your resignation, it’s wise to ensure you’re leaving on the best possible terms and are well-prepared for the next step. Here are some things to consider:

Financial Planning: Ensure you have adequate savings to support yourself during the transition, especially if you don’t have another job lined up immediately.
Seek References: If appropriate, ask for references from colleagues or supervisors who can vouch for your skills and work ethic.
Document Handover: Prepare thorough documentation to ensure a smooth transition for whoever takes over your responsibilities.

Resigning Professionally

Leaving a job is a significant decision, and it’s essential to do so with professionalism and grace. Always adhere to the notice period stipulated in your employment contract. If possible, offer to stay a little longer to train your successor or complete ongoing projects. You’ll want to draft a respectful and clear resignation letter. While you can provide reasons for your departure, avoid negative or disparaging remarks. If your company conducts exit interviews, be honest but constructive in your feedback. This can help the organisation improve and offer closure for both parties.

Conclusion

Starting a new job is filled with anticipation and challenges. It’s vital to differentiate between typical new role adjustments and deeper misalignments, using tools like self-reflection, open communication, and external guidance. Embracing a growth mindset can transform initial setbacks into learning opportunities, but if the role feels persistently incongruent, knowing when and how to professionally part ways is key. Regardless of the decision, each experience is a stepping stone in the broader journey of one’s career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long should I stay in a job I dislike?

The general recommendation is a timeline of at least a year, but personal well-being should always come first.

Is it okay to leave a job after a short period?

While frequent job hopping might raise eyebrows, leaving a toxic environment is crucial.

How can I address my concerns without sounding ungrateful or negative?

It’s about framing. Express your feelings as areas of ‘growth’ or ‘enhancement’.

What are signs that a job is genuinely a bad fit versus just new job jitters?

Continuous discomfort, even after several months, might indicate a deeper issue.

Should I discuss my feelings with coworkers?

While it’s good to have allies, ensure you trust the coworker and avoid negative gossip.

How can I ensure I don’t end up in a similar situation at my next job?

Thorough research and asking the right questions during the interview can offer insights into company culture and role expectations.