So, you’ve landed what you thought was the job of your dreams, started working for the company and all of a sudden you’re not sure you’ve made the right decision. How could it go so wrong – and so quickly? Each stage of the interview went smoothly – you sold them on your skills and expertise, and your prospective boss sold you on the position and benefits of joining the company.You’re even be missing that job from hell you couldn’t wait to leave…now what?
Perhaps the position isn’t what you thought it would be – it’s too limited, not challenging enough, or more of a jump than you imagined. Maybe the company isn’t up to scratch (your old employer was leap and bounds ahead of the times compared to this!). Or, perhaps your boss isn’t the caring, supportive mentor you thought he/she would be…quite the opposite in fact.
So do you leave before things get worse? Stick it Out because you can’t afford to be without a job? Or just sink into depression until you get a new job?
The decision to stay or leave a new job is a personal one, with no right or wrong answer, as everyone’s situation is different. And most people, at one time or another, have been faced with this dilemma. To help you think through your next move and determine what’s right for you, here are some questions you may want to ask yourself:
Is it just the newness of the job?
Changing jobs can be an unsettling experience. In your previous job, you knew your way around – you knew what was expected of you; you knew your job; you knew how to work with your colleagues and their little foibles; you felt like you belonged (even though you left!).
When you start a new job, however, it takes time to learn the ropes and feel like you’re truly adding value. Sometimes it’s best to give yourself time to get over the being the new girl at work, and get through the boring side of trying to learn the way the company likes things to be done. Once you have got to grips with it, you can start to come into your own and enjoy your work again.
Can you live with your boss?
Recruiting managers sometimes put their best foot forward in an interview – you did it at the interview, too, didn’t you? So you really only see their true character once you start working with them – and sometimes you wont see what they’re really like until you mess up (or witness someone else mess up) for the first time!
Even though your boss isn’t the supportive manager you thought he/she would be, can you live with it? If so, it may be worth staying. If, however, you dread Monday mornings or panic every time he/she walks into the office, it may be wise to consider leaving.
Can you get around office politics?
Office politics can be the bane of many employees’ lives. They usually exist on one level or another wherever you work, so you need to grow some thick skin and keep your eyes and ears open and just work around them. If politics aren’t your strength, you may want to leave before you find yourself failing without even knowing why.
If you’re good at developing relationships and working with differing styles, you may want to consider staying and seeing if you can make a tough situation work. If you can do it at the school gates, why can’t you cope at work?
What will you learn if you stay in this job?
Sometimes what seems like the wrong job can turn out to be a great opportunity to learn new skills, become exposed to new technologies, and gain valuable experience. Is it possible this job could be a stepping-stone to a better, more satisfying job further down the road? Could it ultimately propel your career forward? If so, and you can tolerate everything else, it may be worth staying.
If the scope of the job has changed, can it be renegotiated? If the actual work turns out to be far different from what you thought it would be, speak with your manager to see if aspects of the job can be changed. If the scope is too narrow, can more responsibilities be added? If the workload is too much, can you get some assistance? If the job ultimately represents a step backwards and/or you’re doing work you don’t feel like you signed up for, it may be worth looking elsewhere if speaking to your manager doesn’t bring out a mutually acceptable outcome.
Can you afford to leave without another job to go to?
If your boss, or the job, or the politics are so bad that it’s beginning to affect your health and personal life, then leaving sooner rather than later may be the best move. But can you afford it? Make sure you evaluate your financial situation before to jumping ship so you don’t do anything you’ll regret later on.
The decision to stay or leave an intolerable new job is a tough one. How long to stay is also a dilemma. Many have left after two weeks, never to look back. Others have stayed, only to regret staying too long. And still others have stayed and managed to make everything work out. Only you can decide what’s best for you and your situation.
Talking with a trusted friend or relative can be helpful during this challenging time. Whether you choose to stick it out and hope for the best, or cut your losses and leave immediately, trust that you’ve made the right decision. And know that regardless of the outcome, the experience has presented an excellent opportunity for learning and personal growth that will be invaluable in helping you manage the rest of your career.
