For many people, a new job is a new beginning. Unfortunately, not every new job works out.
This happens more often than you think. At the moment, new job disappointments or mismatches are happening frequently.
Recently, many new clients have come to me saying they took a job quickly, knowing it was not going to be their dream job. But they needed a job and couldn’t afford to be out of work any longer.
Almost immediately after starting the job they realised it was the wrong decision. Now they’re dreading going to work each day.
On the other hand, there are people who genuinely thought they were taking the right job and it turned out to not be the case.
Regardless of why your new job isn’t quite working out, how do you handle it?
Typically, no job is perfect. Most people can find at least 1 or 2 things they would like to change about their job. The pay. The hours. The list goes on.
If you are new to a job and already feel it’s not working out, here are 8 questions to ask yourself:
- What’s the problem?
Write out a list of pros and cons- everything you love and hate about your new job.
Then take a look at your cons list.
- Are the CONS temporary?
Perhaps you’re working on a project you dislike. Will the project be over in a few months? If so, it is a temporary problem.
- Or is the CON long term? Is it something that cannot be changed?
Maybe you hate your commute.
Is your office planning to move? Or are you were planning to move house soon? If the answer to both of these questions is NO, the commute is a long-term con.
- Can the CON be changed?
Continuing with the commute example, maybe you can talk to your boss to see if you could work two days from home.
If you can avoid your commute two days a week, will that make you feel better about the job?
Next ask yourself,
- What do you want to get from this job?
You may need to look at your pros list to determine if you are getting what you want from the role.
If you are not getting what you want,
- What can you do to change that?
Jobs change over time. Roles evolve as society changes.
Someone who was hired into a marketing position a couple of years ago may have only done print advertising. Now that position may involve a lot of social media marketing.
Job evolution happens naturally.
Job crafting is a form of job evolution which is initiated by the employee.
Don’t hesitate to approach your boss and mention you feel your desire to job craft your position into one that better fits your professional desires.
Hiring and training a new employee takes time and money. Most companies would rather keep an employee and change their job responsibilities slightly rather than lose someone and fill a vacancy.
Job crafting may not be an all or nothing proposition.
Most likely, the role will be altered a bit to meet more of what the employee wants.
But a 20% change in the daily tasks an employee does may be enough to make that individual feel better about coming to work each day.
It may not be possible to job craft yourself into the perfect role.
In that case, ask yourself:
- Am I at the right company but in the wrong position?
Perhaps a transfer to a different department would be a good option.
Spend as much time as possible getting to know people in and around the company.
If there is another department that appeals to you, consider getting to know those associates. Ask if they have any current openings or upcoming vacancies you might be able to fill.
If you decide it just won’t work out and you need to leave the job and the company, do everything in your power to leave on good terms.
If you were in the position for two or three months, you might be able to get away with not listing that position on your resume.
However, if you were in the position more than three months, you really should include it. But keep in mind, you are going to have to explain why you quit so quickly.
When leaving, make sure it’s the right decision. Having a string of jobs you were in for 12 months or less is going to be a red flag to employers.
If you decide to pursue a new job, ask yourself:
- Is this the absolute best option?
Make sure the next job is the right job.
Don’t jump into another mediocre role simply to escape one you don’t like.
Otherwise, you are likely to end up right back on the job market sooner rather than later.
