Started a new job?
Congratulations!
But wait, you’re feeling like you made a huge mistake in accepting this offer. The job description does not line up with the actual job responsibilities.
Where there any red flags in the interview?
How long will it take you to find a new job (or go back to your old job)?
What will your manager say?
It’s frustrating!
What can you do in the meantime?
Make sure it’s more than new job jitters.
Most (if not all) of us feel some level of anxiety when starting a new job. For me, I start to wonder if I can live up to the elevated reputation I gave myself in the interview. Then, I take a look at my resume and think back to all those times I solved complex problems. It’s not much but it makes me feel better. Seek genuine comfort where you can find it (friends, counselors, etc.).
Apply some logic to the situation.
At times when I cannot think clearly, I map things out on paper.
- Take out a sheet of paper.
- At the top write in the name of the job you are questioning.
- On one side (below the name of the job), write, “Things I like.”
- On the other side, “Things I don’t like.”
- Draw a line between the 2 phrases from steps 3 & 4.
- Start writing.
You’d be surprised how much this will help you sort things out. From there you can get to the root cause of what’s bothering you. It might not be job.
Talk it out with a trusted friend.
I remember being in a job I really didn’t like. I talked to several friends, even to the point of ranting at times. Fortunately, they could understand my frustration and allowed me to let it all out. Sometimes friends can provide clarity, comfort and empathy especially if they’ve been in the workforce for a good 20-30 years. They’ve seen it all! They might be able to help you come up with rational solutions.
If all else fails…Find a new job ASAP!
Once in my career, I found out that I did not like the job on the first day. * Sigh * I quickly got my resume together and started apply for jobs. It took a year to find something I really liked. Of course, this time around, I asked better questions, had subsequent meetings with the hiring managers to learn more about the responsibilities, interviewed potential teammates, etc.
This is hard to do if you’re outside of the company. Utilize social media and other sites to see what people are saying about the culture, the leadership and the position. You’d be surprised what you will find.
So what about switching departments? You might not get the opportunity to switch. There may not be an opportunity to do so due to: office politics, lack of funding, bureaucracy, etc. Be in charge of your career by taking the necessary steps to find a position that you will be proud of.
How long did it take you to discover that your new job was not a good fit? What would you do in this situation? How soon would you start looking for a new job?
Looking to get a new job quickly? Schedule a FREE 30-minute strategy session with me.
If you haven’t already, download the 100% FREE eBook, “Career Planning Workbook for Ambitious Leaders: Build Your Dream Career in 3 Key Areas“.
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