If you’ve just started a new job, it can be both an exciting and daunting time. Everyone struggles with first-day jitters and of course it can take some time to get to grips with your new role and get to know your colleagues.
However, there are many feelings that come with settling into a new job that can be tough to take but in reality, are completely normal and common feelings. But what if it’s more than that? What if the new job isn’t what you signed up for and now, you’re filled with dread going into work every day?
While feelings of confusion, loneliness, anxiety and imposter syndrome are all common feelings when starting in a new role and can stretch beyond the first day. It’s important to recognise the difference between normal feelings and red flags.
For example, are the duties assigned to you completely different to what was in the job description? Are your managers and colleagues refusing to give you guidance? Are the hours different and longer than previously stated? That’s when you need to start thinking about your options.
When you’re feeling a rush of emotions at the beginning of a massive life change such as a new job, it can be hard to separate your thoughts. If you allow yourself to just feel lousy and have an overarching mindset of ‘this job isn’t what I thought it would be.’ It can be difficult to look at the situation objectively.
First, think about how long you’ve been there and whether or not these feelings are just from the newness of the situation. Then, take note of exactly what about the job is not right. Then, look at the positives of the job. Remember, there’s a reason you left your old job and why you went for this one. Evaluating your situation can give you a clearer picture of the reality and help you with your next steps.
When you feel a bit miserable in your new job, giving it a little bit more time can sound like a wildly unhelpful tip. However, it’s a very important one. It’s vital that you don’t rush into any decisions or quit your new job too fast. It will leave a difficult-to-explain spot on your CV and a reference that you probably can’t use. To ensure your CV always stands out, we recommend using our CV templates.
Naturally, if you’re experiencing particularly bad behaviour in work or the environment is completely toxic for your mental health, then you may need to get out quickly. However, in these situations, you will be sure that ‘giving it a chance’ is not going to help, in which case this tip won’t apply to you. However, more often than not, the kinks can be worked out, or you just need some extra support as you adjust. Either way, it’s good to stay calm and give it the time it deserves before jumping the gun.
If you really feel that the role isn’t what you signed up for and you don’t see it getting any better, it’s time to talk to your manager. Tell them your concerns and explain how you’re feeling. The chances are they will be receptive, open and understanding about where you’re coming from. This is where the first step of analysing your situation will help.
Having worked out the specific problems with the role and why it’s not what you thought it would be, you will be able to communicate this more effectively to your manager, who should then come up with a plan to make things better for you. At the very least, if it was a miscommunication on their part and you are faced with the possibly of needing to leave, at least you spoke to them first and tried to rectify it. This shows professionalism and leaves a bridge unburned.
Whether your manager is receptive or not, if you’ve properly assessed your role, taken a decent amount of time to settle in and decided this role really isn’t for you, it’s time to look at your potential exit strategies. If you feel this move was a big mistake and would rather have not moved, consider speaking to your former employer.
Your own role may have been since filled, but if you left on excellent terms, your new boss may be open to taking you back. They may even really want to have you back, especially if they ever tried to give you a counter offer when you resigned. If they really can’t help you in their own company, they may even refer you to someone else.
Finally, it’s a good idea to speak to a recruiter to look for your next job. It can be daunting leaving a job after a very short space of time and you may be nervous about having to explain this unusually short stint. However, going to a recruiter first and explaining your situation will be an easier first step than trying to do it in a face-to-face employer interview.
A good recruitment consultant will know what you’re suited to and they’ll help find the perfect job that won’t catfish you. If you’re nervous about picking up the phone to speak to one straight away, you can start with uploading your CV with us at RECRUITERS.
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