Help! I Hate My New Job: 5 Ways to Help Turn That Frown Upside Down
According to research, it takes between 10 and 20 interviews before being offered a role. Combine that with only an 8.3% chance of actually having your application proceed to interview stage, it’s safe to say that getting a new job takes a lot of dedication and hard work.
If you then find yourself in a place where you hate your new job and are starting to regret all your life choices, it can be disheartening, to say the least!
Most people start their new job with high hopes. They’re filled with expectations and are excited to discover what the future holds, so when the job or company doesn’t match what you were expecting, it’s a bitter pill to swallow.
So if you’re sitting at your new desk, with your new colleagues, trying to understand what it is you’re meant to be doing, with that horrible feeling gnawing away in the pit of your stomach – know that you are not alone!
We’ve been in the recruitment game to know that happens, and although it’s not nice to experience, there are things you can do to try and make things better.
- Take a step back
When you’re in the thick of it it’s sometimes difficult to place a finger on what it is that’s not working, so take a step back and try to identify the issue at hand. Is it just a period of readjustment or is it the role you’re not enjoying the culture, or your colleagues? It’s normal to feel out of sorts when you start a new job and have some anxiety, but if it’s the latter points that are on your mind, then you can evaluate if it’s something that can be salvaged or if it’s time to re-open your job search.
- Is it a long-term or short-term problem?
Assess if the way you’re feeling is because of a short or long-term problem. As we said, it’s normal to feel anxious when you start a new role and a little less confident than usual, that is a feeling that will pass – if that’s what you’re feeling, try to stick it out for a little longer. It may also be that you’re not enjoying the project you’re working on right now, again, this will pass in time so try to stick with it. If the problem is something more long-term, for example, the culture doesn’t fit with your values, then it may be a sign to make the move.
- Seek support
Opening up always helps, so speak to those close to you. An outside perspective sometimes helps, they may approach the situation differently to you and may be able to offer insights and advice that you may not have thought of. If you feel confident enough, you can also open a conversation with your manager or a trusted colleague but remember to keep it professional. Don’t go in, all guns blazing (keep that conversation for your friends and family), instead, tell them your concerns and explain how you’re feeling and why you’re feeling that way – they may be able to provide a solution. A problem shared is a problem halved.
- Give yourself some time
Probationary periods are in place for a reason, and it’s not just for an employer. As much as an employer will use this period to assess if you’re the right fit for the role and company, it’s also time for you to assess if the role and company are right for you – so use this time. During this time, put your all in – build relationships with your colleagues, get to grips with the role and what’s required, meet regularly with your manager, and then re-evaluate your feelings.
- Consider your next move
If you know deep down that you’re not happy in your role and that it’s not likely to change, you should now focus on your next career move and future. Think about what you really want and what went wrong, you don’t want to jump ship and end up in the same position – a blip on your CV is understandable and employers will understand if you’ve made a move that’s not quite right, but you don’t want to make this a recurring theme. The beauty of making this decision while you’re secure in a role means that you have time on your side. You have time to seek out professional development and training and can really consider the roles you interview for. Sit tight until the right job crops up.
Being unhappy in a new job can be challenging but it’s important to remember that you hold the power to shape your own career path. Keep positive and keep at it – a fulfilling role that fills you with happiness will come again.
