Uh oh… soon after starting your new job, you realize that it’s just not for you. Hey, it happens, but it royally sucks, too, making you regret going through the entire interview process, which leaves you wondering why you wasted yours (and the company’s) time. Don’t fret, though, because we have tips for when that new job just doesn’t work out.
When I was offered what, I thought was, my dream job in New York City, I felt like the most powerful writer on the planet. I arrived day one, and, within the first hour, had a pit in my stomach. I knew I had made a mistake after seeing some red flags. From the filthy work conditions, to having to learn basic coding to get a post up on the website, my sexist boss and no HR, I soon realized that I had allowed my thrill of a NYC job offer take over my rational thinking and I hated everything about my new work life. How had I gotten it so wrong? But here I was, stuck.
Having spent most of my money on moving across the country, I was relying on my paycheck to keep me afloat and couldn’t quit. It was a truly dark time, and, although I tried to make the best of it, five months later my boss and I agreed it wasn’t working out, and I found myself unemployed and broke in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Of course, I managed to get through it, but I’d never wish that experience on anyone. That being said, here are a few common reasons your new job might suck, as well as what you should do about it before turning in your resignation letter.
You Can’t Stand Your Boss
When you realize the person you interviewed with is the complete opposite as a day-to-day boss, it is not only disappointing, but stressful and miserable, and you don’t go a day without a pit in your stomach.
What To Do. Instead of focusing on everything about your boss that drives you nuts, find one thing that works well between the two of you and start building from there. It’s critical to find some kind of common ground to stand on for the sake of your job and the company. Schedule a weekly or bi-weekly check in, and establish open lines of communication. It’s a great opportunity to get to know each other and ensure you’re on the same page with projects, deadlines and meetings.
Your Work Station/Office Sucks
Picture this: You walk into your first day at a new job and you’re led to your new work station; a gray cubicle facing a wall with no windows. No doubt, this seating situation sucks, but it doesn’t have to be a place you dread to go to.
What To Do. Kick up the comfort factor with a nice seat cushion, warm up your desk with a small lamp and hang up some pictures, these turn your dismal desk into a cozy work station that you’ll be happy to be working from.
You’re Not Connecting With Your Co-Workers
Nothing feels more awkward than being the “new kid” around the office. Not being close with your co-workers, at first, is OK, but, after a couple weeks or so, it can feel like you’re walking on eggshells and just aren’t fitting in if it lasts longer.
What To Do. Instead of waiting for someone to approach you, start introducing yourself to the office and begin the networking process. Say hello to co-workers while grabbing a coffee in the kitchen. Be proactive and ask a few people you’d like to get to know better to join you at a happy hour. Volunteer to help the office manager when they need an extra hand and get the inside scoop on who is well liked in the office. You won’t be without work friends for long.
The New Job’s Workload Isn’t What You Expected
The job description said one thing and the new job is turning out to be triple the work you were expecting. This situation can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, which is nothing short of detrimental to both your physical and mental health, as well as your work performance. Sloppy, rushed work isn’t the way to get through it and is just a bad look overall.
What To Do. Write out all of your assignments. Seeing everything you have to do in list form is surprisingly calming, and it feels great when you can cross things off the list. Prioritize by deadline and start knocking them out one at a time. If you avoid looking at the big picture of your workload, you’ll stay productive and stress free.
Ultimately, if you can’t turn things around, aggressively begin looking for a new job. Tell your friends and family about things so that you have more eyes and ears working for you!
If you’re still struggling to find the next better job to jump to, it’s not a bad idea to take on a full-time job doing something less office oriented and more casual (ie: retail, food service, pet sitting). It will give you the money you need to get the bills paid while allowing you time to reset and focus on the next best step in your career.
All images via Getty