When Your New Job Isn’t Everything You Hoped For
You just started a new job! You went into it with unbridled enthusiasm. But your new gig is not everything you dreamed it would be… What should you do? Stick it out? Head for the door? Here are a few thoughts.
- The first few weeks at your new job are not necessarily what the job will be like in the long run. Just because a company doesn’t do a great job with onboarding doesn’t mean you won’t end up liking the job once you fully settle in.
- Even in today’s talent-centric market, many employers are concerned about job hoppers. If your career history consists of jobs that are <3 years, staying in a job for at least 5 to 7 years (or more!) should be your #1 career goal.
- Despite the current talent shortage, some employers only hire people who are currently employed. So, you may want to stick it out while you look for something else. It puts you in a much stronger negotiating position.
- It’s hard for food and beverage companies to find good employees these days. So you have a lot more leverage right now than you might have had just a couple of years ago. You may very well be able to sit down with your boss (or HR) and negotiate for a different role within the organization, or at the very least, address the things that aren’t working as expected for you.
- Some companies really value and support “intrapreneurial” behavior. If the job isn’t what you had hoped for, see if you can change things yourself. Take on new responsibilities, address the problems you perceive, and figure out a new way to save money or bring in new revenue.
Perhaps most importantly, if you feel like you absolutely have to bail on a new job, do it graciously. Some employers will insist on a reference from your last employer and/or boss. So, if you must bail, provide at least 2 weeks’ notice, and don’t burn any bridges on your way out.
This blog was written by George Blomgren, Kinsa Group Recruiting Manager. Connect with him on LinkedIn.