Starting a new job is often a hopeful experience. In the weeks leading up to your first day, you’re likely to think about the impact you’ll make, the relationships you’ll forge, and the ways in which you’ll succeed. The first few weeks in the new position may be disappointing however, and many people wonder at that point if they made the right decision.
Give It Time Before Deciding You Hate Your New Job
It’s normal to feel a bit of disappointment after starting a new job. After all, you’ve likely pinned a lot of hopes on this new opportunity. But before you decide whether to stick it out or start sending out resumes again, consider a few things. Just because you don’t know how to do all of the tasks of your new job, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be in the job at all. Ask for help early on and assume that everyone believes learning is a fundamental part of succeeding in the new position. It may be helpful to keep a running log of your performance so that you can determine whether you are actually making progress — even when you feel like you’re not. If you feel unsatisfied in the job, consider whether there’s a mismatch between your values and the organization’s. This can take time to assess but if there isn’t a fit, it’s often hard to remedy. And be careful you don’t stick out a bad situation for too long because of a resistance to change. If after six months to a year, you feel like the job is a poor fit for you, then you have to be willing to act.