If you resume a new job and discover that it’s not what you expected, it’s important to be tactful with your next move. You don’t want to act in a way that jeopardizes a professional relationship or damages your reputation.
To help you out, here are five ideas for dealing with a new job that isn’t a good fit and getting your career back on track.
1. Give It Some Time
Even if it seems like the most appealing way out, don’t just quit. Give yourself enough time to settle in—adjusting to a new job is hard on most people. You’ve got new procedures, new colleagues, and a new corporate culture—it’s understandable if it’s a lot to take in at first.
But if you still feel unhappy after a month, it’s safe to conclude that it was more than just a rocky start. Before you make a decision though, there are still other things to consider.
2. Identify the Main Issues
Next, you want to take enough time to figure out what exactly the problem is. Identifying the reasons for your dissatisfaction will give you a clearer perspective for your next move.
If you already know what you don’t like about your new job, take time to articulate it. Writing down your thoughts and reservations can help you gain clarity.
If you’re having a hard time figuring out the cause of your discontent, consider some of the most common reasons for job dissatisfaction. Is it the work culture, your boss, or your colleagues? Or could it be your workload, lack of clear expectations around the role, a growth ceiling, or a lack of learning opportunities?
The more specific you can be about what’s bothering you, the more likely you are to be able to fix it—or find a new job that better suits you. If you are aware of the issues now, it will be easier to spot them in future job offers.
3. Do Your Best Work
When you hate what you do, it’s easy to do the barest minimum while biding the time until you can finally quit. But that sour attitude isn’t going to make your life any easier. In fact, it’ll only make things worse.
If you’re like most of us, you probably won’t be able to walk into your new boss’s office and hand in your resignation right away. Especially if there are no job offers waiting for you outside the door. Chances are you’ll have to wait, at least for a while.
While you wait, consciously identify the parts of your job that aren’t so bad. Recognizing the upsides will not only make you happier while you’re stuck there. It will also help you understand what you enjoy doing at work in the long run, which will help you make better job choices in the future.
4. Start Another Job Hunt
If the issues with your new job are irredeemable, quietly and discreetly begin your job search. For the same reasons you’re keeping quiet about hating your job, don’t broadcast your job search. You don’t want to tell your boss or anyone else that you’re leaving until you’re ready.
It’s easier to find a job when you have a job, so it’s time to dive into job search mode. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile. Create a compelling LinkedIn profile summary that will catch the attention of hiring managers. Assemble a list of references. Connect with everyone you know on LinkedIn and other popular social media sites to expand your network.
If you only stay at your less-than-ideal new job for a short time and learn nothing that will help you land a better job, it’s a good idea to strike it from your resume. While job-hopping may not be a major red flag for most employers, a two-week stay at your most recent job will likely raise some questions you don’t want to answer.
If All Else Fails, Resign Gracefully
When you find a better offer, give two weeks’ notice and gracefully resign. Make sure you’re leaving the company with no hard feelings—you can even offer to provide assistance during the transition.
Aside from costing you a professional reputation, a scorched-Earth approach to separation isn’t worth your time. You’ll be better off focusing your energy on your new job and improving your experience this time around.
