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If you’ve just started a new role but it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, there’s a good chance you’re thinking of running for the door without a second look - but how do you do that without burning bridges?
If the reality of your new job doesn’t match what you were sold, you may start to question if sticking it out in the hope it gets better is the right thing to do, but at the end of the day, your happiness should definitely come first.
You may start to question if it’s you that’s the issue, but there are many things that can play a huge role in job satisfaction and sometimes these things become apparent from the very start. It might even be things that you’ve never thought about before.
With that in mind, we wanted to offer up some advice and helpful tips on how best to approach quitting a job you’ve just started.
What to do When You’re Unhappy in Your New Job
If you’re unhappy but what’s bothering you is something that can be worked on, it may be worth having a word with your new employer before jumping ship. Communication is key and your employer may be unaware of any issues, but happy to assist in making things better for you where they can.
For example, if you feel your training isn’t adequate then they may be able to implement some more structured support. After all, well trained staff will only benefit them, so they’re likely to want to make improvements rather than lose their employees.
Further to this, if the job you were “sold” hasn’t really materialised, then being proactive in finding out what can be done to ensure the role you applied for is the role you’re getting might be the answer. If there’s little hope of anything changing beyond what you have already, then it’s unlikely to fulfil you going forward.
On a personal level, If you feel like you’re not enjoying the role because you think your new colleagues don’t like you, or you’re finding it hard to integrate, it might be worth doing a little soul searching to establish why that might be the case. From there, you can be more conscious of what’s going on and make any necessary amendments. However, don’t feel obliged to be someone you’re not just to fit in; it will only put more pressure on you.
How Much Time to Give a New Job
Moving from one job to another can be a big deal. The changes can be drastic and knowing how long to give a new job that you’re not totally enjoying can be tricky. In an ideal world, you would stay in a new job for around two years, though if you’ve quickly come to realise the role is not for you, don’t feel obliged to stick around; especially if you think it’s negatively impacting your wellbeing.
If you feel there’s no hope of things improving and a move is unlikely impact your career, then looking for a new job might be the answer. Just be aware that job hopping could affect future prospects, so keep this to a minimum if you can.
When Your New Job Just Isn’t Right
Sometimes, it can become apparent very quickly that your new job isn’t going to work out. It could be that other employees are clearly unhappy, or the atmosphere’s toxic. As your workplace is where you’ll be spending a good chunk of your time, it’s vital that you enjoy being there.
If the problem comes from higher up the “food chain” and there’s something lacking on a management level, it can be difficult to make positive changes regardless of how much feedback you give.
It could however be that your colleagues are great, the company is top notch, but you feel the job itself is the problem. It might be that you dread going to work on a Monday morning, or all you think about when you get into work each day is going home. In this case, knowing when to cut your losses and seek alternatives will mean you’re not wasting time just muddling through for the sake of saving face.
How to Leave a New Job
Sometimes, even with the best will in the world, making a job that you’re not totally satisfied with work can feel almost impossible. If you’ve made the decision that the best thing for you is to resign, there are a few things you should consider doing to make the process easier. Here are our top tips for quitting a new job:
Be sure this is definitely something that you want - It’s easy to let your emotions carry you away, but having one bad day doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll all be the same. Reconsider your feelings about the role, try to rationalise why you might want to leave, and work out if there’s anything that can be done to change what’s bothering you.
Things you may wish to consider before handing in your notice:
Is it possible to work something out with your new employer? There might be room for movement if what’s affecting your happiness is circumstantial. Speak with your boss and see if there’s anything that can be done.
Is it worth sticking around for a little longer? If you think things could change in the not too distant future, consider whether these changes could have a positive impact and if seeing through these changes could be enough to feel better about the role.
Are you able to find a new role quickly? If you absolutely know your new role isn’t for you and you’re not in a position to go without work, being able to find another job should be a priority
If you’re sure that quitting is the right thing for you, then the next few tips should help you to resign in a tactful manner so as not to burn any bridges.
Resign in writing - Regardless of how long you’ve been in a role, it’s good practice to provide a written letter of resignation. This is a much more professional approach than a verbal resignation.
Give appropriate notice - When you join a company, the likelihood is that you were given an induction and a contract outlining your notice period. When considering leaving your new job, it’s advisable to stick with this notice period to give the company opportunity to make any necessary arrangements.
It’s likely they’ll appreciate this, though they may release you from this contractual obligation if they agree there won’t be any implications.
Provide feedback - Your new boss may ask for feedback regarding your reasons for leaving. While you’re not obliged to provide any details about your personal situation if you don’t want to, constructive and positive feedback is likely to be appreciated.
Avoid giving negative feedback as your opinions may not be shared by all employees and you want to leave on good terms. Do however emphasise that the decision to leave wasn’t made on a whim. Often employers will appreciate that the role isn’t going to suit everyone.
Ask for a reference – It doesn’t matter that you’ve only been in the role for a short time - asking for a reference will mean there are no gaps in your employment history, and help any future employers verify your credentials.
The decision to quit a job you just started is not one to take lightly. It’s tough to know whether you’re making the right choice, and it’s possible that your decision may have long-term implications.
Hopefully our run down of how to deal with a new job that’s not working out will help you make the right decision. Knowing the warning signs, taking necessary steps to make improvements, and ensuring you’re following the correct procedure when you’ve decided to leave will only benefit you as you move forward in your career.
