You’ve finally done it. You’ve landed the dream job. The dream brand or Company, the title you’ve worked so hard for, and the money – whhhhhhoooop, show meeeeee the money! There is only one problem. Now that you are there, you’ve realised it’s not quite the dream job after all. Sh*t. Now, what do you do? Does this sound like you, or have you ever had this experience before?
Unfortunately, there is always a level of risk when you take on a new role in a new business. You’ve been painted a picture that you hope to be true, but you’ll never really know until you get in to a business what it is really like and what your role will really involve day to day. Its normal to expect that your day to day life will never be exactly what was on the job ad – there might be some slight additions, or perhaps the 10% of your time that you were told you would spend on something, actually turns out to be about 25%. Most of the time we can handle that – but what do you do when you get somewhere and you realise it is SO NOT what you were sold? When you thought you were getting the penthouse, but you end up with the ground floor studio backing onto the freeway? Eeeeeeeeeek.
Well, you’ve got some options on how you play this and what you do….
Firstly, ask yourself this. Is there actually something wrong with the job, or is it just different? Moving from one business to another is a big change, even if it was something that you volunteered for. You are meeting new people, learning new systems, likely commuting to a different building and/or suburb, plus if you have taken a role that is a step up, you’ll also be feeling the pressure of what that means. So, take a breath. Reflect on whether the new job really is sh*t, or are you just experiencing a bit of change fatigue? If it is the second, then this is completely normal and should subside over a month or so once you settle in and get used to your new normal.
Secondly, reflect on this. What do you like about the role and what do you not like about it? Write it down on a piece of paper and split the page into “like” and “not like”. Is the new job in a better location, with better hours and better pay? Perhaps that’s why you took the job in the first place? What do you not like about it currently? The people aren’t friendly, or the hours are long? You need to work our which list currently means more to you and then secondly what on the “not like” list might disappear with time.
Thirdly, try a glass half full approach. Look at the opportunities for growth in your new job. Sure, it might not be quite what it was sold to you as. Maybe things aren’t as advanced as what you were told. Maybe there are issues within the team. Maybe the culture doesn’t seem as good as what you were told. Put a positive spin on this and consider, what opportunity do you have to change things for the better? To put your stamp on the business or your role? A reframing of your situation could make the world of difference and encourage you to look at your situation as an opportunity not a mistake.
If, after reflecting on the above three items you still feel like you’ve gone down the new job mistake gurgler, then here is the silver lining – atleast you have a job, whilst you look for another one. Unless you are in the small percentage of the world who can afford to quit and not work whilst you find something new, then this is a good thing – plus, it means you can focus on finding that right next step instead of stressing about bills you have to pay and then jumping into another new job out of panic.
My top piece of advice when looking for a new job, or when leaving one for that matter, is not to burn your bridges. Be open and honest (as much as you can be) about how you are feeling, but don’t outwardly diss your workplace because this could come back to haunt you down the track. The world is a big and a small place.
Being at a career crossroads can be hard. Making the decision to make a leap to a new role can be scary, but it can also be exciting. Need some help working out your next move, or what you want to do? I can help. Email me at yo****@ea***************.com and we can schedule a 30-minute call obligation free to discuss how coaching could help you.
I help women get out of their own ways. I help you deal with the overthinking. The Imposter Syndrome. The self-doubt. All the things currently getting in your way of being a confident, kick a** woman in your workplace and in your life.