“My new job is not a good fit; it’s not what I was promised or expected. What should I do?” As a career coach, I’ve been asked this question more times than I can count.
Robust employer branding campaigns, disjointed hiring processes, and virtual interviews all make it more challenging to discern dream companies from awful employers.
So, what are the signs your new company isn’t a good fit, what should you do if your job isn’t what you expected, and how do you remain patient throughout the process? Let’s dive in.
3 Signs Your New Job Isn’t A Fit
To begin, how can you tell if your new job might not be right for you?
For starters, if the position or company is vastly different than what you were told when interviewing with the company, consider this a sign to put your feelers out there for something new.
Another sign that your job might not be the right fit is if you’re faced with a difficult boss. Unfortunately, this can often be difficult to discern before joining a company and sometimes doesn’t reveal itself until you’ve been in your role for several months.
You might also consider jumping ship if your new company displays signs of being toxic, such as setting unrealistic expectations or violating your boundaries.
To summarize, here are a few of the most common signs that your new job may not be right for you:
- The position or company is different than originally advertised.
- You have a difficult or seemingly impossible boss.
- You realize your new company is toxic.
Important: This list doesn’t include all the signs you might need to leave your new company. If you feel like your job really isn’t for you and are already thinking about leaving for something better, trust your gut.
Is It Normal For Your New Job To Not Be A Good Fit?
Yes, it’s normal for a new job to not be a perfect fit. Sometimes, you conduct all the due diligence in the world and still end up in a position that’s different from what was marketed. Other times, you may simply be getting used to a new environment and need to give yourself time to adjust to your new company and role.
[Read: How to Stay Motivated After The New Job Honeymoon Phase Ends]
What To Do If Your New Job Isn’t A Fit
Now, what should you do if your new job isn’t what you expected? Here are three tips worth considering:
1. Don’t feel rushed to make a decision.
First, you want to give yourself ample time to adjust to your new job before making any tough career decisions.
It’s easy to feel like you need to decide right away whether to stay with your current company, especially if you left another position for this one. However, this isn’t always the case.
I recall moving from Seattle to Silicon Valley for what I thought was an exciting new job at a great company. Then, once I arrived in the office on the first day, I asked myself, “Did I make a huge mistake joining this company?”
Consider setting a specific date on the calendar 3 to 6 months from now when you’ll make your decision, as this will allow you to focus on adjusting your new opportunity rather than the decision itself.
Sometimes, though, you can tell immediately that a new company isn’t what you were promised. This was the case with the Silicon Valley job, so I began looking for a new role on day one!
2. Find an outlet where you can express your feelings.
Landing in a job that’s not the right fit, or even immensely different than what you were promised, can be confusing, lonely, and very stressful.
You might consider journaling about how you’re feeling about your current career situation, as well as what you want your situation to look like in the future, sometimes referred to as manifestation journaling.
Here are some questions to guide you through this process of self-reflection:
- How are you currently feeling?
- What will make your new job more tolerable, or even enjoyable?
- Where and from whom can you seek support?
- How will you know if this is a company you want to stay at? How will you know if this is a company you want to leave?
- What will you do differently the next time you look for a job?
These questions are merely a jumping-off point. Ask yourself what other reflective questions will guide you in making the best decision for yourself and your career.
You may find it beneficial to revisit and refine your journal entry as you learn more about your company and role and gain clarity as to whether you want to look for something better.
3. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Finally, please try not to be too hard on yourself. You can conduct all the research and due diligence in the world and still land in a job that’s different than what you expected.
If possible, try to identify a few internal mentors and sponsors who can help you get up to speed faster and learn the politics of your new role.
Also, decide what lessons you want to learn from this experience and any steps you can take to avoid landing in a similar situation in the future.
Expert tip: If you keep landing roles that aren’t what they seem on the surface, that might be an additional opportunity for self-reflection and growth.
Is It Okay To Feel Overwhelmed At A New Job?
Yes, it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed in a new job! This is particularly true if you switched industries or assumed your first leadership. Be kind to yourself if you don’t immediately feel comfortable in your new position.
How Long Does New Job Anxiety Last?
If you’re feeling anxious as you onboard for your new role, give yourself some grace. New job anxiety typically lasts anywhere from a few weeks to a few months as you adjust to your new position and company. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and consult your manager, colleagues, and mentors for support as you acclimate.
[Read: 7 Ways To Manage Anxiety When Starting A New Job]
How To Be Patient With Yourself In A New Job
Be realistic with your goals as you transition into your new role. One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting a new job is expecting too much of themselves. Much of your focus in your first 90 days should be on getting to know your position and company, not delivering specific results.
How Do You Explain In Interviews Why A New Job Wasn’t A Fit?
Let’s talk logistics. If you decide to leave, you’ll likely be asked in interviews about your short tenure and why the role wasn’t a fit. Instead of focusing on why you left, shift the conversation to why you’re excited about the company you’re now interviewing with. For example, if you exited a role because it didn’t align with the culture you were seeking, focus on the type of culture you’re looking for in your next role.
Think about it this way: if you were going on a date, you wouldn’t spend the conversation talking about what you didn’t like about your ex. You’d talk about what you’re looking for in your next partner.
Another option is to leave the role off your resume entirely. If you stayed with the company for fewer than 6 months, you’re not required to include it. Including a short stint often invites unnecessary questions, and if you weren’t there long, you may not have had enough time to make a meaningful impact anyway. Removing the role from your resume and LinkedIn profile can help keep the interview focused on your strengths and what you bring to the company.
Final Notes On When Your New Job Isn’t What You Expected
Regardless of whether you decide to stay with your current company, you’ll learn a lot about yourself through the process. Plus, it never hurts to put feelers out there and test the job market. Remember that applying for open positions doesn’t mean you’re leaving your current position, it’s simply looking out for yourself and putting your career first.
If you’re uncertain about how to navigate your current situation, please don’t hesitate to contact me or schedule a consultation. I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
