I’m spilling all of the corporate tea in this “Ask Breakroom Buddha” series.
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Question: What to do when you realize you don’t like your new job?
I read somewhere that most people know whether they’re going to like a job by lunchtime on the first day. I don’t know how true that is, but it seems pretty valid to me. Especially because there could be a ton of red flags that you pick up on that you couldn’t pick up on during the interview rounds.
I always say that people know deep down inside what they want. But sometimes getting what they want or getting out of what they don’t want isn’t that easy.
4 Mindset Shifts for Someone Who Dislikes Their New Job
If you find yourself in a situation that you know you don’t belong in, here are a few things you can do:
Learn on Your Company’s Dime
I’ve always enjoyed working for companies because you’re essentially getting paid to learn and do something new. If you’re in a new position, embrace this mindset. Learn all the things you need to learn to excel at the job. Also, if the company offers any educational stipends, use them up before you go!
Here’s a list of ways you can use your education budget or learning credit before you leave:
- Career Coaching: Career coaching can be highly beneficial for employees at any stage of their careers, whether they’re seeking advancement within their current role, transitioning to a new career, or aiming to enhance their overall professional effectiveness.
- Online Courses: Enroll in online courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, or Skillshare to learn new skills or deepen existing ones. These courses cover a wide range of topics from technical skills to soft skills.
- Certification Programs: Pursue certification programs relevant to your industry or desired career path. This could include certifications in project management (e.g., PMP), IT (e.g., CompTIA, Cisco), or specialized skills (e.g., Google Analytics).
- Workshops and Seminars: Attend workshops, seminars, or conferences related to your field. These events provide opportunities for networking and staying updated on industry trends.
- Language Classes: Learn a new language or improve your language skills through classes or language learning apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone.
Explore the full list of personal and professional development here.
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Job Shadow Your New Co-workers
While you’re learning, start building a list of people who are doing a job that you find interesting. When you have a solid list, start asking if you can job shadow them. It’s easier to get a yes when you already work at the company.
DIY Your Job Responsibilities
You might actually be able to change your daily tasks if you ask. Of course, someone will need to do the work you were hired to do (it will still most likely be you), but you can suggest adding projects/tasks to your plate that align with what you like to do. Only do this once you’re comfortable with the daily tasks that you’re already responsible for.
Use the DIY Job Description Generator below to figure out what you actually want to be doing.
Don’t Quit Your Job Search
Just because you have a job, doesn’t mean you have to stop searching. Keep your eyes on your favorite job boards, have frequent coffee chats, and go to digital & in-person networking events. You never know where this will lead!
In the end, there’s no such thing as “perfect” when you don’t control the variables of the situation. You can try to control as much as possible about your situation, but unless you’re working for yourself and have 0 clients or customers, you will always find yourself in a situation that you won’t 100% like.
The key is to find an environment, company, and role that hits most of your goals and doesn’t annoy you too much. Use the tips above to help you get as close to this as possible. Keep reading about how to do that here.
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