Changing jobs is a significant decision, and while it often leads to exciting new opportunities, it’s not uncommon to feel like you’ve made a mistake after starting a new role. If you’re questioning your decision, don’t panic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to navigate this situation and find a way forward.
- Give Yourself Time
- Adjusting Takes Time: Transitioning to a new job can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel uncertain during the initial stages.
- Set a Timeline: Give yourself at least 3–6 months to fully adapt to the new role, environment, and culture before making any major decisions.
- Identify the Root of Your Concerns
- Reflect on What Feels Wrong: Is it the workload, company culture, team dynamics, or something else?
- Differentiate Between Temporary Challenges and Deal-Breakers: New-job jitters or learning curves are normal, but if the issues are fundamental (e.g., misaligned values, unethical practices, mis-sold the role in the interviews), they may require action.
- Communicate with Your Manager
- Share Your Concerns: If possible, have an honest conversation with your manager about what’s not working for you.
- Seek Solutions: Discuss potential changes or accommodations, such as adjusting your responsibilities, workload, or expectations.
- Leverage Your Network
- Talk to Trusted Mentors: Share your concerns with a mentor or former colleagues to gain perspective and advice.
- Reconnect with Old Contacts: If you left a good relationship with your previous employer, reaching out to discuss options may be worth considering.
- Reassess Your Goals
- Revisit Your Career Aspirations: Reflect on your original reasons for making the change. Are those goals still valid?
- Evaluate the Fit: Does the new job align with your long-term career objectives?
- Focus on the Positives
- Identify What’s Working: Even in challenging situations, there are often positives to focus on, such as learning new skills, meeting new people, or gaining industry experience.
- Leverage This Role: Consider how the experience can benefit you in the future, even if it’s not ideal right now.
- Develop an Exit Strategy
- If you’re convinced the job isn’t right for you, plan your next steps carefully:
- Update Your CV and LinkedIn Profile: Highlight your achievements in your new role, even if it’s brief.
- Start a Targeted Job Search: Look for roles that align more closely with your skills, values, and goals.
- Be Honest, Yet Positive: In future interviews, frame your short stint as a learning experience that clarified what you’re looking for in a role.
- Learn from the Experience
- Identify Red Flags: Reflect on any warning signs you might have missed during the hiring process, such as unclear job descriptions or mismatched company values.
- Refine Your Decision-Making Process: Use this experience to ask better questions and gather more information in future job searches.
- Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
- Normalise the Experience: Many professionals have experienced a mismatch after changing jobs; it’s not a failure.
- Focus on Growth: Every experience, even challenging ones, contributes to your personal and professional development.
Final Thoughts
Feeling like you made a mistake changing jobs is unsettling, but it’s not the end of the road. By giving yourself time, reflecting on your goals, and taking thoughtful action, you can turn the situation around or transition to a better opportunity. Remember, career paths are rarely linear, and every step—whether it feels right or wrong—teaches you something valuable.
My views are based on my 17 years+ of recruiting for Accountancy Practice and Insolvency professionals.
For advice about your career options, speak to Scott Lowes at Levitate Recruitment, specialists in placing practice-trained accountants and insolvency professionals across the UK, and find the right role to suit your ambitions.
