It might not happen to everyone, but it happens more often than you might think: After months of searching, you landed a new job and started it with great excitement, only to find that things weren’t as rosy and promising as you’d hoped. In fact, the new job might be more stressful and less enjoyable than the last one, and you get the very clear sense that this isn’t just new job jitters. 

Or maybe you decided, in a moment of anger, to just quit your job. Following the pandemic, there was a movement of people leaving jobs they were frustrated with, or in which they felt mistreated or underpaid, in the belief they could find something better. Not everyone was fortunate enough to find that new job right away.

In any case, don’t get angry at yourself for making a change. 

Here’s what you can do about having a new job you don’t love and an old job you’re not sure you can return to. 

Take a Moment to Breathe

This is not the time for a rash decision or snap judgment. Whether you quit your last job to take this job and went through the proper channels, or if you quit because you couldn’t take it anymore, you need to take a beat and figure out what you want. Think long and hard about what you liked about any previous employment, what skills you have, what you’re interested in, and what you like to do. Think, too, about what makes you unhappy in this new job. Is it just the change, and you might think differently once you get acclimated? Do you get along with your new supervisor, or do you feel like there’s nothing that could improve that relationship? How about your new colleagues — are people being friendly and welcoming to you, or are they standoffish and cold? Give yourself a little room and time to get a grip on reality before taking another step. 

Remain Calm and Professional

As you figure things out, you still want to do your best to do your new job as well as you can. Show up on time, complete your assignments, and be pleasant and civil with your colleagues and manager. Try to keep any negative feelings or anger under wraps; you don’t want to be labeled as a morale problem. Politely inquire as to whether you’ve received all the training and orientation information you need; do your best to find a way to make this position, at this company, work for at least a little while. 

Try to Get to Know the New Job and Your Manager

Maybe it feels, in the first few days, like the job you were hired to do is not the one you’re learning. That could be some confusion or something being lost in translation between HR and yourself, or it could be that the company did decide to shift your new tasks to something else, given their need or your background. Either way, give it a try. See if you can find a way to find common ground and learn to adapt to this odd situation enough that you can make this new job work. If you haven’t had a chance to sit and talk with your new boss, request a meeting and have that conversation. Bring with you some questions about things that aren’t adding up, and listen openly to the answers you receive. Try to see where they’re coming from and find something positive to focus on. It’s worth a try! You’re already in the door. 

Pick Up The Phone and Call Your Former Manager

If this isn’t working out and you’re not feeling better after a few days or weeks, it’s time to put your proverbial hat in your hand and call your former boss. If you left on decent terms and didn’t burn any bridges on the way out, you might be able to be rehired by your former company. Keep in mind, this might not be an option — after all, you did quit! But the hiring process can take a while, and if things were left on good, respectful terms, it’s possible they’ll be interested in bringing you back rather than hiring and training someone new. It’s worth asking. Just remember, you did leave, and there might be a very good reason why you did, so weigh this option carefully before taking another step. 

If Nothing’s Improving, It’s Time to Start Again

If it’s been a few weeks and you’re waking up with dread at the thought of going to work in the morning, it’s time to brush up on the resume again and restart your search. Be a little more deliberate in your search terms, and be sure to read closely any and all job postings before you send in your resume. Try to find people who work at the companies you’re applying to before you submit an application to see whether they like working there, what the company culture is like, etc. You don’t want to wind up in the same spot again so quickly! Talk to your friends in different companies and see if they have any jobs open, especially if your friends like what they do.

Want a Career Opportunity That’s Right For You? Call ABLE Today!

We all make mistakes and missteps in life. It can be a frustrating experience, but ultimately it’s a learning opportunity, something that can help you grow. It might even end up being the answer to an interview question one day! 

If you’d like a little help finding a new position faster, call ABLE Associates. Our staffing experts work closely with their clients and have a solid understanding of whether a job description really matches what a position requires. Take a look at the positions we’re working to fill and see which ones strike your interest, then call ABLE Associates to learn more and apply.