Navigating Job Regret: A Fresh Perspective on Career Missteps
Struggling Post-Career Shift? Navigating Next Steps
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, and Email are buzzing with tales of job remorse, and you're not alone in feeling it. After all, switching jobs can be a leap into the unknown, and even with careful planning, things might not always pan out as expected.
According to a survey by YouGov on behalf of Monster, around a third (32%) of us have experienced job regret at least once. The culprits? Mismatched expectations, unsatisfactory company culture, and a letdown from the management or peers[1].
So, what do you do now? Stick it out or ditch the new gig and start anew? A seasoned career expert sheds some light on the matter.
1. Give it a Chance
First impressions are crucial, but they can be deceiving. Stefanie Bickert, a job expert over at Indeed, advises patience. "Initial dissatisfaction doesn't necessarily mean you made a mistake. It might just be adjustment stress — our brains crave security when faced with the unfamiliar." After several weeks, take a comprehensive look at the situation. Ideally, a three to six-month probation period provides a solid foundation for forming a reliable impression[3].
2. Don't Glorify the Past
Missing the good old days? During the first stages of a new job, new experiences may clash with uncertainty and high expectations. In this phase, it's important to avoid romanticizing your former job. Remember, in hindsight, we tend to view the past through rose-tinted glasses[3].
Bickert suggests comparing both jobs based on specific criteria. Ponder on the aspects that truly made life better — and those you're currently overlooking. Give due time, for new responsibilities and the company culture to reveal their true colors[3].
3. Enhance Your Present
A rocky start to a new job is disheartening, but don't despair. If employees proactively approach their manager, new prospects may emerge. A clarified project, a more flexible workload, or a mentor could be on the cards. Sometimes, it helps to build relationships within the team and establish achievable goals in your daily routine[3].
4. Read Those Warning Signs
Persistent fatigue, unexplained by the onboarding phase, or other physical symptoms are critical red flags[3]. If unaddressed, these issues can impact your wellbeing.
5. Assess Options
If discrepancies persist despite your best efforts, consider an internal transfer. Oftentimes, it's possible to avoid job-hopping by finding a new role within the same company without stepping back into old dynamics[3].
Here's a career-changing tip: returning to your former employer is more common than you might think, as long as the new role offers scope for growth[3].
6. Be Gracious with Yourself
Changed jobs and still not content? It's important not to beat yourself up over mistakes. Instead, view them as stepping stones in your professional journey. The expert suggests creating a list of "red lines," factors that are non-negotiable in future roles, such as maintaining a work-life balance or receiving clear career prospects[3].
This practice brings greater rationality to your career planning.
- To minimize job regret, consider focusing on personal growth, education-and-self-development, and career development within your current role, as warned signs may indicate unfavorable conditions and a possible need for an internal transfer or reconsideration of your 'red lines' in future employment.
- In navigating job regret, it's essential to have a community policy and an employment policy in place that addresses company culture, management practices, and expectations, which can help prevent missteps, allowing for personal and professional growth in the long run.
