New Job, Bad Fit? How To Deal With a Job You Don’t Like

Anything new always feels exhilarating. A new job is no exception. You walk into your new office with high hopes for this new chapter in your career, focused on the beauty of a new beginning. However, things may not turn out as you expect. Once your initial excitement peters out, the cracks begin to show: your new job is not as fun and rewarding as you thought it would be.

You might feel devastated to discover that your new role is a bad fit. However, before you decide on your next move, here is how to deal with a job you don't like.

Process Your Emotions And Be Honest With Yourself

First off, ask yourself if you've given this role enough chance. After all, a new job can be as nerve-wracking as it is thrilling. After all, you start from scratch, learning new workflows, dealing with fresh faces, understanding a different software, and adjusting to novel company culture. It can feel overwhelming, which may contribute to your displeasure. Give yourself and the company some wiggle room to get to know each other. 

Having said and done that, how do you feel? Do you still hate it? It's okay. You gave it the old college try. Acknowledge your emotions. Break down your feelings into pieces to understand why you are responding this way. Your feelings are valid but also sway you into an impulsive reaction. Do you hate the job or are you having a challenge learning the ropes? 

Think about what made you accept the role. Did you think it would help evolve your career? Did the paycheck convince you? These reasons will help you assess if it's worth it or not. Are your struggles just a hump on the road or a massive obstacle that affects your emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing? Do you think it will block your road to success?

Take some time to lay down the facts and what exactly makes you feel upset about your current situation. They will help you see which of your concerns can be solved.

Also read: 6 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Changing Jobs

Communicate And Set Boundaries

If it feels like a bad fit, it may be best to communicate with your line manager before immediately resorting to an exit plan. Consider talking to your boss or HR Manager about the situation. 

You can apply this tip when you feel like a misalignment occurred. Does the job digress from your contract? Is the workload unreasonable? You must try to get on the same page with your expectations. Moreover, propose solutions for better working conditions to avoid getting burnout and unmotivated.

Also read: How to Know When It’s Time to Break Up With Your Job

Develop a Can-Do Attitude And Focus on Your Goals

Not everything starts peachy, and judging a situation from the get-go may cost you your success. Although, of course, this tip doesn’t apply when it involves situations where you feel abused and disrespected as an employee. If your new company or boss shows red flags and doesn’t seem to value their people’s worth, consider looking for a new job as soon as you can. 

However, if your new job struggles involve things that you think can be addressed, consider taking them on with a can-do attitude before deciding that it’s time to let go.

How to Like Your Job When You Hate It

Attract some good office vibes.

Does it constantly feel like you drag yourself every weekday to face your office desk and deal with your tasks for the day? You can start by making your space feel more light and positive. Spark some joy by shopping for office essentials that may motivate you – maybe some cute pens or pencils with motivational quotes can make jotting down notes, ticking off daily tasks, and fixing your schedule more fun. 

You may also try dressing up to feel great or wearing a perfume that perks you up. Consider getting a desk plant (or two) as well to add life to your desk and not to mention bring in some fresh air too. Sometimes, the more you sulk about the negative aspects of your job, the more it becomes unbearable. But if you choose to be more in control and take on each task with a cheerful heart, it may develop into everything you need to help you grow. 

Build office friendships.

According to SHRM, work friends are a big reason many people stay in a job. As a newcomer, you don’t have to befriend everyone in the department immediately but it also won’t do you any good to isolate yourself. Reach out to your colleagues – maybe start with the ones sitting next to you or those with whom you directly work. Sometimes, a simple greeting is all you need to initiate a good friendship.

Also read: 5 Tips on How to Be More Confident at Work

Give it a shot and challenge yourself.

Your new job may entail a new set of responsibilities, but you can still take it as an opportunity for growth. If you perform your duties and take them as a way to develop your skills, you may eventually find yourself gaining more from the unfavourable situation. 

Identify a goal.

The beginning stage may be challenging. However, if this new job will help you improve or gain new perspectives and a fresh skill set for your long-term goals, then wouldn’t it be worth it? Having an end goal and creating a system to get you there may help you enjoy the ride. 

Also read: Stressed with Work? Where to Go This Weekend to Boost Your Mental Health

How to Deal With a Job You Don't Like

When you’ve exhausted all possible solutions and ways to like your new job but just can’t seem to move forward without feeling miserable, it may be time to take on a new journey. 

Stay professional.

Your new job may not be what you have hoped for but continue showing respect and professionalism. Resign gracefully and courteously discuss your decision. 

Reach out to your old employer.

If you don’t have the financial freedom to leave your job, you may consider reaching out to your old employer to see if you can still get your previous position back. However, in doing so, be sure you have taken enough time to contemplate if going back is the better choice since you most definitely didn’t leave without a valid reason. 

Start applying.

If going back to an old employee or staying at your current one won't cut it, start looking for jobs and applying for positions more aligned with your skills and goals and a company culture that best suits you. 

Ask for help from your internal network.

Contact friends, old colleagues, managers, et cetera to see if anyone is currently hiring. You may also consider short-term work to keep your finances intact and, at the same time, help you leave your current job situation sooner. 

Also read: Stressed From Office Politics? Here Are 5 Types of Conflict in the Workplace

Let your experience be a lesson.

Just like how you put your best foot forward during a job interview, so do employers. They are, after all, looking to fill in a position. Thus, consider job interviews as not just a way to show why you can be a valuable asset to the company but also to see how the company can help you grow and reach your full potential. Evaluate by not just carefully going through the job description, but also by asking questions, looking out for red flags, and doing your research.  

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