Not happy with your new employer? 4 steps to take

Sometimes a new job doesn’t work out, but in many cases, you can take steps to make your job more enjoyable and fulfilling.

You've left your old job to begin a new phase of your career with an exciting employer. But after a few days or weeks on the job, you can't help but feel frustrated with your new company. Perhaps the workflow isn't what you're used to, or you're uncomfortable in a new corporate culture.

Sometimes, a new job doesn't work out, but in many cases, you can take steps to make your job more enjoyable and fulfilling. If you're struggling in a new position, consider these four steps:

1. Determine what you don't like about the job

Whenever you start a new job, there's always going to be a period of adjustment. It may take some time to get used to the new corporate culture, learn new systems and workflows and figure out the fancy coffee machine.

Think of your situation as if you were traveling to a new country. You would expect the people there to do things differently than you're used to at home. Culture shock can happen in the workplace, too. Give yourself some time to adjust before you make big decisions about your future with the company.

If you're still feeling uncomfortable at your new job after a few weeks, reach out to your manager and let them know how you're feeling. It can sometimes take a few months to get in the swing of things. The more open you are about your struggles, the faster you and your manager can work together to find a solution.

"Try developing a pro-and-con list," says Laura Verastegui, Division Director of Beacon Hill's Associates Division in Charlotte. "Determine exactly what you dislike about the role and if it would be worth it to leave so soon after starting. In the meantime, try to make the most of the situation, while continuing to work with your recruiter or plumbing your connections for other potential opportunities. Also, keep in mind that, depending on the cause, your situation may turn around with time – for example; a management change that spurs a culture shift."

man at work

2. Look for ways to make things better

There's no such thing as a perfect job. Even individuals who find their dream jobs will still have to deal with annoying tasks from time to time. There should, however, be a balance of positive and negative aspects about the work - and ideally the scales will tip in the favor of the positive.

When you don't want to go to work in the morning, it's a clear indicator that something is wrong. Sit down with a pad and pen, and write down exactly what's making you feel anxious or frustrated at work. Are these solvable problems? Chances are you can find some way to make things better.

3. Consider taking classes

The boredom of a new job may start to get to you at times, causing your mind to wander and your focus to falter. Boredom can be an indication that you are not being challenged enough on the job.

According to reporter Carolyn O'Hara writing in the Harvard Business Review, employees should consider looking for ways to fulfill their creative interests outside of work. If you're not being challenged at work but don't yet possess the skills necessary to move to a position with more responsibility, you could take classes outside of work hours. By leveling up your skills in your free time, you can gain access to new opportunities for stimulating and fulfilling work.

4. Talk with your recruiter

Once you've tried a few different tactics to make your new job better and things still aren't panning out, it's time to take action. Reach out to your recruiter and explain what's not working for you, the steps you've taken to remedy the situation and the reasons why things aren't getting any better.

Your recruiter may be able to work with your employer to make things better or can help you find another position. Remember, you're always in control of your career.

To learn more about how to find a satisfying career path, talk with the expert recruiters at Beacon Hill Staffing Group today.

This content is brought to you by the Marketing Team at Beacon Hill Staffing Group.

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