Navigating career changes: Dealing with regrets and moving forward
Changing jobs can be exhilarating, but sometimes it leaves you pondering, "What have I done?" If you find yourself regretting your decision, don't panic. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you move forward and make the best of your situation.
Give Your New Job a Chance
When everything seems doomed after two dreadful weeks at your new job, consider giving it time. Stefanie Bickert, a career expert at Indeed, points out that feelings of dissatisfaction might stem from the brain's search for security in unfamiliar situations. If you still feel uneasy after several weeks, take a step back and evaluate the situation. Three to six months of probation should provide a clear picture of your new role.
Refrain from Idealizing the Past
Remember the old adage, "The grass is always greener on the other side"? It holds true when it comes to job changes. During the initial phase of a new job, new impressions mixed with uncertainties and high expectations might lead you to idealize your past job. To make a fair comparison, analyze your current and former jobs based on concrete criteria. Be patient and allow time for the new responsibilities and company culture to feel right.
Improve Your Situation
If your new job isn't turning out as expected, try to improve it. Communicate your concerns to your manager and suggest potential solutions. Perhaps you could request a specific project, flexible work allocation, or even a mentor. Develop relationships within your team, set small achievable goals, and maintain a healthy balance between curiosity and critical reflection.
Identify Red Flags
Persistent exhaustion unfamiliar to an induction phase or other physical symptoms should serve as a significant red flag. If the problems persist despite all efforts, consider alternative solutions like an internal job change or a return to your previous employer, provided the new role offers growth opportunities.
Embrace Self-Compassion
A job change is a learning experience. Use it as an opportunity to recognize your strengths, weaknesses, and desires for future roles. If the change didn't yield the desired result, it might not have been your fault. Perhaps unrealistic expectations or exaggerated promises during the application process were to blame.
Reflect and Adapt
Regardless of the outcome, every job change offers insights that can guide your career decisions. Develop a list of "red lines" based on your unsuccessful change experience. This could include requirements such as two days of remote work or clear career prospects within two years. Use these parameters to measure future job opportunities.
- Take advantage of your community policy and personal growth resources to adapt to your new job and make the best of the situation.
- Engage in education-and-self-development and career-development programs to improve your skills and enhance your chances for job search, should the need arise, if the current job does not meet your expectations.
