I resigned a job I been at for less than 90 days because the work was misrepresented and my manager was overwhelming.

49 Comments

1. AnonymousAugust 6,2022 at 4:32PM UTC

   Do what you can. And keep looking! Sorry I don't have a silver bullet. This economy is so scary. I have no insight at all.

2. Robin LampertAugust 6,2022 at 5:18PM UTC

   I suggest staying while you look. The realignment may work out.

   Some companies (oddly) prefer to hire people who have a job. You'll have a pay check while you search which could reduce the pressure to take another unsuitable job.

   If it's truly terrible and harming your mental or physical health and ability to search for another job, then it might make sense to ignore what I said above, and quit.

   Good luck!

3. Bosslady189985August 6,2022 at 7:20PM UTC

   I've just did the very same thing. Company was awful and completely misrepresented what I was getting into. I tried to help them with their messes but they had so much red tape and bad egos in management - they weren't going to change anytime soon. I also was asked to stay, but they misrepresented themselves before (not just to me but also to clients) so I couldn't trust them to become honest all of a sudden. I found another job making just as much money for a highly reputable and more transparent company and couldn't be happier with my decision. I still talk to quite a few people from the old job and they all have nothing but complaints. Glad I got out of there.

4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistAugust 6,2022 at 7:28PM UTC

   I recommend you stay while you continue your search.
   They might get their act together - they might not, but you will be earning money while you continue to search. When you find another job then you can decide whether or not to leave.

5. Barb HansenAugust 6,2022 at 8:37PM UTC

   There is no harm in staying (unless the position is too stressful) - you can always stay and see if things get better.

   You can leave at any time - if you get a few weeks in and things aren't changing, you can leave.

   You can always look for another while you continue to wait for the company to realign.

   I think it's a good sign that they asked you to stay. It shows that they say value you as an employee.

6. IkyAugust 6,2022 at 8:39PM UTC

   Thank you for sharing your question with us. My advice comes in questions.

   Can you afford to leave your job? If yes, when?

   Can you afford to stay at your job? If yes, for how much longer?

   Follow your heart. You have the ultimate answer in you. Even if you can't afford to follow your heart right away, take an action daily, no matter how small, that keeps you in the right direction.

   "Progress equals happiness." — Tony Robbins

   Tony didn't say "achievement equals happiness."

   Wishing you the best. You are meant for more. You are meant to thrive. Sending you positive energy and good vibes.

   Please write back to us in this post and let us know how you are doing 3 months from today.

   Have a fabulous day!

7. AnonymousAugust 7,2022 at 11:48PM UTC

   Thanks to all for your very helpful insight. My husband and I decided that we could afford me to take time off to reevaluate my professional objectives. My other concern is that I am 60 years old. I can only think the universe granted me grace to gain more income while keeping my options open. I appreciate you all.

8. MHRAugust 9,2022 at 12:41PM UTC

   I too recently left a job I’d taken only 2 weeks before! Toxic workspace, more than 5 responsibilities not disclosed during interview /job offer and an owner who was horribly racist and misogynistic. I collect unemployment, took the rest of the YEAR off, and I turn 60 next month! We can do this!!

9. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

   I am 66 and just retired from a job I held for eight years. Two years ago, I had to go on short-term disability after surgical complications, and the 66% salary provision hurt. Only you know what the drop in income will do to you financially. How ready are you for retirement? Have you researched when you have any retirement benefits you can access? Ageism is real, and many companies prefer people new to their careers over experience.

10. Balanced372207August 9,2022 at 1:01PM UTC

    I am glad to hear that I am not the only person who knows that ageism is real, and not a "made up" idea planted in our old heads.

11. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 12:34PM UTC

    I may be too late but wanted to share that I’ve been in many re-orgs and often the expectations of employees at this time can be quite low during this transition

    phase. It can sometimes

    be remarkably slow. Humans are wired to think things will be very hard and difficult but you may be surprised how often the opposite is true.

12. Rynn StrangeAugust 9,2022 at 12:34PM UTC

    Congratulations! Take the time to re-evaluate; I've done that many times. And try not to be too concerned about your age. If you obsess over it, it will become a self-fulfilling obstacle. You've got this!

13. Julie AndrewsAugust 9,2022 at 12:47PM UTC

    Ditto to don’t be too concerned about your age! I’m about the same age and it’s not been a factor AT ALL. It’s experience, it’s wisdom, it’s all things good. Wear it with pride.

14. Shelby CAugust 9,2022 at 12:40PM UTC

    The reason why there's a 90 day probationary period is because that's how long it usually takes companies and employees to get to know one another. I wouldn't be so quick to judge them. They value you and this could be an opportunity for advancement if your manager has left. I would give them 90 days from now.

15. jennifer johnsonAugust 9,2022 at 12:42PM UTC

    I took a job and left after 90 days for same reason. I chose to take a mental sabbatical for a few months. It turned out to be the best decision I ever made. It allowed me to refocus, prioritize and land a job that I absolutely love! I encourage everyone to do that if you can.

16. Balanced372207August 9,2022 at 1:00PM UTC

    "If you can" is the operative phrase. Glad you said that.

17. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 1:45PM UTC

    I did the same thing for the same reason. Started having waking nightmares for the first (and last) time in my life because of the lack of organization and all out chaos at the place. Did a consulting gig for awhile and then got back into an FTE position when I was ready. If you can take the time, do it.

18. Leila BrilesAugust 9,2022 at 12:46PM UTC

    I have been at my new job for less than 14 days and have resigned. My stress levels went through the roof and my health through the toilet. Luckily my previous employer took me back. I'm so much happier that I did that.

19. Balanced372207August 9,2022 at 12:59PM UTC

    That's good, if one can do it.

20. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 12:53PM UTC

    Girl was just sat here thinking same about my job!! And what do I really want for my life!!! I think depends we’re you want to be? Take your time

    don’t feel rushed to make a decision think if I stay we’re will it take me?

    keep us updated all the best and take your time get that job first before you hand your notice in if you decide to leave.

    keep growing don’t settle ?

21. Devorah FirestoneAugust 9,2022 at 12:55PM UTC

    See if you can get your manager's position.

22. Lauren ReddittAugust 9,2022 at 12:58PM UTC

    I did too back in April. Management was horrible and micromanaging. Honestly good for you because nothing is worth your mental health! If you truly can’t take it, leave. If your company is large enough, see if there is another role in another department that may be a better fit and email the hr or hiring team directly.

23. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 12:59PM UTC

    THIS.

    I'm a contractor, and this is my exact sentiment about the position. Overwhelming manager, so many meetings (on camera required) and the work is a bit misrepresented.

    I need advice:

    I'd like to try to keep the position but be involved in less meetings and work in flex hours that works better for me. I'm struggling with quitting this position because it is only a contract position for 6 months, and they have spent the 2 months training me for the work ahead. Any advice on how I can approach my manager or is it time to move on?

24. KelleyAugust 9,2022 at 1:13PM UTC

    I’d say to discuss what you understood the position to be and the tasks you’re willing to do based on that information. Also determine a deadline for when the realignment needs to be completed. If they don’t do as they say by the time the deadline rolls around, I’d say walk. In that time, also look into other positions so you have a backup.

25. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 2:25PM UTC

    THIS! I came to say the same thing! They're asking you to stay, so hopefully they have an idea on their realignment strategy. Ask for timelines and what your role will look like under the realignment. I would even ask to meet the person they want you to report too in this new strategy, if they have that person named. But also keep your options open, take a peek around at what's out there.

    Good luck!

26. Laura McKieAugust 9,2022 at 1:19PM UTC

    I’d stay and give them the opportunity to explain better about the position. Use it as n opportunity to put your cards on the table and tell them what yous like from your career with them too. Employment isn’t and shouldn’t all be one way.

27. Tom ReulandAugust 9,2022 at 1:34PM UTC

    Tough decision. Question can you now work with your new manager. If you can I would give it some more time.

28. Victoria ZonaAugust 9,2022 at 1:44PM UTC

    Stick it out. See how it goes and look for a job at the same time. If it works out great. If not at least you are on path to finding something else.

29. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 1:57PM UTC

    I would suggest staying (even temporarily) but continue to search for a new position because it seems to be easier to find a job when you have a job. If your current company realigns to your liking, you stay and stop looking, If they do not and you get an offer that you like, you can leave.

    But ultimately you need to do what is best for you - so if this is negatively affecting your mental health, get out "quick, fast, and in a hurry"!

    Good Luck!

30. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 1:58PM UTC

    I feel you have the advantage in this situation. Since you are no longer working for the previous manager, it may be a great opportunity to start anew and see where your current role goes.

    At the same time, I highly recommend looking externally. That way, you are working both ends of the situation.

    I was with my previous company for 6 months and left without a

    job in tow. It was to the point where I wasn’t taking care of myself (ie-not eating anything until dinner and that dinner was one of those applesauce cups because of the guilt I felt if I left my home office) and getting reprimanded because I wasn’t working late into the night. It was one of the most scary things I’ve ever done but I knew in my heart that I had the skill set and experience to get a much better job. And I did almost 3 months later. It was the best 3 months I took to destress and think about what I wanted in the next role!

31. Maggie StoneAugust 9,2022 at 2:13PM UTC

    So you resigned, but then agreed to stay? If the manager was the issue, do you now want to stay and examine opportunities there? If you don’t want to stay or try to get the manager’s job, I would start setting some boundaries, specifically a timeline, about what that assistance looks like. My concern would be that you end up being used if you aren’t careful.

32. Nancy SteinAugust 9,2022 at 2:41PM UTC

    I also left my job, and pension, at a job I worked for 9 years. Gas prices went up and I panicked, so I took a job, $15,000 more per year, 1.5 miles from home. Like the OP said, it was misreprented to me as well. Also, it was an unfriendly environment. When I worked in the office, everyone around me wore earbuds and talking was few and far between. I may as well have been at home!

    I am going to back to my previous company, albeit at lower pay, but I'll get back into the pension system. But, I have friends and people with whom I'll collaborate.

    I think we have to be ready for the "post covid world" where people keep to themselves and we're all our own islands. Sad.

33. Chere EstrinAugust 9,2022 at 3:16PM UTC

    My mantra to every working person: you have to get up in the morning and love it. Everything else will fall into place.

34. Maria PilarAugust 10,2022 at 2:02PM UTC

    So true :)

35. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 3:07PM UTC

    I would say that it won’t hurt to try it out. If the manager was overwhelmed because of their personality type then that will reflect on the culture and work quickly. however, if the workplace is unhealthy and the business was the reason the manager was overwhelmed, then that will also show quickly. I would add, a bit of a red flag that the manager is not there anymore. I’m sure there were better ways to support an overwhelmed manager. Also, second red flag, a lot of reorg. While reorg is often times good and needed, a lot can show poor leadership and create a toxic workplace. But that said, all of these will reveal themselves quickly. I could be wrong but it sounds to me that intuitively, you aren’t so sure about the place. Set a deadline for yourself to settle and give it a chance, you can look for other work during that time.

36. Rosa GoesAugust 9,2022 at 3:22PM UTC

    Give it some time. Now that your manager is gone, the environment could be different. Also it's a great opportunity to let them know the work you signed up for given they are reorganizing. You may like it but you won't know unless you stay. At the same time I recommend having a conversation with a recruiter to get a feel for the job market overall as added support to your decision making. Good luck to you!

37. ReachingGoalsAugust 9,2022 at 3:27PM UTC

    If you like the company in general what would it hurt to stick around and see what happens next? You can always keep looking for something while collection a pay check.

38. AnonymousAugust 9,2022 at 4:39PM UTC

    So as a person that was with a company as a manager that was there for almost 3 years and left because the position was overwhelming, bc no matter how much I kept telling the upper management what was needed no one would listen and they had no experience in the field but refused to listen so for my sanity and stress level I left.
    However what I will point out is when I left I was not looking for a job the job I'm at currently sought me out, same pay, doing almost similar and less stressful and closer to home. And kicker I still get contacted by my previous employer as they seem to think I have so much influence on why their business is down. Sometimes you have to look at the bigger picture and see if it's just your manager that left, if lots of others have left or if it's the culture. Realignment doesn't always equate to a good thing. If they have been realigning over the time they have been open maybe there is a bigger issue at stake

39. AnonymousAugust 10,2022 at 12:25AM UTC

    Ha ha! Offer to do some consulting for your old company at an outrageous rate! ?

40. Stephanie LekowskiAugust 9,2022 at 5:20PM UTC

    Give it a chance. A new manager might be completely different.

41. Explorer911216August 9,2022 at 6:35PM UTC

    You said the "work was misrepresented" but left due to the manager? Do you have a guarantee that if you stay your job description will be what you want? I wouldn't stay if not. Your job is what fulfills you, a great manager is a perk and may not stay either. Get what you want in writing.

42. Angie MartinAugust 9,2022 at 8:56PM UTC

    I'd stay for now, but start looking for another job as a backup in case they can't deliver what was promised.

43. Strawberry JoonAugust 9,2022 at 10:09PM UTC

    Stay and give it a chance now that the manager is gone

44. Nova SmithAugust 10,2022 at 1:42PM UTC

    Good for you. Dont stay somewhere that doesnt respect boundaries.

45. AnonymousAugust 10,2022 at 1:59PM UTC

    I also resigned from a job after 3 months for a new opportunity since the job was not what they said it would be. My leader was also overwhelming with the amount of unnecessary emails sent. I would recommend to continue to actively look as it doesn't sound like a fit based on what was described. There are lot of jobs out there, you'll find a better fit.

46. MHRAugust 10,2022 at 6:40PM UTC

    This seems to be a recurring theme. And to think I was the only one! But after the initial shock of not getting up every morning to go to work, I’m beginning to like this! And there are plenty of jobs out there for me to go back to. I’ve just decided, to take this unemployment as a “self-care” vacation. Working on myself, and I’m beginning to relax!

47. AnonymousAugust 12,2022 at 7:23PM UTC

    I would stay, see what happens. Always be looking, but if the strategies end up more where you want them, and are comfortable, it's a win -win..

48. Liz MilneAugust 12,2022 at 11:51PM UTC

    Give it a chance? It sounds like they are actively working to improve things?

49. Ann Marie PrendergastAugust 30,2022 at 5:31AM UTC

    Ask for the manager role if you're qualified. Show them that you bring to the job what was lacking and is needed. So many in leadership have zero experience in the many roles within a company. Use this as an opportunity to build yourself a promotion; or at least have a say in the qualifications needed in a boss. I've ended up working for a handful of clueless posers who lied through their teeth in interviews. Ask to interview the promising candidates and help weed out the nightmares. If you leave, you get a great recommendation and if you stay; respect.