I started a new role about 2 months ago.

31 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 4:52PM UTC

   Staying there are suffering bad results due to the management's reluctance towards change, suffering burnout, and suffering from low self esteem from all you will endure.

   You can't will this to work. Leave it off your resume and get started reignighting your job search to catch the 4th quarter hiring wave.

   Do not entertain referring to this job or the toxic atmosphere.

2. Bridget FitzpatrickSeptember 28,2021 at 4:53PM UTC

   My suggestion is to start looking around now. If you find something that you like and want to apply for it, be honest about how long you worked for this company. If you get an interview, monitor your words carefully. Try not to say anything negative about the company but try to use words like different philosophies, not a good fit, and creative and ethical differences. Be vague and do not disparage the company. Someone else might feel completely different about the company so when you complain about it being toxic and/or talk negatively about the company, it is likely to paint you in a light you may not want. Trust your instincts!! If they say it's time to go, then you should go. Good luck with your decision.

3. Beckie HinzeSeptember 28,2021 at 5:53PM UTC

   I have to agree with Bridget - trust your instincts...while getting some advice from those in your professional community who know you well. And - don't burn bridges whatever you do. You will be amazed at the people you cross paths with in the future. People remember a feeling they got from someone years ago whether they remember all the details or not. So, don't complain to your new co-workers. Stay professional in all you do - that's some super directive feedback - but I have made all the mistakes. Hope you learn from me.

4. Emmy BemmySeptember 28,2021 at 6:06PM UTC

   what industry are you in? Dare I ask, what generation are you considered? It seems quite common to job hop these days, and I often see resumes that have 1 - 2 year stints. In some industries, that is not considered a negative, and staying at one place too long could be considered a negative. I don't think looking now is a problem, but you need to be honest about your situation (and don't badmouth your current employer during interviews) and know you might not get a lot of interest until you've been in this role for a year (you might get screened out of the hiring process at larger companies). Good luck!

5. Andrea Macek, Career Change Coach for Professional WomenSeptember 28,2021 at 6:41PM UTC

   Hi there; I would start by getting clarity on 1. What's making you consider staying longer vs leaving? 2. how is the supporting you now (i.e. paycheck, experience etc.) 3. How is the job not supporting you? 4. What do you most want to change about your situation? It's helpful to have clarity first on exactly what's driving the decision so that you can avoid ending up in the same situation down the road. Think about how you want to explain why you left BEFORE You start to look for jobs or networks; that will be something you'll get asked about right away and, I agree that you don't want to burn bridges. I left a job 6 weeks after starting because of a toxic environment; there are ways to exit gracefully and professionally. If I can offer support, please reach out to me on email: andrea@aymconsulting.io

6. Trie AngelevaSeptember 28,2021 at 6:49PM UTC

   Ugh, I really hate when things like this happen! Does the hiring manager have a role that impacts company culture? Since you were impressed with her, I wonder if she might have some insights. Otherwise, if you feel there's nothing positive to gain by staying, if it were me I'd leave and when asked, I'd be honest by saying I realized it wasn't a solid fit for me.

   Resumes are designed to be like our BFF — they should speak highly of us and tout our best strengths. Of course we never want to lie, but resumes are not meant to be documents that document our every professional move. The longer we stay in a role the tougher it is to leave it off our resume. The sooner we find a fit that brings us fulfillment and joy, the better. And there may be someone who is a better fit for your current job too, who would thrive in a culture like that (somehow!).

   Best wishes!

7. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 7:48PM UTC

   I would start looking now. This job doesn’t seem like something be you can feel successful in, nor does it seem like the company will get happy with your work if they feel you just want to criticize them and make them change. (Not saying that’s what you’re doing. Just saying that from their reluctant perspective, they’re not welcoming your contributions.)

   Just tell any prospective employers who question the time that the fit wasn’t right for you.

8. AnonymousSeptember 28,2021 at 9:32PM UTC

   Question yourself, should you leave, how you would feel about the decision tomorrow? One week? One month? One year? Even 5 years out..

9. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 29,2021 at 3:42AM UTC

   If you're sure it's not the right fit, start looking now. As an employee, the only thing you have to invest is your time.

   Why invest another 6 months in that company when you could invest it in a better run company that's a better fit for you?

   Don't ever say anything about "toxic" anything. Just say it's wasn't the best fit for you. If probed, say you were brought on to make changes, to move things forward and not everyone was quite ready to do that. You can leave it on the resume if you want to stay in the industry you switched to. Or you can leave it off.

   Either way, you might have some 'splaining to do - either why you left so soon or the gap.

   Please let me know if you have any questions.

   GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!

10. Libbiemhough@gmail.comSeptember 29,2021 at 12:37PM UTC

    I agree, start looking now while you still are in the job hunt mode. It may also be helpful, if you can financially manage it, to give yourself a timeline for leaving whether or not you have another position. You could take a course to refine knowledge needed for the next job. Knowing there will an end to this will reduce the emotional stress you’re experiencing. When you announce your departure, be generous with your notice and if possible public with part of your plan. “I’m going to use the next 6 months to do some coursework...” No one needs to know you’d also continue your job search. Many places have probationary periods where if either party feels like it’s a poor fit, ties can be severed without bad feelings. Good luck!

11. AnonymousSeptember 29,2021 at 1:43PM UTC

    But what a great thing it would be if you could turn things around where you are! This could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Have you thought about having a team-building event and getting people onboard with a positive move forward within the company? You say it is a small company wanting to grow. Get a motivational consultant to help out.

12. Healthcare workerSeptember 29,2021 at 1:50PM UTC

    A little secret about the hiring manager. They know the weaknesses of the organization. They are well aware of the cultural dynamics. The reason they spoke so highly of the culture etc. is because they want to paint the picture as good employees would want it to be not as it currently is. Likely their feedback when good talent leaves has been about the culture, so paint a different picture hoping to influence your perspective. It’s a boundary violation, it’s gaslighting, and it’s a strong sign they have no intention to address the matter in any substantive way. Move on, don’t worry about what it looks like, the flip side of that coin is the longer you stay in that environment the more it will permeate into you and make you less likely to be a constructive employee in another setting. Toxicity is contagious our environment does shape us whether we want to believe it or not.

13. Emily WoodSeptember 29,2021 at 2:04PM UTC

    The drawback to staying longer and not wanting to put this on your resume will be the inevitable "job gap" that employers ask about. If you're in a situation to leave sooner than later, you can say you took a sabbatical or prepped for the industry change. If you're going to be there a year or more, I think you'd probably be better listing them on your resume as a place you worked.
    I think your choice here is to decide if you can / want to try improving the situation in this company OR if you don't want to do that and focus on the next opportunity.
    Either way, best of luck.

14. Madam anon663September 30,2021 at 9:01AM UTC

    I don't see why it matters about a job gap, especially now. Any manager with half a brain knows there are jobs and companies that are simply not a good fit. Any decent human would not expect someone to stay somewhere simply for the numbers on a resume. If they do, then not a good employer either.

15. Tamara MillsSeptember 29,2021 at 2:43PM UTC

    I've had this experience and what happens is they get rid of you for trying to do your job, for asking tough questions.

    Tread carefully, get your two years in and move on.

16. Madam anon663September 30,2021 at 8:59AM UTC

    Why suggest she stay for two years? This seems counter productive to a healthy life and balance, can you back up this recommendation with data?

17. Tamara MillsOctober 1,2021 at 6:40PM UTC

    No, but I've been on enough hiring committees that "Oh she bounces jobs every year" and " every other year" have 100% come up.

18. Diane J HuffSeptember 29,2021 at 3:40PM UTC

    I would start looking, get a new role and leave it off your resume. Don’t worry about a job gap right now. This is the ONLY TIME in history it won’t matter. I’ve learned over time that if the desire to change is not promoted from the TOP down, it won’t happen, no matter what a mid level manager says. My advice is get out now. Don’t get your 2 years in - that’s ridiculous. 2 years is a long time to be miserable.

19. Karen GongawareSeptember 29,2021 at 3:42PM UTC

    Great advice from posts. My 2 cents worth is use them like a tissue and toss them in the garbage when done. In other words, learn all you can so you can legit state these skills on a resume, and then go. Usually staying at a job for 6 months to a year helps you to learn. And no, you never want to state it was a toxic culture to a potential employer. You can state the description did not match the reality and you are looking for a better fit where you can be an asset.

20. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 12:25AM UTC

    Great response!

21. Nadia SobhanSeptember 29,2021 at 3:57PM UTC

    Leave. I just left a new job I got, in a new field. My supervisor spoke to me once in over 3 weeks - no direction, no guidance, no going over the goals of the company or her vision - just giving me busy work - no idea what my role was because there was never a job description, even though I started the job 5 weeks after accepting it and there's only about 7 employees. If the pandemic taught us anything, it's that we can make it. I'm sure you have tons of skills that you can use to work for yourself, while you search for a better fit. Best wishes! #lifeistooshorttobemiserable

22. Huong Nguyen-ValleSeptember 29,2021 at 4:50PM UTC

    I was in your situation a month ago. I had no autonomy in my work. The executive belittled me and didn't even let me run my department. Leaving is the best option and for your mental health.

    I took the job off my resume and my Linkedin since I only stayed for two months. If any future job asks because they found out, just say it was not a great fit and you do not need to explain further.

23. Joanna PoeSeptember 30,2021 at 12:12AM UTC

    Been there, started looking immediately. Leave it off the resume and if anyone asks why you're moving, it "just wasn't a good fit."

24. Dani RobertsSeptember 30,2021 at 2:06AM UTC

    Don’t waste the time. Life is too short to finish a book you don’t enjoy or stay at a job you know isn't the right fit for you. You gave it a try, and it wasn’t what you expected. Don’t hide it from your resume, and don’t bash the company when you’re in your next interview. As a hiring manager, it only raises more questions to omit it. Highlight what you liked about the company and what you look forward to in your next role. There is always a way to rephrase the takeaway into a positive learning experience. Good luck!

25. Jennifer FingerSeptember 30,2021 at 12:26PM UTC

    Leave now. It won't get better. If you are asked why you left your last job, you can say that you found that unfortunately, you found that it wasn't a good fit for your professional skills, experience and goals.

26. AnonymousSeptember 30,2021 at 2:38PM UTC

    I was in this situation a few years ago. I joined a small- mid-sized company that was smaller than any of the companies I had worked for before - with the aim of setting up their Recruiting & HR department.

    Despite the company's toxic culture, I tried to slog it out and while I gained some amazing experience by working for an organization that allowed me to take on more than I ever had before - I realized a couple of things after I left. 1. The people who you work with DO influence your thinking, behaviors and self esteem. 2. You don't OWE it to the company or anyone else to stick it out. Employers understand that some company's / jobs are not a fit - especially in this job market where there is a labor shortage. 3. I was wasting time trying to "make things work" that I could have invested in my career growth, professional development, or family. In retrospect - if I had to do it all over again, I am not sure I would have stayed as long as I did.

    The biggest difference with your situation is that it sounds like you're getting a chance to do something or an enter an industry or field of work that you were not in before at this company. You have to weigh the pros and cons of getting that new experience. If you can - look for another opportunity while getting experience at your current employer but if it gets too emotionally taxing - don't be scared to leave. Its a great job market out there and its not worth sacrificing your mental health over.

    With regards to the other questions - you can take it off your resume if its just a 1-2 months - as a Recruiter I would understand- but be sure to be frank about it ad mention it during your initial interview for a position.
    With regards to how to answer an interview question - you can answer that the position turned out to be materially different than what you were originally told to expect and you are looking for a better fit. Avoid mentioning any negatives about the employer.

27. Lynda BoothOctober 2,2021 at 10:40PM UTC

    Yes, I agree to stick it out to get some experience in the new field. But, not at the expense of your mental health. I would put it on your resume to show the experience, especially if this is the field you want to continue your career in. In this world of COVID, short term employment and employment gaps are not looked at so negatively. Speak to your passion about wanting to stay in the field during your interview and about your journey to get there..

28. NicolaSeptember 30,2021 at 4:02PM UTC

    I wish I would have known better before I wasted several years at a place where I was miserable. :( Leave now! With your sanity and dignity intact, life is too short to waste. I agree with everyone else, leave off your resume and say it wasn’t a good fit with no other details.

29. Kara SchraderOctober 1,2021 at 1:50AM UTC

    Go. Now.

30. TiffanyOctober 3,2021 at 7:55PM UTC

    Run.

31. Liz MilneOctober 7,2021 at 12:58AM UTC

    I know everyone else is saying run, but I would say try and stick out for a decent spell, so that you can include that new industry experience on your resume? If this is a field that you want to stay in, that is? Can you reach out to the hiring manager about your issues?