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Made A Bad Career Move... Not Sure What to Do Now...
In April of this year, I was laid off unexpectedly and was able to find a position pretty quickly, even with the COVID situation.
However, this has been the worst position I have ever taken. I didn't get my job description or explanation of my role until my first day on the job. The Director Level position discussion that occurred during my interview process does not align with my current responsibilities. In most cases, I could roll with and figure out as I go, but the work hours right now are 6:30 am - 6:00 pm and then evenings because of my tremendous workload.
Would it be career suicide to start looking for another position and potentially leave before I have been with the company for less than a year?
I would greatly appreciate any advice because I am at a loss for what to do.
11 Comments
Laurie Halter
Helping women "rear" careers and families
208
11/18/20 at 11:07PM UTC
in
Hi there. Your well being and state of mind should be your top priority. If you feel that the issue can't be solved with having an honest discussion with your boss, or you've already done that with no good outcome, I would begin looking for another position. In future interviews you can explain the short duration of the company in the way you have above, the actual job was not what they advertised in the description.
AllysonCreative Leader seeking Advancement
42
11/18/20 at 11:43PM UTC
in
What a sucky situation, and one that you are probably not alone in.
One of the great things the much-maligned Xennial and millennial generations have ushered into the workplace is an acceptance of short stints in positions as just part of life. It's generally understood now that 1 or 2 short stays on your resume don't mean you're a bad employee or incompetent; it just means you're not willing to put up with bad employers or being underemployed.
It's also fairly common - in the tech world at least - to have to jump to another company to get promotions. I've had a couple in a row- I was offered a position at a start up to build my own team only a year after joining a new company. Then the start up let my boss go, restructured and changed my contract. Goodbye!!! My brother also routinely changes jobs every 1-2 years to keep things interesting and continue increasing salary and benefits.
We've also learned in the last few decades that there is very little employer loyalty these days either, and they wouldn't think twice about laying you off if it's what they needed to do to survive. So you need to do what is best for you - and what you need to do to survive, or even better, thrive.
As long as you can clearly articulate your departure in a non-judgmental, non-denigrating way- I would definitely not think twice about having one short job on my resume.
Just think about how you will present it: "I joined the company with high hopes and lots of ideas. I found in many ways the company just wasn't at a point it was ready to take advantage of my expertise to the fullest and when coupled with the long hours that were keeping me away from my children (family, dog, whatever), it made sense to seek out a new position with a company which was ready for me. I learned 'x, y, and z' while I was there, which I think will come in useful in this new role as I can apply that to this new project we've been talking about."
Most places will appreciate the candor, thoughtfulness, and self awareness it takes to keep yourself mentally healthy. Any companies that don't are not a place you want to work anyway.
Best of luck!
Ingrid Theissen-Anderson
22
11/19/20 at 12:42AM UTC
in
Short and sweet.
No employer has the right to take away your private calm moments away from the office.
If you don’t have balance in everything you do, you cannot be the best of you on either side of the work life scope!
You know what to do’
Best of luck.
Anonymous
11/18/20 at 11:50PM UTC
in
This sounds like a nightmare. Definitely look for something else. It's been such a short time at this place you may not even want to put it on your resume. Just refer to the Covid layoff (super common).
Anonymous
11/25/20 at 2:02AM UTC
in
This is such good advice. I think I might use it because I need to get out. Last Friday, I was required to work from 6:30am - 11:00pm because my co-worker 'forgot' to complete an urgent request...
Victoria ShepardTalent & Culture Lead | Nomad | Purpose Seeker
54
11/19/20 at 12:58PM UTC
in
I wholeheartedly agree with all of the advice above. As an HR professional who has conducted many interviews and made a lot of hiring decisions, switching jobs at this stage would be far from career suicide. Your well being is more important. It's all about how you tell your story. It's ok to be vulnerable and authentic about how this experience impacted you and shaped you into who you are now. For example, I stayed with a company only 3 months because I felt totally misaligned to their culture, and turned that into my story saying I wanted to be in HR to help shape a culture for better. Everyone has a story, even if it's simply truth as you shared with us. The right employer for you will understand and embrace it. I suggest writing down that story and practice sharing it with friends or loved ones. I'm confident you can find an amazing opportunity.
Anonymous
11/25/20 at 2:04AM UTC
in
Thank you so much for the kind and empowering words. They really mean a lot because this role is really taking a toll on my mental health.
Emily K
25
11/24/20 at 9:19PM UTC
in
Yes, taking care of your physical and mental health should be priority. Agree with the above comment that it is all about how you convey your story. You will likely want to land at an employer that understands yours. Best of luck!
Nicole FerryPartner in a NY brand and digital firm
17
11/24/20 at 10:52PM UTC
in
Desperate for a job, I took one that I knew was beneath my capabilities. But I gave it my all, and did the best work I could. Two months later, my dream job landed on my lap. I agonized over whether I should leave or not -- whether it would look bad, or whether it showed a lack of integrity to just leave after a couple months. In retrospect, the only wasted time was the agonizing I did. Do the best you can while you're where you are, but make a plan to find that dream job, and don't look back on the less-than-perfect current job.
Amy Horton
18
11/25/20 at 1:57AM UTC
in
This is more common than you think. The important thing to do is course correct. You don't want to spend the next couple of years suffering because your worried about how it might look if you don't. That takes a toll on you and your family.
Amy BucciferroConsulting is my profession, equality my passion
82
11/25/20 at 10:54PM UTC
in
As a hiring manager, I'd rather see someone who knows themselves and is honest enough to move on from something that is not the right fit sooner rather than later. And if an employee of mine really was not aligned to the job they were hired for, I'd prefer to see them move on so we can get the right person in there. By moving on as soon as you know you want to and can, you are doing yourself, your current employer, and your future employer all a favor. Your current situation helps no one. Doing what is right for you helps everyone involved.
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