How long do you give a new job before deciding it's not for you?

Anonymous

October 11,2023 at 9:50PM UTC

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How long do you give a new job before deciding it's not for you?

I'm a learning designer based in Australia, but I've lurked here for a long time and I know that there's excellent advice to be had.

I started a new position 9 months ago with a small start up. When I read the JD I felt like it was written for me, but the job itself has seemed chaotic from the get go. Every time I begin to feel settled things pivot. My boss throws out ideas like confetti - she's just very dynamic I think - but then you find there's no data or even resources to support those ideas. My team has wasted weeks on things to have them scrapped at the last minute.

I think though it's actually a me problem. I'm just not a good fit for a start up environment. Usually, I give a job at least 12 months before making any hard judgements but there hasn't been one week in the last 9 months when I haven't questioned what I'm doing there. It's starting to affect my family.

I truly believe in my boss, my team and the companies mission and part of me wants to be part of that, but a lot of me is really sick if the rollercoaster.

Sorry, that was a lot. Interested to hear others experiences though. Thanks.

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AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 10:04PM UTC
Day #1
AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 12:22AM UTC
Wow! I think that's amazing. I wish I had I had that confidence in my judgement.
AnonymousOctober 11,2023 at 10:54PM UTC
Hey sometimes you just know.
I mean in your gut it just doesn't feel right. It's those times I've learned to listen to my inner wisdom and not try to talk myself into giving it more time.
Startups are definitely not for everyone for the very reasons you described.
I would save yourself as well as your family the stress and fatigue of hoping and trying to make it work.
At least you have the self awareness and understanding that this is not a question of skill, knowledge or work ethic. This is a question of fit. This just isn't a good fit for you. No blame or fault.
I've been there and done that. I had an OK first month connecting the dots but after week 4 I knew. Like I really knew in my bones that it wasn't a fit. It would never be a fit. And I've had amazingly great fits in my career so I know how that feels and I just didn't want to waste my time or the company's time in the wrong place.
AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 12:21AM UTC
Thank you. This was super helpful. I am a person who spends a lot of time distrusting my gut, usually to my detriment.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 12,2023 at 3:33AM UTC
When you know, you know. In one job, I knew Day One and never stopped my job search. It took me almost a year to find another job, but I was proven right, it never got better.
REGARDING: "Usually, I give a job at least 12 months before making any hard judgements "
Has it ever gotten better?
AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 7:48AM UTC
Sometimes it has, sometimes it hasn't ?. Sometimes when the position itself is new or the staff has had a high turnover it takes a little while for everything to settle fully. But I think, probably more often the reason that keeps me there is a little voice that tells me, "Don't be a quitter, don't let people down." You've given me food for thought.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistOctober 12,2023 at 7:58AM UTC
Finding a job that's a better fit for you isn't being a quitter! You deserve to put yourself first - not co-workers.
I promise you - none of them have ever said, will ever say - gee, I really like to take this great new job but I'd feel like I was letting Anonymous down.
For the most part, being miserable is a choice. YOU have to look out for your career and your happiness. If you need permission to find a job that's a better fit, YOU'VE GOT IT! You deserve to be happy.
AnonymousOctober 15,2023 at 1:08PM UTC
Best response right here!!!
AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 12:36PM UTC
I work at a startup. Went from a decade at a Fortune 5 medical company to a startup....It was....Eye-opening!! If you can't stomach the startup culture, don't feel bad. It is NOT for everyone. There is a lot of pivoting, a lot of uncommunicated changes, and a LOT of stress. Some people thrive in that, but most don't. If this is affecting your health and family life, you have your answer. It's time to go. Keep in touch with the people there that you liked, but DO NOT feel guilty about moving on. They aren't going to be the ones to pay your bills or take care of your family. YOU ARE! Take care of you and yours FIRST.
AnonymousOctober 15,2023 at 5:39AM UTC
Thank you. That's really helpful, and a really useful perspective for me.
AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 7:39PM UTC
Everyone has their own threshold. You do what's best for you and your gut. No one can really make the decision for you. Thoughts leaders need actionable team members.
AnonymousOctober 12,2023 at 8:12PM UTC
I think it's a "when you know, you know" thing. I mean, typically I would say about a year but I think I now think 4-6 months is plenty of time. And sometimes you might have an inkling from day one. That's why it's kinda important to do you due diligence before accessing a job. And know what it is you want to do/be doing and that the company matches with that.
AnonymousOctober 15,2023 at 5:43AM UTC
Thank you. I'm not great at trusting my gut. Definitely have to get better at that.