I work at a job where I am not happy.

15 Comments

1. AnonymousOctober 18,2024 at 12:44PM UTC

   Keep your head down, and start a stealth search for something new. It isn't anybody else's business that you are looking at other work or interviewing, so knowing that others are looking to move on shows unprofessionalism on your coworkers' part. Since you are working outside your desired career, go back to where you studied and check out their career center to see what help they offer. Most places want to ensure their students all land good jobs because it helps promote their program(s). Good luck, and keep your chin up. Concentrate on your career path first, which will bring you sustainable job satisfaction beyond the paycheck.

2. Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachOctober 18,2024 at 1:37PM UTC

   It's okay to search even though you've only been there 7 months. If asked, you can simply state that it's not the right position for you-- avoid boss-bashing--- you seek a more collegial culture. Or if appropriate, the job duties were not as described in the interview and you're seeking to get back to what you do best.

   Do search now, 5 months is a long time to wait and to be miserable. I had a job where I started my search at about the same point, and by the year mark I was happily employed at another organization.

3. AnonymousOctober 18,2024 at 4:49PM UTC

   Yes, update your resume and go ahead and seek work. Focus on the journey ahead and try to limit conversations with your colleagues if they are also unhappy. You don't want to get that out there to the CEO or his sister. But by saying that, this company probably has high turnover and you didn't know. Before you apply to other companies, go to Glassdoor and read the reviews, scour the internet for any information, BBB site, anything that can help you make a stronger choice for the next company. We can't always know everything or every nuance by company, department, or just in general, but there are questions you can ask in the interview process that may help you discern if it's the right fit for you. If asked in your next interview process, use what another poster suggested, or you can always say, unfortunately, the position did not fit my skills as I thought when I went through the interview process. Connect with a recruiter, look at staffing firms and those in your area to help you get through to land another job quickly.

4. AnonymousOctober 19,2024 at 12:55PM UTC

   Family run business is the worst.

5. AnonymousOctober 19,2024 at 3:42PM UTC

   It's not unusual to take a job and it turns out that the culture and responsibilities don't align with your goals. Don't worry about the small minds that will judge you for the duration you're there. You have a lot to offer and there are better people in better places who would love to have you! Get your resume updated and start looking now. The market is still super rough. Make those connections.

6. AnonymousOctober 19,2024 at 4:18PM UTC

   You don't need to include others in your dissatisfaction of this company. Focus on you and really stay out of the gossip and drama of others.

   Now for your situation. I would definitely flip the switch to the fact that you are looking. When you interview elsewhere the story line is that the role is not aligned with your expectations that were shared when you interviewed. You have given the committment a good shot but you feel like continuing there will only extend the inevitable of your leaving. Then be sure to follow that line with what you want that they don't have but this prospective new company does. Be clear. Do not bash, do not whine, do not complain or say anything negative about the place you are or your current manager. It will hurt you to do so in the process. As for your mental health, keep your head down, stay focused, be upbeat- yes that will help. And at the end of each day do a visualization of locking the door and not taking the work or the angst home. When you interview at other places be sure to ask about management style and ask about how they interact and expect you to perform. Good luck.

7. ANDREA RAGGAMBIOctober 20,2024 at 12:33PM UTC

   Sorry you’re in this situation. It happens to many people- the work and culture don’t match expectations. These days loyalty is fleeting so don’t concern yourself with how it may look to others. Do your best to manage the situation by realizing it isn’t permanent and that if you make time to leverage your network and apply for more suitable options you will move yourself to a better place. Focus on what you can control, the things outside of work that bring you joy and remember this is just a moment in time. Things will get better for you- as a single parent you already have the motivation and resilience to do what it takes so you will be fine! Congratulate yourself for how far you’ve come, give yourself grace and stay focused on what you really want and take small steps each day in that direction. It will show up for you!

8. Jacqueline CutlerOctober 20,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

   I am sorry that you're enduring this. Keep searching. If the prospective employer asks why you left after 7 or 8 months, you can say you knew it was not the right match but felt obligated to give it six months.

9. Maggie StoneOctober 20,2024 at 1:16PM UTC

   I am sorry you’re going through this. I have been there. I have had a couple of positions where I was completely miserable and anxious. I would start looking and activating my network. I would not be concerned about staying a year unless hoping is a pattern. You can just say it wasn’t a good fit.

10. Feon ChauOctober 22,2024 at 12:53PM UTC

    Me too and I'm documentimg my experiences as a way to manage my mental welling!

    feon.substack.com

11. Sheila PhieldsOctober 22,2024 at 2:23PM UTC

    I’ve been in your shoes more than once, and it is completely miserable. Keep in mind that you are also evaluating if you are a good fit for their culture. Clearly, it’s not working out. You can simply state in your new job search efforts (if asked) that you have realized after 6 months that this is not a good fit culturally and leave it at that. Most prospective employers understand this. Best of luck!

12. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 3:29PM UTC

    Been there many times I would look it may take a few months to get a new job and the. Just say it wasn’t a good fit don’t bad mouth them but it just wasn’t where you want to be in your career . Good luck ?

13. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 6:07PM UTC

    It's a tough job market - keep applying and do what is best for yourself and your family.

    Here's an easy thing to do - you said this isn't near the career you wanted or studied for. That's your answer - you don't even have to talk about culture, workplace politics, nepotism, etc. You can list your reason for looking in your resume (a few ways to do this), but ultimately highlight you are seeking a career/specific role in "xyz field/role".

    You can respond to any recruiter/hiring manager about why you are leaving after 7 months - while you thought this opportunity would provide "xyz experience/insert response here", you realized your passion is in the field you studied. You wanted to ensure you gave this role your best effort and did not want to form an opinion too quickly, however after 7 months in the role, you have determined it is not the career path you want.

14. AnonymousOctober 25,2024 at 11:36PM UTC

    Thank you to everyone for the advice. It's comforting to know that others have been in similar situations. I'm sorry to anyone that has gone through this or who will in the future. I have started looking for positions that align with my career path. Thanks again for the advice. I appreciate all of you.

15. AnonymousOctober 27,2024 at 12:44PM UTC

    Stick it out until you find other employment. In future never work for a family owned business. It's not a good idea.