New job not what you expected? 6 questions to ask yourself before calling it quits.

Have you recently started a new job only to find that it’s not what you had in mind? It’s hard to stay in a job you don’t enjoy, but how long should you give it before throwing in the towel? Being a job hopper can be seen as a negative trait by hirers as it indicates lack of commitment. That said, it’s important to strike the right balance between leaving a job that’s wrong for you and making sure you’ve given it a decent chance.

If you’re currently contemplating leaving a new job, ask yourself the following six questions before handing in your notice.

1. Have you weighed the pros and cons of the job?

It’s important to manage your expectations. Just as life isn’t perfect, the same principle applies to jobs too. No job will be exactly as you wish it to be. Bearing this in mind, you should make a list of the pros and cons of your current job and see which side carries more weight.

It’s also essential for you to have clear priorities as you consider the pros and cons of your job so you can focus on the big picture rather than minor annoyances that come with the working life.

2. Have you done your best to resolve your issues with the job?

It’s important that you share your concerns with your team members. First of all, it helps to get their perspective on the situation. Perhaps they feel the same way, in which case they could provide some advice or guidance based on their experience in the company. On the other hand, if you’re the only one having these issues, it could indicate a bad cultural fit between you and the company.

You should also highlight your concerns to the HR Manager and your boss so they’re aware of it and have the chance to remedy the situation. If your problems are due to bad cultural fit, you really only have two options: adapt, or get a new job.

3. Has your boss or company management done anything to address your concerns?

If you’ve highlighted your concerns but don’t see any actions being taken to address them, you might want to have another chat with your boss about it. If you’ve mentioned it several times but still don’t see any changes, it might be time for you to move on.

4. Have you been at the job for at least six months?

There’s a reason most companies observe a probation period of 6 months. It’s a reasonable amount of time for a new employee to settle in to their new role and demonstrate their value and competence. It also gives the employee a decent chance to evaluate the job and working environment.

Anything less than six months might be a bit premature to call it quits on the new job. You want to be able to say that you gave yourself and your employer a decent chance to make it work. That said, if your issues with the job have to do with your employer participating in sexual harassment, racism or any kind of unethical or criminal activity, then you’d be more than justified in wanting to leave immediately.

5. What are your key issues with the job?

It’s important to identify the key issues you’re having with the job. Do they have something to do with: a) cultural fit, b) your personal values, c) your ability to do the job, or d) your long-term prospects? If the answer is a) or b), then there’s not much you can do about it. But if the answer is c), you can always ask for additional training or mentoring from senior colleagues.

If it’s d), are you certain that there’s no way your boss can help you achieve your career goals? If you’ve only been at the job for a few months, maybe you need to prove yourself first, before your boss feels the need to start mapping out your career path.

6. Have you informed your boss of your intention to quit?

Don’t blindside your employer by quitting out of the blue, especially if this is your first or second job. The world is a small place. You never know when you might cross paths again. The least you can do is to give your boss a heads-up and the chance to remedy the situation before giving notice.

While no job is perfect, it doesn’t mean you should put up with one that makes you miserable, or an unhealthy work culture and environment. What is important is for you to weigh the pros and cons of the job in relation to your priorities before calling it quits. To minimise your chances of getting caught in similar situations in the future, remember to do your due diligence for your next job hunt.

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