Second Guessing a Career Change: What's the Plan Now?
Struggling Post-Career Shift: Navigating the Aftermath
Job hopping is a choice many ambitious professionals make, but it's not uncommon to regret it later, even after careful consideration. But to stay or to go? Here's some expert advice to help you find clarity.
Change is scary, and a new job is no exception. Regardless of how much research you do or how well you think you know what to expect, there's always the chance that your expectations don't align with reality. According to a survey by YouGov on behalf of Monster, 32 percent of people have regretted a career change. Factors contributing to this regret range from mismatched role expectations, cultural dissonance, poor management, and unfulfilling tasks.
So, what do you do when you find yourself in this predicament? Don't rush to make decisions. Here's a step-by-step guide:
1. Be Patient
The honeymoon phase might be over, and you're eager to quit, but hold on! The initial weeks in a new job might be overwhelming due to "adjustment stress" says Stefanie Bickert, a job expert at Indeed. Your brain misses the security it had at your old job, and that's perfectly normal. Give yourself several weeks, ideally three to six months, to fully assess the new job situation.
2. Avoid Rose-Tinted Glasses
In the excitement of a new job, your memories of the old one might start to seem rosy in comparison. Don't forget the drawbacks of your former role. Comparing both jobs based on specific criteria will help you maintain a clear perspective.
3. Take Matters into Your Own Hands
If you're unhappy with certain aspects of your new job, don't shy away from discussing it with your manager. Perhaps there's a project you'd feel more invested in, or a mentor who can help guide your professional growth. Building relationships with your colleagues and setting small, achievable goals can also make you feel more comfortable in your new role.
4. Recognize the Warning Signs
If you're constantly exhausted, despite a reasonable workload, or if you're feeling overwhelmed and burnt out without a clear explanation, these could be critical warning signs. However, a demanding probe period or other physical issues might be causing your exhaustion. Pay attention to your body and mind, and don't ignore the signs.
5. Consider Your Next Move
If the problems persist, despite your efforts, it might be time to consider a new opportunity. Remember, returning to your former employer isn't unheard of, provided there's a role available that aligns with your growth and doesn't repeat past mistakes.
6. Be Kind to Yourself
Changing jobs can be a learning experience, and feelings of regret are natural. Remember that every detour offers valuable insights about your strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Derive a list of non-negotiables from your current experience, such as specific work environment preferences, growth prospects, or work-life balance, to help guide your future career choices.
Source: ntv.de, Amelie Breitenhuber, dpa
- Career Development
- Work-Life Balance
- Transition Management
- Job Satisfaction
- Employee Development
- Emotional Intelligence
Additional Insights:- Evaluate your current situation by listing specific Professional Development Goals[1][2], and comparing them with your old role.- Regularly check-in with yourself, tracking your energy levels and job satisfaction on a scale of 1-10 to identify trends and areas for improvement[1][2].- Leverage your network to discuss common challenges and solutions with colleagues in similar roles[3].
- In the process of considering whether to persist with a new job or make another career change, it's crucial to look into the community policy and education-and-self-development opportunities provided by your current and potential employers to aid in personal growth and career development.
- As part of your personal evaluation during a career change, focusing on self-improvement and career development should include setting attainable goals for personal growth, work-life balance, and overall job satisfaction, which align with your expectations and long-term aspirations.
