Reevaluating Your Career Path: Overcoming the Remorse of a Job Switch
Struggling after a career shift: Next steps to consider
Changing careers is a significant leap, and it's common for second thoughts to creep in, even after careful contemplation. But what's the way forward when you're clinging to the past, plagued by regret?
Stepping into a new role brimming with anticipation, excitement, and a hint of apprehension - you can never truly know what lies ahead when you venture into the unknown. Unfortunately, many employees find themselves in this situation, doubting their decision to switch jobs.
According to a poll by YouGov on behalf of Monster, almost a third (32%) of us have, at some point, regretted a job change. But, why the remorse? Disappointments stemming from mismatched expectations regarding the new role, criticism of the company culture, management, or colleagues are often the culprits.
So, now what? Should you hang on until the storm passes or cut your losses and Looking Glass yourself to another adventure? A career expert shares wisdom on finding clarity.
1. Patience: Give the new job time
Those first two weeks were hell, and you're itching to jump ship already? Don't throw in the towel too soon, says Stefanie Bickert, a job expert from Indeed. "Feeling dissatisfaction doesn't necessarily mean the decision was erroneous. It could be a symptom of adjustment stress - our brains miss the security of familiarity when we face the unknown."
If you still feel out of place after some weeks, assess the situation. Three to six months of probation would provide a stable framework for gauging the new job accurately.
2. Avoid Rosy-Tinted Specs: Remembrance of Things Past
Was the grass always greener at your old gig? During the initial honeymoon phase, new impressions can merge with insecurities and grand expectations. Be mindful of whether you might be idealizing your former job, thinking that things were better in comparison. "In hindsight, we often wear rose-colored glasses," remarks Bickert.
Compare both jobs on a factual basis. What was truly superior, and what are you currently neglecting? Time heals all wounds. In due time, the new tasks and company culture tend to feel like a good fit, as routines settle, bonds are formed, and you receive feedback on your performance.
3. Elevate Your Position: Plucking the Thorn of Regret
A rocky beginning to a new job is unfortunate, but it presents an opportunity to take matters into your hands, advises Bickert. Adopting new perspectives may arise if you discuss specific requests, such as a defined project, flexible task allocation, or a mentor or mentee, with your manager.
Cultivating relationships within your team and setting realistic, achievable daily objectives can help you feel more at ease in your new role. A healthy blend of curiosity ("What can I learn here?") and critical self-reflection ("What doesn't fit?") can be beneficial. Before you embark on your first day, consider setting milestones to evaluate your progress (e.g., "I can complete 70% of my tasks without asking for help").
4. Read Signs Correctly: Hesitancy to hop jobs
Numerous factors can contribute to dissatisfaction in the new job - from inflated expectations, insufficient growth opportunities, or merely an abundance of work tasks to being overwhelmed.
Clinging to social recognition, which might be lost due to a Status Quo reset, can also pose a problem. "But new bonds can be forged on a human level," Bickert encourages.
However, persistent exhaustion unexplained by an onboarding process or other physical conditions are alarming warning signs.
5. Evaluate Alternatives: Weigh the Scales
If the inconsistencies linger despite all efforts, a shift within the company may be an option. Those considering a return to a former employer will be pleasantly surprised to know that this is not as rare as one might think, according to Stefanie Bickert. However, she recommends considering this only if a role is available in which one can grow without reverting to old patterns.
5. Be Gentle with Yourself: The Beauty of a Detour
Switched jobs and still struggling to find contentment? "The initial impulse is often self-criticism, but errors are part of professional growth," says Stefanie Bickert. Perhaps the constraint was merely the company - be it their overblown promises during the recruitment process or other factors.
Every detour offers valuable insights regarding one's own strengths, weaknesses, and needs. List these insights from a failed change. It could include three to five points like "at least two days of remote work" or "clear career prospects in two years." Future job opportunities then need to be measured against these criteria - "everything else is a welcome extra, but should not replace them." This brings "more strategic clarity" to your career planning.
[1] Bickert, S. (2022). How to Deal with Restless Employees. Indeed. Retrieved from https://www.indeed.de/help/history/́2022-03-02_-de_pl_477123_en_us_dealing-with-restless-employees
[2] Wortmann, M. (2019). Job Change Regret: How to Recognize It and What to Do. Personnel Today. Retrieved from https://www.personneltoday.com/hr/job-change-regret-what-you-can-do/
[3] Carrell, M.S., Kramar, C.K., McCann, M.P., MacDermid, W.C. (2014). Career Decision-Making and Regret. In N.J. Schmit, S.A. Mitchell, J.M. Kazanas (Eds.), Career Development and Counseling (pp. 319-335). Routledge.
[4] Harzing, A.W. (2016). The Cynefin Framework: A Guide for Business Leaders and Managers. Emerald. Retrieved from https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/BP-04-2016-0026/full/html
- In light of your current career dilemma and the importance of personal growth, consider investigating community or educational resources focused on career development and self-development. Seeking advice from others in similar situations can provide new perspectives and strategies for overcoming feelings of remorse.
- As part of your personal development plan, consider revisiting the employment policies of both your current and previous employers. Understanding the differences in their policies regarding advancement opportunities, flexible work arrangements, or employee support programs may help you identify the root causes of your dissatisfaction and guide future career decisions.
