Is It Too Soon To Look For A New Job?

It is normal to expect some growing pains when starting a new job. The first few weeks or months of a new job can be difficult. Maybe even scary. Sometimes, you just have to have patience while you get comfortable with what is expected of you.

Unfortunately, sometimes it becomes clear early on that a job is just not the right fit. Whether it’s the company, the expectations, the culture or another factor, you may wonder how soon is too soon to start looking for a new position.

To avoid being labeled a “job hopper”, determine why you want to leave. Reflect if it could negatively impact your future career options.

Before You Resign

Have you discussed your concerns with your boss?

It’s not reasonable to expect that most people can start a new job without any direction or training. You will likely have regular meetings with your boss and teammates to learn the expectations and duties of the position. Your boss’ job is to ensure you have the tools you need to succeed at the company.

If you have given the job a chance for a few weeks or months and are still unhappy, talk to your boss about your concerns. Your boss may be able to help if:

• The job duties are different than were advertised
• You are concerned about the workload

Deciding if a job is not the right fit for you without talking to your supervisor is a bad idea. The issues you are having may result in your leaving prematurely.

Have you given the company a chance?

Everyone starts a new position with preconceived notions about what the company will be like. Sometimes, a new organization doesn’t live up to those ideas. If you feel the company isn’t one you want to work for, take the time to ask yourself why.

• Are you not happy working in that particular industry?
• Does it have to do with the organizational structure?
• Are you concerned about the ethics of the company?
• Do you feel like you accepted a dead-end job?

Understanding the structure of a company can take some time. Before deciding it’s time to move on, make sure there is no future for you in the organization. There may be a different position more suited to you in another department.

Do you have the right training?

If you find yourself hating your new job, you might want to ask whether you have the appropriate training to do it before quitting. Do you dislike the job simply because you feel overwhelmed by what is expected of you?

Before throwing in the towel, determine if there is training you can pursue within the organization. Companies put a lot of money and resources into hiring the right people. Most companies would rather pay to have their employees pursue training opportunities. It’s more expensive to pay to replace a position.

If It Is Not The Right Fit

Leave Sooner Rather Than Later

Once you decide that a position is not right for you, make your exit as quickly as is reasonably possible. Don’t burn any bridges by quitting on the spot. Instead, give the proper notice as is outlined in the company’s policy manual. Be polite and let them know you decided it’s not the best opportunity for you at this time.

Staying at a job you don’t like or with a company you don’t want to work for does not help your career. While you may be concerned about being labeled a “job hopper”, it could be more damaging to stay in a job you hate. Once you have made the decision to leave, start trying to secure another position. This is so you don’t have to face a period of unemployment in addition to a short job tenure.

Most hiring managers understand that things happen. A position may not turn out the way it was promised to a candidate. As long as your resume shows positions with multiple years of tenure or an upward career trajectory, you’ll be fine trying to secure a new job.

Decide How To Discuss Your Exit

Having a candidate apply to a position when they have been with their current organization for less than a year does tend to raise some questions. When you have the opportunity to interview for a new position, decide in advance how you want to discuss your exit from your job after such a short time.

One option is to market yourself as a passive job candidate. You can do this by saying that the job you are applying for was too interesting/unique/amazing to pass up. You might tell the hiring manager you weren’t intending to be back on the market quite so quickly. Say that their position is more aligned with your career goals.

Another option is to be honest (while being professional). People make decisions they think are best for them at the time. Explain to the hiring manager that your current position is not what you expected. You think it’s best to part ways early in your tenure. Plan to explain what about the job isn’t meeting your expectations as the interviewer will likely ask.

People are, rightfully, concerned about their professional reputation. Thinking about leaving a job or company soon after starting may create some uncertainty for your future job searches.

If this only happens once or twice in your career, it will not likely be held against you. It’s only when candidates regularly leave jobs after a few months or under a year that future hiring managers may label you a “job hopper”. One short-lived position on an overall strong resume is not going to hold you back.