Difficulties following career shift: navigating the next steps
Job transitions can be exhilarating, but they also come with their fair share of uncertainties. Sometimes, after careful consideration, you might find yourself regretting your career move. Here's what to do when the grass starts appearing greener on the other side.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
In the heat of disappointment, it's easy to want to jump ship as soon as possible. Stefanie Bickert, an expert on career platforms, advises against this knee-jerk reaction. "It's essential not to give up too quickly, as your brain often experiences 'adjustment stress.' Having left the comfort zone of the known into the unfamiliar is not uncommon," she explains.
If you're still uneasy after several weeks, it's time to take a closer look. The standard three to six months of probation offers an excellent starting point to form a reliable picture of your new role.
Don't Romanticize the Past
During the honeymoon phase of a new job, impressions mix with uncertainties and high expectations. In this whirlwind of excitement, you might find yourself romanticizing the past. "It's crucial to avoid idealizing the old job when comparing it with the new employer," Bickert notes. Relying on rose-tinted glasses hinders our ability to objectively assess the current situation.
Empower Yourself to Improve the Situation
If you're eager to feel more comfortable in your new role, proactivity is key. Approaching your manager with openness might help you uncover potential opportunities such as a defined project, flexibility in task distribution, or a mentor or mentee arrangement.
In addition, nurturing relationships within the team can contribute to a better work environment, while setting small, achievable daily goals—such as completing 70% of tasks without seeking help—can foster a sense of accomplishment.
Interpret Warning Signs Correctly
Persistent exhaustion, despite an initial induction phase or physical symptoms, signifies a red flag. However, building new connections with colleagues might assist in mitigating this issue.
If underlying issues persist, despite your best efforts, it may be time to contemplate alternative options, such as internal transfers or revisiting previous employment opportunities.
Practice Self-Compassion
One of the common responses to a regrettable job change is self-criticism. Stefanie Bickert encourages viewing mistakes as essential stepping stones in professional development. These experiences provide valuable insights into one's strengths, weaknesses, and career requirements.
Developing a list of "red lines" from unsuccessful career transitions can help guide future job choices, ensuring they align with personal needs and preferences. This approach fosters strategic clarity in career planning.
Sources:- ntv.de, Amelie Breitenhuber, dpa
- For self-improvement and career advancement, it's beneficial to explore the community policy and education-and-self-development opportunities within your current employment, encouraging personal-growth and career-development.
- To avoid job-search regrets in the future, reflect upon your previous employment's learning experiences and use them to identify the 'red lines' in your employment policy, ensuring that subsequent career choices align with your personal-growth and career-development objectives.
