REALISM AND OBJECTIVITY BEFORE YOU BOUNCE FROM YOUR FIRST JOB

The most common complaint I hear from new professionals after their first few weeks on the job is that it isn’t what they expected. My advice—based on the experience of clients— is you need to give it time because for most, it is no longer a complaint after a month or two on the job. However, if the disconnect between the expectations of the job and the reality of what you are doing persists, it might be time to think about leaving.

A friend’s son graduated 8^th grade last weekend. We couldn’t stop reading the graduation weekend posts about how he had his friends were ready to be high school big shots. When we stopped laughing, we talked about how many times in life just when you are on top; you start again at the lowest rung of the ladder. Graduating college and starting a professional job is one of those times.

It’s natural to come out of school ready to “hit the ground running” and prove yourself. You are smart, motivated and eager to become an integral part of the team. You expected  a transition period, but you did not expect that your first few weeks would be spent putting in time filing, copying, entering data, and doing all the tasks considered, well, boring or that you would be required to work long hours often into the night, or perhaps you just don’t have enough work to do.

You can look at this period (hopefully it won’t last too long) as putting in your dues. That’s one way. Another is to understand this transition period from the employer’s perspective. You want to run with your talents and take an active role in the organization; your supervisor needs to train you and evaluate your skills and level of commitment. The organization is investing time, energy, and money in you and needs to see evidence that you’re invested as well.

You might not be thrilled with the job, but the time and experience makes you more valuable in the job market. However, there are circumstances when bouncing makes sense.

How do you know when it’s time to leave a job?

My mother just called (how did she know I was writing this post—she can be psychic at times) to tell me that her friend’s grandson just quit his job, ”…without having another job—horrors! He was working for a company where he had to work during the day and then sometimes go to a company-sponsored event at night. He hated the hours so he quit. Jane dear, what would tell him?” I would tell him, don’t let emotions get in the way of your critical decision; look at it from a business perspective. Is there a compelling financial, career-building or emotional return on investment to quit? If there is, then create a plan to achieve greater career fulfillment.

I don’t know this young man, the job or the actual situation. However, three things come to mind.

1.  Did his expectations for the job collide head-on with the reality of the company and/or job?

2.  Perhaps he didn’t fit in with the organization’s culture and/or he just didn’t believe in the company.

3.  The company and/or job did not align with the future he had planned for himself.

Before you say I quit

When new professionals ask, how long do I need to stay at my first job (the average is 18 months according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics) the answer is as long as it takes you to master the skills needed to advance. That’s almost never the answer they want, because the question they are really asking is:  How do I know when it is time to leave?

Perhaps you are finding the transition more challenging than expected. Maybe you have learned all you can from your first professional job and the company. Or, is it simply time to talk with your supervisor about your career development. You might find the below checklist helpful to help sort out if you should stay or leave.

Aptitude for the career and job

Most people get a sense of aptitude and interest in college or during their first job.

• Do you have the ability (aptitude, skills, talents, personality) to do the work—does the work come easily or naturally to you?
• Are you struggling despite your best efforts to grasp the work?
• Do you find the work interesting?
• Do have accomplishments?
• Is there anything you can do to improve the situation at your current job if the timing isn't right?

Workplace culture

It’s important know before you take a position if the job will be a good fit. However, sometimes you need to work at the company to know how you fit the organizational culture.

• Are you doing the right job but in the wrong company for you?
• Do you know what is expected of you or are you making assumptions?
• Who are you becoming as a person? How are you being shaped? What’s the company culture doing to you?

Your needs and wants

Before you started your job search, you should have made a list of what’s essential to you. With experience, the list will change. So, now ask yourself:

• What do I like about this career and/or job? What do I dislike?
• What will make you happier?

Prospects for the future

• Is there a clear path for advancement that would enable you to transition to a more satisfying job or provide you with a more appealing boss or co-workers at your current employer?
• Are you acquiring new skills? Are you developing valuable skills or acquiring knowledge that will be of use in your career?

There are so many reason to stay and as many reasons to bounce. Be cognizant of the fact that your decisions matter on a long-term basis as well as a short-term one.

More On The Subject

Assessing An Organization's Culture 

Get It Right From Day One