Sometimes you can be so worried about making a good first impression at a new job that you ignore the one you’re getting from them.
Or, on the opposite end of the scale, you start catastrophising, with first day nerves leading you to question everything — including whether you’ve made the right move.
There’s value in trusting your instincts when it comes to work, but the upheaval of starting a new position can distort your perception, so it’s usually a good idea to let things settle before you throw in the towel.
Karen Lough, director of people at at HR software provider Ciphr, recommends giving any job a ‘a fair chance’ of a few months where possible, allowing you ‘to settle in and assess fit’ once your judgement is clearer.
‘When starting a new job, it’s natural to experience discomfort because change can trigger uncertainty, self-doubt, and even anxiety,’ she tells Metro. ‘That’s why it’s important to give yourself time to adjust.’
According to Stephanie Kelly, chief people officer at HR technology provider IRIS, this ‘grace period’ should last a minimum of three months, but it can take as long as six months to truly get your bearings.
She tells Metro: ‘I really struggled when I joined one business in the past, but with time I realised the culture was simply different, not wrong. I worked out I could be part of the change that company needed and ended up really enjoying it.’
In Stephanie’s opinion, if ‘the fundamental reasons’ for taking a job – from the people to company purpose to the opportunity itself – were the right ones, then ‘you can often work through a rocky start’.
However, continuing to feel disconnected after a few months, or realising the what you were promised doesn’t match the reality mean it might be time to go.
‘Telltale signs of a poor fit include a lack of psychological safety, unclear expectations, or a mismatch between your skills and the role’s demands,’ adds Karen.
‘On the other hand, teething problems often look like temporary confusion, minor communication hiccups, or feeling out of your depth while learning something new. These usually improve with time, feedback, and support.’
Before doing anything permanent, she encourages having an honest conversation with your boss while still in the role, as ‘raising concerns early gives both parties a chance to make improvements and potentially turn things around.’
Sometimes however, your feelings won’t improve, in which case it might be time to start looking for something new. And alongside trying to make the process of leaving as smooth as possible, you need to consider how doing so will impact your CV.
These days, being an ‘office frog’ and hopping from job to job can offer greater progression than staying put. But even though long-term loyalty isn’t as prized as it once was, leaving roles shortly after starting can still raise red flags for a future employer.
While it’s tempting to try and dodge a past ‘blip’ in interviews, Karen stresses the importance of addressing it in a transparent way — albeit in a way that doesn’t criticise your previous employer.
She explains: ‘Instead, focus on what you learned from the experience and how it helped clarify what you need to thrive.
‘Employers value self-awareness and integrity, so framing your decision as a thoughtful step towards better alignment can help build trust and credibility.’
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