What to Do If You Hate Your New Job

You're Not Alone (And It's Not Always Your Fault)

First, take a breath. 72% of young workers have experienced new job regret. The interview process doesn't always reveal red flags, and sometimes companies oversell the role or culture.

Before you panic-quit, give yourself permission to assess objectively. New job discomfort is normal. New job misery is a red flag.

Is It Just Adjustment Anxiety or a Real Problem?

The first 30-60 days of any new job are uncomfortable. You're learning systems, meeting people, and proving yourself. That's normal.

Normal new job discomfort:

Feeling overwhelmed by information
Imposter syndrome kicking in
Missing your old team or routine
Anxiety about making mistakes
Uncertainty about company norms

Red flags (real problems):

The job responsibilities don't match what was described
Toxic behavior (bullying, discrimination, unethical practices)
Your manager is incompetent or abusive
The company is in obvious financial trouble
You're being set up to fail (no training, impossible expectations)
Your physical or mental health is deteriorating

The 90-Day Assessment Framework

Career experts recommend giving it 90 days before making a final decision. Use this framework:

Week 1-4: Observe and Document

Keep a journal of what's working and what isn't
Note specific incidents (don't rely on vague feelings)
Identify patterns (is it one bad manager or systemic culture?)
Ask questions to understand why things are done certain ways

Week 5-8: Attempt to Fix

Have a candid conversation with your manager about expectations
Seek out allies or mentors within the company
Suggest small improvements to your workflow or responsibilities
Give feedback (professionally) about mismatches between job description and reality

Week 9-12: Decide

Has anything improved after your attempts to fix it?
Can you see a path forward that doesn't make you miserable?
Is your mental/physical health suffering?
Do the problems outweigh the benefits (salary, experience, career growth)?

When to Stay and Make It Work

Consider sticking it out if:

The problems are fixable: Communication issues, unclear expectations, or workflow inefficiencies
You're learning valuable skills: Even if it's hard, you're gaining experience that will benefit your career
It's only been 30-60 days: Give yourself more time to adjust
The compensation/benefits are exceptional: And you can tolerate the downsides for 12-18 months
You just left another job: Job-hopping too frequently hurts your resume

Survival strategy:

Set a specific timeline (e.g., "I'll stay 12 months to gain [specific skill/experience], then reassess"). Having an exit plan reduces anxiety and gives you agency.

When to Leave ASAP

Don't wait 90 days if you're experiencing:

Harassment, discrimination, or illegal activity: Document everything and consult an employment attorney
Severe mental health decline: Panic attacks, depression, physical symptoms like insomnia or stomach issues
Bait-and-switch: The job is radically different from what was advertised (e.g., you were hired as a designer, you're doing data entry)
Company is failing: Layoffs, unpaid invoices, leadership exodus
Safety concerns: Physical danger or unethical practices that could harm your career

In these cases, prioritize your well-being. Start job searching immediately and leave as soon as you have an offer.

How to Quit a Job You Just Started

Leaving a new job is awkward, but it's not career suicide if handled professionally.

If you're leaving before 3 months:

Don't put it on your resume: A 2-month stint doesn't add value and raises questions
Be honest but tactful: "The role wasn't what I expected" or "It wasn't the right fit" (don't trash the company)
Give 2 weeks notice: Unless the situation is abusive/dangerous
Offer to help with the transition: Document your work, train a replacement if possible

If you're leaving after 3-6 months:

You can list it on your resume (but be prepared to explain why you left)
Frame it positively: "I realized the role didn't align with my long-term career goals" or "I found an opportunity that better matched my skills in [X]"
Don't badmouth in interviews: Future employers will assume you'll do the same to them

RESIGNATION EMAIL TEMPLATE:

Subject: Resignation - [Your Name]

Hi [Manager],

I'm writing to let you know that I've decided to resign from my position as [Job Title]. My last day will be [Date, typically 2 weeks out].

This was a difficult decision. After reflecting on my career goals and the role, I've realized it's not the right fit for me long-term. I appreciate the opportunity and want to ensure a smooth transition.

Please let me know how I can help over the next two weeks.

Best,
[Your Name]

What to Tell Future Employers

If you left a job quickly, you'll need a clean, confident explanation.

Good answers:

"The role ended up being more [X] than [Y], which wasn't aligned with my strengths or career direction."
"I realized the company culture prioritized [A] over [B], and I thrive in environments focused on [B]."
"The job responsibilities shifted significantly after I started, and it became clear it wasn't the right fit."

Avoid:

Blaming your manager or coworkers
Getting emotional or defensive
Oversharing about how "toxic" it was
Lying (it's a small world — honesty is better)

Final thought:

New job regret is incredibly common. Give yourself grace, assess objectively, and remember that leaving a bad fit is better than staying miserable for years. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint.