Ask HN: What to do when a new job isn't a right fit? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: What to do when a new job isn't a right fit?

I recently started a new job. People are great and I love the company's mission... but I hate what I'm working on. It's very different from what I expected to be doing. Worse yet, my teammates are all working on other matters, so I feel like a contractor rather than part of a team. Plus, most of my org is in other offices. Personally, I hated working remotely during Covid and so I was looking forward to being in an office again with a team.

I'd like to stay here for the long-term because I genuinely like the people and the company. And obviously, the market's horrible right now.

What's the best way to approach this situation? I want to do the best work I can at my current role, but I've been very frustrated and it's affecting my performance.

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The best thing to do, in any situation is to be very honest with yourself. And thats not easy!

Did you try to speak with someone incharge of your role / projects. If the people are good, and if they need you, they will listen.

If not, whats the point anyways.

It may be worth doing an exercise:

Imagine your dream role at this company. Is it possible for there to be a role like that at this company? What’s the closest thing? What would it take to move into that position? How would you communicate that to your manager?

Also, this may be a good opportunity to zoom out from work, and address other problems or issues you might have in personal life or even pick up a new or old hobby. Do your job, but remember it’s work, nothing personal, simply “clock in” and “clock out”.

I would suggest they've put you to work on a task to evaluate your overall work ethic, capabilities and ability to stick to the task at hand no matter how boring or mundane, I don't see any need to worry unless it's something where someone like yourself was hired on only for that particular position and task.

I hope the serenity prayer will help calm you in the short term:

  God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, 
  courage to change the things I can, 
  and the wisdom to know the difference

I felt a lot like this in my last job last year too. I struggled with the constant negative thoughts daily. Yes, the pay and title was good, but I felt worthless and have difficulty working with the people there. Ended up leaving the job after 3 months. Took a short 3 months break (also to start my studies), and found plenty of job offers. Ended up being way happier now.

Talk to your boss. Most of what you posted here could be copy/pasted into an email to your boss to see if your concerns can be fixed.

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