So, you got a job and it’s been 6 months
And things can go either very well or… you get the picture now.
It happens, those first months are very likely to be a honeymoon and everyone is eager to see what you can contribute and you, how does your work style align with the company. If you and your recruiter did your homework right, those six months will be extended and you will have found Nirvana of achievement.
However, there are those occasions where someone forgot to cross all “t’s” or dot all the “I’s” and you find yourself initially on a roller coaster and then a final dive. What’s important is that you must realize quickly it is no one person’s fault. In fact, there is no fault at all if you act immediately.
What sort of action? First and foremost, stop, tuck and roll! Stop and take a step back, this will be the moment you must take inventory and make some decisions based on criteria only you can define. For the sake of example here are a few, can I make the personal concessions to conform to their culture, am I willing to conform, is this culture what they initially told me and how has it changed, what changed and can I adapt and lastly, can I trust.
If your answers are positive, which hopefully they will, tuck and roll are easy. Tuck in to the culture, embrace the changes or new interpretation and roll with it!
On the other hand, if the answers are not, then tuck and roll will be a bit different. Tuck your resume under your arm and begin an earnest search, if you have an independent recruiter, be honest about what you are experiencing and what has led you to tuck your resume in their inbox. If they are worth their weight in salt, they will understand and help you identify companies and roles that would align with you.
Take stock of what you liked and disliked about your current role and ensure the mistake is not repeated. This is the point where you also must be truthful to yourself and decide if the issue is one you created or a result of other factors. If you are honest you can benefit tremendously from this self-analysis as you search for your next opportunity.
Time to ROLL! Be professional above all things. We live in a society that promotes self-expression, beyond good taste at times, in social media. Remember that although you are not running for public office, what you lay out there in writing stays out there. If you get an opportunity for an exit interview, be honest and professional and above all things, don’t point fingers. I always say that when you point a finger there are always 3 fingers pointing back at you.
And always remember:
Work hard. Play hard. Have FUN!
