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Q: I'm a new college grad, and I've been at my first job for seven months. I am very unhappy and want to quit. My parents say it is a mistake to leave if I don't have another job waiting. I don't see the purpose of staying if I am unhappy.
Will it be detrimental to my future if I quit this way? I wake up every morning with absolutely no desire to go in there, and feel trapped because none of the resumes I have sent have been answered yet. Please help.
NICK'S REPLY: No, you won't be ruined if you leave your first job so soon. The business world is pretty forgiving of new grads -- as long as you don't take undue advantage of that mercy.
Make sure you know why you're leaving. Is there something wrong with the job or employer? If it's a bad match, what would make a good match? Are you expecting something unrealistic from the job?
I'm not suggesting it's all in your head, but when a new grad starts out in the work world, it's possible to have a stilted view. I'm pressing this because you should make sure you understand what's going on, or you could find yourself jumping from job to job without ever knowing why.
Your reaction to your first job is not uncommon. I suggest you talk with people you trust in your company and carefully analyze the situation. No matter who or what is causing the problem, if you made a mistake in taking this job you don't want to repeat it.
If you decide this really is the wrong job, I don't think you will do your career irreparable harm by leaving now. If you are generally enthusiastic, motivated and skilled, it might even help you to hunt for a new job without being emotionally saddled with an unhappy one.
Just bear one thing in mind: The choice is yours, as are the consequences. I offer perspective and advice, not guarantees.
THE HEADHUNTER TIP:
Recover from interview failure.
We all know that "what goes around, comes around." When you're job hunting, a failed interview is an opportunity to plant seeds that might pay off for you later.
When your interview is done and it seems the job is not for you, or it seems you cannot convince the employer you're right for the job, leave some good things behind. But do so with the idea of helping the employer, not to help yourself. For example:
1. Ask, "Is there anything I can do to help you or your company in any other way?"
2. If you can, recommend another good candidate for the job.
3. If you can foster some other relationship that might benefit the company, do it. For instance, you might offer a sales lead.
Recover from interview failure by demonstrating your value. Give the interviewer something to remember you by.
Copyright 2009. Distributed by Universal Press Syndicate
Nick Corcodilos is author of "Ask The Headhunter: Reinventing the Interview to Win the Job" and the host of www.asktheheadhunter.com. He can be reached by e-mail at seattle@asktheheadhunter.com or at North Bridge Group, P.O. Box 600, Lebanon, NJ 08833. Sorry, no personal replies.
Read more: Ask the Headhunter , Starting your career
By Trish on October 18, 2009 12:13 PM
Although your response does have useful information, I believe it overlooks an important point: is it better to stay at the job until another one is found?
Start looking now, when a better job is found and an offer is in hand, that is the time to give notice. There can be a stronger salary negotiating position by an employed vs unemployed person. In the long term the resume looks stronger without gaps in employment. Looking at other jobs available in the market might also make the current job not feel so bad after all. Makes a difference if you have to support yourself.