When Your New Job Isn’t What You Expected: 5 Steps to Take

The big day has come…

You’ve manifested this role for months. 

The dream job. The one. You’re finally in!

You walk in on Day 1, beaming, pumped af.

But fast forward 30 days…

That excitement starts to stagger.

Something feels off.

The “flexible hybrid” policy? Suddenly not so flexible.

The late nights?

You’re burning the midnight oil more than a candle factory during a blackout.

And those cheery, motivated coworkers from your interview? 

They now seem exhausted, disengaged, and overworked.

You start waking up with that pit in your stomach.

The kind that doesn’t go away with coffee or a “give it time” pep talk.

You’ve got a sinking feeling in your gut —

Did you just make a huge mistake?

Here’s the truth: it happens.

Let’s talk about what to do next:

1️⃣ Breathe. Don’t panic. Be kind to yourself.

This doesn’t mean you failed. 

Sometimes we get sold a version of a job that doesn’t match reality. It’s disappointing, sure — but it is fixable.

2️⃣ Step back and assess.

What exactly feels off? 

Is it the role, the people, the hours, the culture? Getting clear on what’s causing the discomfort can help you figure out your next move — without making a knee-jerk decision.

3️⃣ Start setting boundaries early.

If expectations are creeping beyond what was agreed, it’s okay (and necessary!) to speak up. Your well-being isn’t a negotiation.

4️⃣ Quietly explore your options.

Sometimes just chatting with a recruiter or a career coach can give you peace of mind. 

You don’t need to make any moves yet — but knowing what’s out there can bring back a sense of control.

5️⃣ Remind yourself: you’re allowed to pivot.

This is your career. And one imperfect role doesn’t define your path — it just gives you clarity for what to look out for next time.

Have you ever realized a new job wasn’t what it promised to be?

Let’s normalize talking about it. 👇