Starting a new role is twofold: exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s an experience likened to being a new character on season four of an ongoing television series. Everyone seems to be in a rhythm and you’re trying to catch up. It’s no surprise that many new employees feel overwhelmed — or even unsure — about their new role. In fact, around or before the six month mark, many begin to question if they’ve made the right decision in accepting the job offer. However, before you consider jumping ship, it’s important to give yourself time to acclimate. Here’s why.
Statistics show that it can take one to two years before an employee reaches their full productivity potential. What does that mean for you? It means that patience is key during this time. Give yourself a grace period. Starting a new role can be uncomfortable — especially within the first year as you’re taking everything in. During this initial period, you’re going to face a learning curve as you familiarize yourself with company policies, procedures and culture.
It takes time to get acclimated, build relationships and understand the ins and outs of your new role. In fact, it can take up to six months for the “light bulb” to turn on — or for things to start clicking — and for you to begin to feel comfortable in your new role. “
It’s also crucial to remember that every company operates differently. No two workplaces are alike, which can take some time to adjust to. By giving yourself the full six months to acclimate, you’ll be able to reflect on whether or not this company and role align with your long-term career goals and work style. From there, you can make a more informed decision on whether or not to stick with it.
Another important consideration: your resume. Leaving a job too soon can potentially have negative consequences on your professional reputation. Future employers may see a pattern of consistently leaving jobs after a short period as being flighty, which can be a red flag for hiring managers.
Plus, leaving a job early on doesn’t allow you enough time to build valuable resume-building skills and experiences that can be beneficial in the long term. So, take the time to learn, grow and gain valuable experiences before jumping ship. In doing so, you’ll give yourself the best chance for long-term professional success.
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