In the life time of a person’s career, they will experience at least one job mistake, a wrong move, have a blip… but that’s okay, here’s why-
Shit happens
That popular saying “shit happens” applies as much to your career as it does to everyday life… people entering a job that quickly turns out to be nothing like what was expected, whether that be down to the individual’s error, or the company, is actually a lot more common than you think.
When I tweeted on 2nd January this year that I had just resigned from my role (my one job mistake), I received support from a lot of people who had been in a similar situation themselves which was encouraging.
It’s not something to broadcast that a job didn’t work out, but be reassured that it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
You’ll know what you want next time
It’s a bit like dating, we need to go on a few before you know if someone is a good match, and this is very much like your career, particularly in marketing.
As you build experience, your goals and needs will change and then you recognise it’s time to find a new workplace that can meet those needs. In my recent situation, the interview and the actual job were very different and it quickly became a nightmare and I left without a plan.
Ask those better questions at interview
An interview is as much about you asking your prospective new employer questions, as it is them to ask about you. Times have changed and it’s not all one way anymore.
If you’re dedicating a proportion of your daily life to a place of work, what’s in it for you? You get paid, sure, but what about flexibility to work from home occasionally? What about a decent pension? Health cover, life insurance, cycle to work scheme… it all matters and by asking those questions, you’ll have a better chance at avoiding your one job mistake.
Your job doesn’t define you
The first question any new person will ask you (provided they are not a colleague), is “what do you do?” There are criticisms of this for sure, but it’s an easy ice breaker and that’s why people ask it.
But that does not mean for a second that your job defines you and here I am reminded of that exchange between Miranda Hobbs and Carrie Bradshaw in season 6 of Sex and the City. Miranda is shocked to learn of Carrie’s decision to move to Paris and has quit her column, saying it’s who she is. Carrie responds by saying, “it’s not who I am, it’s what I do!”
One employer’s loss is another one’s gain
Never a truer word said. Be the one that got away and be successful somewhere that appreciates you.
Have you ever been in a situation where a job hasn’t worked out like you had hoped? Have you got any tips to add to this list about what to learn from your one job mistake?
Until next time x
