Expectations in my new job are constantly changing – should I cut my losses and run?
APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here she gives advice to a reader on feeling unmotivated and undervalued after a yearly appraisal.
Q) I joined a start-up tech company on a friend’s recommendation and, although it was positive and exciting at first, every day seems chaotic and challenging, with expectations constantly changing.
My manager always seems stressed and I feel like she’s telling me off all the time, as it’s impossible to complete all the tasks she sets me within the working day.
There is an expectation we need to put the hours in to get the job done, but I want a healthy work-life balance.
I feel I’ve made the wrong decision joining this company – should I cut my losses and run?
Chrissie, via email
A) Feeling overwhelmed and stressed in a job where expectations are constantly changing is totally understandable.
It can be challenging to navigate, especially if it’s not what you expected when you joined.
Arrange a one-to-one meeting with your manager during a less stressful time.
Express how you feel and suggest that constructive guidance and support would enable you to develop further, as well as help understand your priorities.
It’s important to communicate that, while you are committed to doing your best, you often find the workload overwhelming and challenging to complete within a single day.
It’s possible that your manager doesn’t realise the strain you’re under or the effect it is having on you.
Despite pressure to devote all your energy to work, it’s perfectly acceptable to prioritise other aspects of life.
Focus on moving forward and exploring ways to work together with your manager.
But if you don’t think it will improve and this kind of working environment doesn’t suit you, it could be time to look at other options.
- Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.