When Your Dream Job Becomes a Nightmare — 5 Ways To Make It Work at Work
Written by
Heather Altamirano
Edited by
Ashleigh Ray
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After multiple interviews, follow-ups, and negotiations, you finally land your dream job and are eager to make an impact and impression.
But after a few months of hustling on the job, the honeymoon is over, and reality sets in. The gig isn’t what you thought. Whether it’s a boss who takes micro-management to a whole new level, an issue with a coworker, or taking on more responsibilities that aren’t part of the job, there are ways to try to turn a nightmare back into a dream.
GOBankingRates spoke with Sharon Rose Hayward, a women’s career coach and founder of Winning at Work, who shared tips on surviving a challenging work environment.
Identify the Issue
The first step in resolving a work-related issue is figuring out the problem. “I suggest having an up-to-date list of what you want in a job, everything you can think of, then rating each item from 1 to 10,” Hayward told us. “The ultra-important items are 10, and anything less important is rated accordingly. That’s your first sum, A. Let’s say it totals 112. The second sum, B, is based on your new “sour” situation. Divide B/A to get your job satisfaction percentage,” she explained.
“If you are still 85% or higher, it’s time to sit tight and see if things change or talk to your boss. Lower than 85% is time to make sure your resume is up to date and that you’re looking at options.”
How to Handle More Responsibility
Employees are often asked to take on tasks outside their job responsibilities, and Hayward said there are multiple questions to ask in this situation.
“When you are confident in your value, you feel comfortable asking questions and making requests,” she said while explaining what questions to ask.
- How long will this situation last?
- What will be done to assist with my current workload?
- Will I receive more compensation or a bonus?
According to Hayward, the biggest question is if you can train someone to help with your more routine tasks so you can focus on the other responsibilities. “There are multiple benefits to this. 1. Strengthening your delegating skills, 2. Training entry-level or less experienced employees, 3. Having someone who can assist when you’re out of the office, 4. You have an easy replacement when you get promoted.”
How to Deal with a Coworker Problem
Many people face the problem of working with someone who rubs them the wrong way. “This can be more of a challenge because of clashing personalities,” Hayward said. “If you have a trusted manager, talk to them if things don’t change.”
She added, “Avoid interactions whenever possible, especially snarky or derogatory remarks. Don’t gossip or become part of the problem.”
How to Deal with a Bad Boss
Many people don’t leave a job because of the job itself but rather because of a bad boss. “Look at your job satisfaction score,” Hayward said. “If you have a job where you have significant interaction with your boss and therefore your “boss relationship” is rated 9 or 10, look at your new score.”
She continued, “Stay neutral and observe for as long as possible, at least a month or two. But even if your score is still above 85%, it’s best to know your options, which means looking at your alternatives. Knowing you have other options, along with knowing the value you bring, can help you.”
Know Your Value and When to Leave
When a situation turns toxic in the workplace, it’s tough to know when to leave. “Situations change, and coworkers or bosses come and go,” Hayward told us.
“If you’re happy overall, give the situation a few months to see if there is a change. On the other hand, if your company is such that longevity is measured in decades or more, without much change, it will likely not improve.”
She added, “We don’t want to leave at the first argument; we want to discuss the situation and see what can be resolved. What’s most important is that you understand the value you bring to your company and can take that value to other companies. Don’t make the mistake of staying simply to be loyal or because you feel guilty.”
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