Leaving job after 3 weeks - feel like a failure

This is what probation periods are for - they work two way. Unfortunately a lot of people are not in the financial position to allow it to work two days but you are.

Don’t feel like a failure . My work does this to people and it is not their fault at all. It is the way some of management behave. We have got through countless staff. The worst bully has now been given the push and the culture is changing for the better but I’m not sure the once thriving business will ever recover from this phase.

I worked in a job for four weeks before leaving. To be honest, it was clear to me after two weeks that the job wasn’t for me. I should have left then.

Just leave and chalk it up to experience.

Sorry, OP. Your question was "How do I break it to my boss?" and I didn't answer that, so ...

"I've decided to move on and allow you to find someone more suitable for this position. Thank you for the opportunity. It has been a useful experience for me. I'd like to finish on Friday at close of business, so let me know about tasks you'd like me to complete by then."

If they ask you "Why don't you like the job?" you can say "I think this position would be suited to someone who prefers to work alone, away from the other staff. I wish you all the best in finding the right person." Be gracious but avoid being drawn into further discussion. "I'd like to leave the discussion here, thanks."

I wouldn't be overthinking it like this. I would just leave, no notice.

@Happyfeet82 I had a job that didn't work out, got it through a staff agency and I lasted 1.5 weeks. I was told to leave but it was the best thing to happen as a much more suitable role came along. I was very upset but it was a lucky escape from hostile colleagues and an awful manager. It's not worth it, well done for moving away from something so wrong for you.

Wish I'd had your strength and courage in my 20's. Took until my 40's to walk out of a job.

You're anxious, you're sleepless, you're crying. Don't internalise this any more; you know what you have to do. Call time. In your mid 20s you have lots of prospects ahead, so go and explore them. You are allowed to look around and see what roles and workplaces might suit you.
Some bosses are utterly shitful at their job. But that's not on you. It's just a brief experience that you can learn from, as one day you might be a manager and you will endeavour to do things differently.
I'm in my 50s and work freelance, but three years ago I took an office job to gain experience in the government sector. It was a disaster. No induction, no clear briefing on tasks, no staff contact list, no pre-prep such as giving me permission to drive office cars. Weird looks if I asked for these things. I was annoyed with myself and knew I should have asked far more questions before taking the job, but ... lesson learned. I gave them polite yet useful feedback along with my notice.

It's not on you. I had a series of rubbish jobs, including a couple where there were outright abusive to staff (always family run businesses). I did feel like a failure.

Until I found my place in a large organisation where my work was recognised, promotions, respect... Eventually I left as it turned rubbish too (a uni).

if it's really affecting you, walk away. If not, just start applying for new jobs. One of the best staff members I helped hire walked into the interview and admitted she'd left her last workplace because of toxic bullying so was unemployed. I can tell the issue wasn't her! Brilliant.

The responses are interesting because there’s another active thread titled “Adult Son wants to quit job” (also in his 20’s) and everyone’s saying that he shouldn’t!

I left after 3 days. Just never went back. No tegrets.

Don't worry about it.

Just let them know it isn't working for you. Give any notice you are required to and walk away.

I once started a new job. Wednesday of my first week. I picked up my handbag and walked out the door. It was utter bullshit nonsense and there is no way I am wasting my time on that.

It will be OK. Walk away.

@Longsleepneeded My concern has always been paying the bills while I job-hunted. It’s scary being out of work!

Good for you. If it's really that bad, you won't regret leaving. I've done this twice. First time I stuck it out for nearly 2 years and was utterly miserable, my mental health and confidence was at rock bottom, I had no friends at work and hated it. Finally left a week before Christmas and the relief was enormous. Second time I walked out the day I started! I knew it was wrong straight away.
Hold your head up high and do what's right for you.
I've been in my current job 21 years and still love it.

An alternative perspective here-would you wait until you have a new job?

Otherwise you’ll be eating into your savings until you do. I quit a job at a similar age after a few months but had another one lined up.

I left a job after three weeks at a similar age. Like you I just knew as soon as I started that it wasn’t right. Years later and I don’t even think of it or put it on my CV 😅 - it’s just kind of ‘Oh yeah I did that once’. Move on, be happy

So glad to hear your family is being supportive. You gave it a shot and can walk away with head held high. Nothing is more important than your mental health and this place does not seem like a good fit. Put it down to experience and move onwards and upwards.

You have nothing to be ashamed of.you showed great strength in leaving.
smile and move on...

Leave. As much as there’s the saying you ‘have to give it time’ …..DONT! Your clearly miserable already, just leave x

I've been there and done that. Find another job, some jobs are just vile and not worth having, you'll be pleased you left in the long run. It is not a personal failing to leave a shitty job. Good luck and try not to be too hard on yourself

I was you in my third job. I decided to stick it out. Big mistake. Huge.

Cut your losses and get out while it’s easy.

Leave leave leave!!!!

Your gut has reacted for a reason. It's something I try to teach my teenage kids that sometimes you end up in horrible job situations and if you do , get out quick.
A couple of times ive had a reaction to a job like that and stuck it out for far too long.
It is different if every job makes you feel that way but if this is a new experience for you just leave. Some really toxic work environments around

Have you resigned ? You will feel so much better when you have. Let all those negative feelings pass. Then look to getting a better job! For you x we’ve all been there ! (Well I have)

I handed my notice in three weeks after starting a new job. It sent me into an anxious state form day 1. Fortunately I was able to go back to my old role although obviously a little embarrassing but have never regretted it.

The strongest thing to do is to know it isn't right and to leave and find something more suited. I wish I left my job years ago rather then putting up with it and ended up needing therapy!