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Original poster

Have you ever quit a job during your probation period?

25 replies

JuneFromBethesda · 23/05/2024 08:55

This may be me next week. I started a new job four weeks ago but had my doubts in the first week. My boss is nice, the team is nice but the work just isn’t what I want to be doing. I feel awkward about it but I keep reminding myself that the probation period is there for that reason, to see if it’s a good fit for both sides … anyone else have experience of this?

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Nori10 · 23/05/2024 09:01

I know a few people who have done this. You're 100% right, the probation period is there for your employer and for YOU. It's fine to say, actually this isn't a good fit. Better to do it sooner rather than later. You don't have to burn any bridges if you go about it in a professional way. Some jobs just aren't the match we were hoping for and that's fine!

Original poster
JuneFromBethesda · 23/05/2024 09:57

Thanks @Nori10 it helps to hear someone else say it 😄

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Loz90333 · 23/05/2024 10:18

Hi June,

I literally did this same thing last week. Had been in the job for 9 days - I knew from the 4th/ 5th day that it wasn't a good fit for me. What was expected and what was mentioned in the interview were totally different - I would have been responsible for a website rebuild, which I don't have the skill set for. The onboarding process was all over the shop too.

I was really nervous about handing in my notice as I had only been there a couple of days, but I was honest with them and they understood. They did try and keep me, but my mind was made up.

Echoing what the previous poster posted - the probation period is for both parties, not just the employer.

When you know, you know. I'd follow your gut :)

jlox · 23/05/2024 10:19

I left one job 3 hours in to my first day 🙃

ManchesterRoad · 23/05/2024 10:40

I’ve had someone quit on me in their probation period. There were no hard feelings at all, you can’t force someone to do a job that they don’t think is a good fit for them. Any decent employer should be good about the situation and if they aren’t you’ve dodged a bullet anyway.

Original poster
JuneFromBethesda · 23/05/2024 12:40

Thanks all, this is encouraging!

@jlox three hours!?

@Loz90333 have you found something else? Agree with following your gut, mine is sending me a very clear message.

@ManchesterRoad I hope my employer takes it the same way (she’s very nice so I’m sure she will, but the fact that she’s nice also makes it worse!)

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pattysam · 23/05/2024 12:58

Yup been there - i absolutely knew on my first day that this was the wrong job and all my colleagues looked miserable - I felt bad leaving but then life goes on for the company also. I told them and gave them a week’s notice but they let me leave the same day. I was there for about 3 weeks

Original poster
JuneFromBethesda · 23/05/2024 17:52

Thanks @pattysam Just left work after a particularly frustrating day which has confirmed I really need to leave … 🤯

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purplesalad · 23/05/2024 17:54

I left after 4 weeks
The job wasn’t what it was made out to be at interview and I quit one afternoon after having had enough.
Everyone was fine about it.

Shaldar · 23/05/2024 18:03

Yes, I did seven weeks. Despite seeing a demo of my style performed and discussed at interview, suddenly when I started there was no discretion and I was supposed to be a robot.

Left with a week's notice, instead of the usual period and ended up in a much better environment.

VerySweatyBetty1 · 30/07/2024 22:25

Just happened across this thread. @JuneFromBethesda - what did you do / have you done? I'm also having a wobble but it's gone beyond probation period: I don't know if that makes it better or worse for getting myself out! Argh!

Original poster
JuneFromBethesda · 02/08/2024 16:14

Hello @VerySweatyBetty1 ! Thanks for asking - I am also now beyond my probation period, having passed with flying colours even though I really don’t want to stay in the job 😭

I had interviews for a couple of other jobs before my probation ended, and came very close to getting one of them, but I just missed out. I decided I’d give myself a break from job applications and try to make my peace with my current job … but I’ve just been contacted by another firm who are recruiting and are very keen to meet me, so here I go again …

How’s your work situation looking? 🙂

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VerySweatyBetty1 · 02/08/2024 16:33

Not sure whether to congratulate you or not on passing your probation (joke)! Was part of you hoping you wouldn't?! I know I hoped someone might just send me away. But no.

You're obviously very in demand which is nice - good on you! Are you interested in what's being offered? Do you have your CV lodged with a recruitment agency? It's hard if people get in touch .I do physically stop myself sometimes from browsing job websites ...

it is exhausting to keep packing up and moving on. Easier to stay put sometimes unless it's unbearable. the people sometimes make the difference - for better or for worse.

What field are you in? I'm office manager / charitable sector but transferable skills.

DreadPirateRobots · 02/08/2024 16:34

Sure have. By two months in it was clear it wasn't working. By four I had a new job offer in hand. No regrets. Sometimes a job just isn't a fit.

Original poster
JuneFromBethesda · 02/08/2024 17:02

It’s a very odd feeling, sitting there with your boss telling you what a great start you’ve made and going through plans for the future while in your head you’re screaming ‘I don’t want to be here’ 😭 I felt like such a fraud, it was very uncomfortable.

Until my current role I’ve always worked in a very niche industry within the arts. It’s a very small world, everyone knows everyone else so nobody uses recruitment agencies (unless at very senior / CEO level, which I am not!)

The new enquiry has come thanks to an old boss who has been singing my praises to a friend of hers. The friend’s company is very well-respected and would be a good one to work for. My current job has some similarities to what I’ve done before but it’s not in the arts and I really miss my former industry (which is much more interesting!)

I’ve had quite a few interviews and near misses over the last 9 months, following a difficult time in my previous job. I would just like to find the right place to settle in now please …! What do you think you’ll do?

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Original poster
JuneFromBethesda · 02/08/2024 17:19

Reply above to @VerySweatyBetty1 🙂

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VerySweatyBetty1 · 02/08/2024 18:24

I often feel - for me - there's a bit of a danger of 'grass always greener'. Must be even more so if you're highly-employable and have ex-bosses recommending you. All my jobs have had highs and lows. Maybe if it was more extreme, it'd be easier to make a decision. Also, as you get older, how many new fields are there (don't know about you but I'm in my 50s).

Is the new enquiry back in the sector you were in before? Good luck with whatever happens next

ConsistentlyPeeved · 02/08/2024 19:26

I left a job about 3-4 hours after starting. It was at a telephone sales shop. Myself and a couple of others were being trained up and back then it was all about the hard sell and constantly asking the customer if they wanted help etc plus the emphasis on selling people literally anything just to get commission.
It was awful and I knew after a few hours I'd be completely unhappy so at lunch time I left and never went back. They did ring me to see where I was and I explained it wasn't the job for me- thanks but no thanks.
I was only about 18 or 19 as well.

Original poster
JuneFromBethesda · 06/08/2024 11:58

Well done @ConsistentlyPeeved on walking out - sounds like an awful set-up.

Yes, the possible new job is in my old industry @VerySweatyBetty1. I have an interview in 2.5 weeks. My current job is desperately dull at the moment so I’m counting the days - I really hope the new one works out 🙏

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Original poster
JuneFromBethesda · 22/08/2024 17:11

Just updating this thread for my own enjoyment - had the interview today and was offered the job an hour later. I am really happy and looking forward to handing in my notice at my current place 😁

I hope things are moving in a positive direction for @VerySweatyBetty1 and anyone else having a job wobble.

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Original poster
JuneFromBethesda · 22/08/2024 17:12

Deleted as duplicate post

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VerySweatyBetty1 · 22/08/2024 17:57

Ah congratulations! Did it feel a more comfortable fit? Sometimes gotta just go with your gut instinct!

I'm trying not to think too much about my situation over the summer. But coming to some gentle conclusions/ decisions.

VerySweatyBetty1 · 22/08/2024 17:57

Ah congratulations! Did it feel a more comfortable fit? Sometimes gotta just go with your gut instinct!

I'm trying not to think too much about my situation over the summer. But coming to some gentle conclusions/ decisions.

Gone12 · 22/08/2024 17:59

Yes I resigned towards the end of my 6 month probation period, which happened to be close to Christmas. Gave them 2 weeks notice rather than the required 1 week during probation and they still screwed me over with my final pay.

Original poster
JuneFromBethesda · 22/08/2024 20:53

Much more comfortable! It’s such a nice team, I’m really looking forward to working with them. It’s such a relief!

Good luck with your ponderings. One of my friends says ‘rest with reason, move with passion’ (or something along those lines) - in other words, take your time to consider your options, you’ll know the right time to make a move 🙂

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