Leaving a job halfway through a probationary period?

[WearyAlready]

Name changed and will probably be a bit woolly with details for privacy, so apologies for any unintentional dripfeeds etc.

I started a new job about a month and a half ago.

I very nearly gave up during the recruitment process, as I was kept in limbo for a considerable amount of time after an initial interview, and asked to undertake assessments and produce a lot of information (think portfolio items, so not a huge deal) that hadn't been mentioned initially. However, it did sound interesting, so I stuck with it.

Having now been with the company for almost six weeks of a standard three-month probationary period, I'm genuinely considering walking.

I've demonstrated my ability (I've been doing what I do for quite a long time, and I'm pretty good, if I say so myself), but the goalposts keep moving. The department's way of working is chaotic, to say the least, whereas I'm used to working in quite a process-driven, structured environments. The HoD - in spite of initially coming across as a relatively laid-back and informal type - can be difficult to communicate with.

I'm also used to a fair degree of autonomy, but there is an element of micro-management cleverly disguised as 'visibility' that I find irritating and unnecessary.

Basically, I've come home in tears twice in the past week as a result, which is VERY unlike me. I'm generally tough and pragmatic.

On the other hand, the company is in an exciting place from a growth PoV, the work is (mostly) interesting, the vast majority of my colleagues are pleasant, and the location is convenient.

All in all, the role is not as it was described to me, and I feel I've been sold a bit of a pup, to be honest. Is it unreasonable to hand in my notice after six weeks, or should I stick it out?

Gut instinct is always something to act on. You felt during the recruitment process that it wasn't right. If you're still not happy, i'd seriously consider throwing in the towel, it probably isn't going to get any better. Best to cut and run early than waste more time in a job you'll grow to hate.

I left once after 4 weeks. Literally dumped my keys on the desk and legged it.

I wish I hadn't been persuaded to go back. I only went back to get the evidence against the vile creature managing the place. I left again 6 months after going back.

I know a lot of people would say give it a few months but I left my last job after 4 weeks. I felt awful for leaving but the relief when I knew I didn't have to go back was immense!

I wanted to leave my current job after a few weeks- stuck it out and 18 months later I hate it to the point I've written out my resignation letter and just mulling over whether it would be stupid to resign without another job! I'd go with your gut instinct while you can. Your department sounds like mine!

I had gut feeling during probation period that it wasn't right.. Boss tried to persuade me that I hadn't made any mistakes yet.. What could they do to improve things etc. I decided to give it a go. 2 years later I've just resigned and am burnt out after 2 years of trying to fit in which to a large extent I've managed but the initial feeling of not fitting, the direct colleagues not sharing information has never gone. Could you start looking for something else during probation period? This could help you clarify what you want and if there are other places you d feel back to your usual self.