Would you apply for an internal role a few weeks after starting a new job?

[Diamondintherough89]

I was at my previous role for nearly 2 and a half years. I initially really enjoyed my job but towards the end I felt like I wanted to leave for several reasons, so I found a new job. I've been at the new job for nearly 2 months. The job is very similar to my last job so I am enjoying it in that aspect but as I work as Exec support, I am not gelling with the Exec I am supporting. The Exec has had 3 or 4 different assistants within the last 2 years (including me) with the longest lasting 10 months. I've had enough and have decided I no longer want to support this person.

I have decided to look for a new job. I am enjoying working for the company I am in and ideally would not want to leave as I can travel to the office easily, and I like the office. I've seen a few internal jobs I could apply for (although at a lower level, which would mean less money but I'm prepared to take some sort of cut) but I'm not sure if I should apply given that I've been at the company for a few weeks. Am I better off looking for something external or should I apply for the internal roles?

It does sound like you need to move on and doing so swiftly is best. When jobs have a "probation" period it's as much about the employee having a chance to change their mind as it is for the employer.

If you stay in that company it will be important not to blame the poor relationship with the exec you support. But it might be ok with a narrative that goes something like "I thought the reasons I was unhappy in my previous job would be resolved by this move but I've realised that this new role is so close to what I was previously doing that I will soon start being just as dissatisfied here. However I really love this company and its (insert compliments here), I just need a change in direction for myself and want to do something different, even if that means starting at the bottom rung of a new ladder, and I've been learning so much about (new department name) that I find really inspirational"

Will the exec you are not enjoying supporting be complimentary about your abilities and sorry to lose you so quickly? If not then you may be better looking externally.

I actually don't have a probation period in this job and I didn't in my last job which is in the same sector, so maybe that's normal in that sector, but I think people in the company know how tough supporting this specific Exec is as they've had 4 assistants in 2 years.

My line manager has said that the Exec and Business Manager I work alongside are both happy with the way I've been performing, and I don't feel that I've been performing badly. It's just become apparent to me that I can't see myself working for this person long term.

I would