How to Deal with Dissatisfaction at Your First Job Out of College

Everyone aspires to land their ideal job right out of college. However, a few months into your first job, you might realize it's not what you wished for. You might even feel demoralized and understand that having the ideal career right out of college isn't that simple. The truth is that it’s very possible that you won't love (or even like) your first job. It's possible to feel stuck and believe that the only way out is to give up and never look back. But it's completely okay and natural if your first job doesn't make you happy. So, to help you deal with dissatisfaction at your very first job, here’s what you can do.

1. Find the root of your unhappiness

Although it may seem like a no-brainer, many people are often unaware of the root of their unhappiness. Attempting to resolve work dissatisfaction is no different from trying to resolve any other problem in life; you can’t discover a solution unless you identify the root of the problem. Whether the issue is obvious or not, it’s still important to list the aspects of your employment that you dislike or that make you unhappy. Therefore, check to see if there is a pattern. Jumping to conclusions can frequently play an essential role in workplace disagreements. As a result, it's crucial to reflect on any issues objectively.

For example, many positions demand laborious and perhaps unpleasant tasks. That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re being mistreated. For this reason, talking to a friend or trustworthy colleague about workplace issues might be helpful. These people could provide a different viewpoint and make you see the big picture.

2. Keep a professional attitude

It's essential to maintain positive relations with both employers and coworkers. Furthermore, if you want future references or additional possibilities within the same company, you must start to work on these connections. Therefore, keep a professional attitude at all times. At the same time, do you ever feel like time is flying when you're working on a particular task? If so, make an effort to give your valued tasks more time and attention. That can improve your overall job experience and make your time spent at work much more enjoyable.

3. Talk to your managers 

Once you've determined what about your present job is making you unhappy, it's time to sit down and discuss your concerns with your managers. Remember that your employer recruited you because they thought you could handle the position. Therefore, be open and honest with your managers about your concerns since they want you to succeed and be happy. Is your workload becoming too demanding? Do you work too many hours? Do team members make you feel disrespected? Talk up! Remember that if your management is unaware of the source of your worries, they can’t help you.

4. Change your mindset

When you wake up thinking you need to deal with dissatisfaction at your very first job and already dreading going to work, you've trained yourself to be unhappy even if the day hasn't yet started. Although changing your mindset is challenging and won't happen quickly, it will assist in gradually changing your ideas and feelings. As a result, try to smile more at your coworkers and clients. Chat with people, compliment them, and be a nice person to be around. People will return the favor by making you feel good, which will make you feel better. Remember that there may be other people in the office who are also unsatisfied. If you can all be friendly and not grumpy all the time, life will be better at work.

5. Give yourself time

Okay, your new job isn't perfect, and you've just started it. But remember that a fulfilling career and its prosperity call for patience, effort, and education. Most new hires quit their jobs because they lack confidence in their ability to do the task or interact with their superiors and coworkers. So, allow yourself enough time to accomplish both. Also, set a deadline for deciding whether to leave or stay. However, during that time, commit to mastering the duties and procedures of the position.

6. Improve your skills

It might be simple to lose yourself in your anger when you're unhappy with your position. That may eventually impact your work ethic and the effort you put into your job. So, you must stop that from happening. Even though it may seem meaningless to put your best effort into a job you don't enjoy, your work today might one day help you obtain the position of your dreams. When it comes to your job, try to adopt a fresh viewpoint and concentrate on improving your skills and conquering challenges. After all, this job may aid your future professional path and increase your confidence.

7. Plan your future

Regardless of the outcome, you should never let issues or workplace unhappiness hold you back. Minor problems and disagreements might arise, but you shouldn't feel pressured to continue working if it makes you unhappy. So, it could be time to start looking for new employment if you've tried everything to deal with dissatisfaction. Maybe it's better to resign now and network in different areas, or maybe you should stay put for financial reasons while you explore elsewhere. Do what's best for you, but keep in mind that before you start looking for a new job, you should be able to identify what makes you unhappy in your current employment. If your motivations are company-related, yet the position is a good fit for you, think about staying on until you've put in a full year.

A final note

It's not ideal to feel trapped in a job you dislike. You spend much of your time at work, and it can be challenging to separate from work problems when you go home. Fortunately, a little introspection and effort can go a long way. There are several ways to deal with dissatisfaction at your very first job, and the most important is taking charge of the situation. Remember that there’s always hope, and change is always possible.

Clara Watson is an experienced blogger and writer who collaborates with companies such as Van Express Movers and specializes in writing about the job search, crafting the best resumes, and career advice. She provides professional guidance for people looking for their first job or who want to advance into management-level positions.