2 months ago, I got a position at a larger place. I think it's big & unfriendly. Is it too soon to move?

Question

I work in higher education. My last position was with a smaller university where I was used to face to face, one-on-one interaction. At this much, MUCH larger institution, things are less personable and it's harder to get things done. Plus, the committment to students is not there like I was told during the interview. As I've said, it's only been two months but smaller is seeming to be alot better than this. I am very good at what I do, I realize that smaller institutions would far more appreciate what I have to offer. Am I crazy? Is this stupid? I understand that two months is not a lot of time but how long do I have to wait it out if I'm not happy? Thank your time & wisdom shared. Nikky!

Answer 1

This is a very hard one. 2 months is a very short time and regardless of the reason will not look good on your resume. I can understand how you feel and it seems that your abilities are being wasted and you never do your best work when you are unhappy with working conditions.

I think your best approach would be to start looking at smaller institutions. You will almost certainly be asked why you want to change after such a short time. Do not complain about your current position. Be positive. What I, as an employer would be looking for, is something along the lines of, you feel that you have more to offer to a smaller university. That your talents are more in that direction and not in the bigger institution.

I would advise that you stick at it as long as you can. The longer you are there, the less problem it will be when you do change. But, do not go on if you are desperately unhappy. But, do get that other position before you quit.

Answer 2

Enjoy the fact that you are now in a place where you can be a ghost. Most teachers especially those in secondary education get treated like crap by the administration because they are on top of you and analyzing each move you make. You can ghost through the day without anyone even knowing you exist and can relax a bit.
As for being unfriendly, ive worked at 3 schools in 7 years none of them have been friendly its get in and get out in one piece so dont really worry about unfriendly at least its not outright hostile like the public shools ive survived.

Answer 3

Hi Nikky. I just had the same thing happen to me I started a new job and did not like the vibe, the attitudes and the principles behind the organization. It was only after I got there that I realized this and I had to steel myself to go to work every morning. Last Friday was my last day there. I was there for 2 months and felt like I got let out of prison when I left the place.
Of course you want things in your life that are good for you, for your sense of well being, self-esteem and joy. You want to be appreciated and to be able to use your own unique skills and abilities in the best environment for their growth and development.
If it were just that you were not getting along with other people there, then that is possibly a fixable thing, but in this case you. like me, do not feel in harmony with the ethic and culture of the place.
Do yourself a favor and follow your heart. Don't condemn yourself to something you already know is not right for you. You don't need another 2 months to figure it out.
Most jobs have a 3 month probationary period where you get to decide if it really is for you or not. So just take that opportunity to say No...this is not for me. Give yourself permission to leave and feel good about the decision. Sometimes we only find out what we really want by learning about what we don't want! Congratulate yourself for the courage to follow your bliss!

Answer 4

you sound like the epidomy of what a teacher should be, you genuinely care about the people you work with. I would say do not waste your expertise on something that is not up to your stanard, there are people out there who really need you.