One Reddit User Asked How To Get Over the Regret of Changing Jobs, and the Responses Are Actually So Helpful
There are some circumstances in life that make you feel like you're the only person in the whole world going through a particular experience. However, some situations are more universal than you might think. For example, switching careers and then regretting the transition. Wondering how to get over the regret of changing jobs? Reddit to the rescue!
One Reddit user sent in a question to the site, asking how, exactly, they can deal with the regret of changing their job, and this online community didn't disappoint with their helpful responses. If you've been feeling even the slightest twinge of "What if?" or daydreaming about what could have been if you chose to stay at your old employer, you'll likely find a lot of this advice useful.
Switching companies, completely adjusting to a new career or going after a new opportunity can be exciting and also really scary. It's even scarier when you're not sure if you made the right call. But you still have options–we promise. Here are comforting messages of support and suggestions from Reddit that will definitely make you feel better.
"I recently took on a new role, leaving a chill/relaxed remote role making $95k to an in-office role making $125k a year. I got a promotion with the job change as well.
It’s only been a couple days since I started at my new job but I am feeling a sense of regret and sadness because of the decision I made. I now need to commute 40 minutes to work, pay rent ($868/month), coworkers keep popping into my cubical and looking over my shoulder, and I miss living with my family.
I am an engineer and my job involves working with hardware so it is difficulty to find a remote role like the one I had. I took the $125k job because of the growth opportunities both professionally and personally but I can’t help but feel like I lost more than what I’ve gained.
How do I make myself feel better about the situation I am now in?"
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Responses on Reddit
Reddit users came in hot with some great advice.
Give Yourself a Deadline
@BartimusJones shared: "I, too, recently switched jobs and felt regret. My [sister] gave me this advice: set a date for yourself, one month, two months, six months from now, whatever you feel. Do not stress about your decision until then. Work the new gig with the best attitude you can. When your deadline date arrives, [reassess] and see if you still feel the regret or if you now like the change."
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Another user, @roadiemike, agreed, but recommended waiting it out a full year before reassessing, saying, "Anything less than 1 year isn’t long enough nor does it look good on a resume."
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However, @TomTidmarsh shared that he quit his new job after two months of waiting it out, and ended up changing careers entirely. "THAT was one of the best decisions I've made in a long time," he wrote.
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Trust Your Gut
Reddit user @anonymous61123 shared, "For the time being, trust your gut on what led you to go for this new role in the first place and do your best to adjust."
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Wait for Your Paycheck
While money definitely isn't everything, it really can help when it comes to getting over the regret of changing jobs, as @twitchrdrm shares.
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Settle Into a New Routine
"It's way too early to make any [judgments]. Once you settle into a routine, it won't be as bad," @middlingwhiteguy wrote on Reddit.
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Reward Yourself
You just did such a difficult thing! Changing jobs is no small feat, and you deserve some applause. Or, perhaps, a "treat yourself" day. As one user shared about adjusting to the new role, "Stick with it for a while and treat yourself to a new toy of some sort with the extra income."
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