15 Questions When Evaluating Whether a New Job is Right for You

How do you determine whether to stay at your new job when your stomach, back or head aches almost daily before arriving to work. Your spouse and children complain about your moodiness and sudden outbursts over little things. You just got your job and you feel as if you have no choice right now to go anywhere, because you need the money. Yet, you may already be thinking of leaving this one and finding another job. Before you mentally beat yourself up on why you should or shouldn't stay or why you can't find a job you like, consider responding to the following questions before you look for a new one. If you can answer them, then you will know whether you should leave the job, stay a little while longer or wait for them to fire you.

1. Does your manager seem unsupportive? Does he or she seem to arrive to work late often and their tardiness has affected your job performance? If you answered, yes to this question. Then you may still be able to do your job even if the manager is late often. Find someone who can explain how to complete your tasks more efficiently. If there is no one, then this job is dead and if you stay you could be setting yourself up for a future seat in the “blame game.” Blame you for everything that goes wrong.
2. Did your supervisor or trainer provide you with detailed instructions as to what you are expected to do and did he or she take the time to talk to you about how to complete each task? If you answered yes, then there is still hope with this job just give yourself some time. If you answered, no. Then you will need to find someone who would be willing to talk with you about each task. Without detail instructions, you could possibly make some terrible errors that will come back to haunt you in your performance review.
3. Did your manager or trainer spend more time answering phone calls then teaching or interviewing you on how you can assist the company? If you answered, yes, then you will need to politely ask them to find the “uninterrupted” time to explain to you thoroughly what is required of you if they still can't set aside the time then why did they ever advertise for an assistant? If you answered, no then you will need to make the time to ask more questions and re-read any of the material that was given to you.
4. Were you able to study quietly without interruptions the material that was given to you? If you answered yes and you still can't comprehend it, then maybe you should be looking for another job. If you answered yes and you can comprehend it, then there is still hope. However, if you answered no, then you may have some homework to do and if that still doesn't help, find another job. You may not be up for the challenge.
5. Were you made aware of company policies and procedures and were they consistently followed throughout the organization? Is all employees on the same page or are some doing their “own thing?” If you answered yes and everyone is on the same page then you should be okay as long as you still to company policy and don't be one of those people who want to change everything. However, if you answered no and some employees are doing their own thing, then you may still be able to function in your job without everyone being consistent and you may want to offer a few suggestions, not a lot, you are still new you don't want to appear as if you are trying to take someone's job. Although it may be frustrating working with people who are all dancing to different tunes and it may take longer then you expected to learn your company's system, stick it out if you can resolve your symptoms of stress.
6. Is company paperwork current or outdated? If outdated, when you asked for updated paperwork was your request handled immediately? If you answered no, then telling the company of errors is a plus for you, but if you answered yes, then you will need to be sure you are filling it out the way they trained you. If the company tends to move slow when you request something isn't always a bad thing, it just means you will have to adjust or meet with your manager offering some simple solutions. Never go to your manager with a list of complaints without solutions! When you do that you appear weak-minded and can't problem solve.
7. Did a supervisor or trainer try to explain everything to you over the phone, rather than show you how to do things in-person? If you answered yes and you were still able to do your job great, but if he or she didn't bother to come see what you are doing, be sure you make a note of the date and time you spoke with them and what they said when you asked them to come and help you. If you really need this person and there is no one else that can help you, start looking for a new job.
8. Were you made aware of tasks that needed immediate attention and told about deadlines to complete them before they were given to you? If you answered yes, then your job is worth saving. If not, speak with the supervisor about your concern and if they can't resolve the matter, go over their head. This maneuver may put your head on the chopping block, but what else could you have done?
9. Did anyone ever follow-up with you to ensure that you are doing a good job? If you answered no, this isn't a crucial point, there are many companies that just don't look over your shoulder until you mess up. If you are uncertain about what you should or shouldn't be doing always ask. If you answered yes, then you have employees around you that care, hang around a bit. They may listen to you about the other issues and so something about them.
10. Were you told to lie about various business related issues to other people within and outside the organization? If you answered yes, leave the company, as you know from watching the news lies are eventually found out.
11. Is there any language barriers that may be hindering you from getting your done accurately and efficiently? If you needed a translator, was any ever provided in a timely manner? More and more companies are trying to reach a wider audience of people who speak a language other than English, yet if they hired you knowing you can't speak any other language, then they need to work with you to ensure that all paperwork is legal and that communication between you and the person you are speaking with is well understood.
12. When you arrived to your job, did you have a problem trying to find everything from a pen to a fax? If you answered yes, then how do you fix the problem? If your manager was pleased with your organization skills, suggestions or any other involvement you had in tidying up the office then you will want to stay. This challenge is normal for any new employee.
13. Were you assigned tasks that really didn't need to be done, but you felt someone was just giving you something to do to keep you busy? If so, then you may not be feeling challenged in the position. If you feel that you have done all you can do with the position, then by all means move on!
14. Does your supervisor or trainer really know what is expected of your position? Some managers don't have a clue what your position really entails although they are aware of what you are expected to do in writing. It is up to you to let them know what your value is to the company and get them involved with what you do by communicating with them in writing. Later when it is time for your performance review, you can refer back to your notes and add your achievements in your report.
15. Were you placed on an extended probationary period, warned about your job performance, or told to sign paperwork related to your service and it has been less than six months? Is there office gossip circulating that the boos may be getting rid of you? If you answered yes, then this is a clear sign that someone is indeed seeking to fire you. If you are interested in collecting unemployment, start looking for a new job.

Now that you have answered most if not all of these questions you should have some idea whether to stay or leave your current place of employment. Too many “no” answers should tell you it's time to leave. If there are many questions that you simply couldn't answer, then you haven't been at the job long enough. Find some solutions for your stress in the meantime until you have a response to those questions you found it difficult to answer.

Whatever you may want to do about your employment, be sure you are the one who wants to leave the job and that you are not being influenced by co-workers, family or friends. You never want to regret your decision by prematurely departing or staying because you feel you have nowhere else to go. Here's to your success!