Not settling in new job. Want out. Advice welcome.

[Lollypop]

Hi everyone,

Any help on this would be much appreciated.

I qualified as a librarian about fifteen months ago. Since then I have only been able to obtain fixed term employment as a librarian, generally as a result of maternity cover. One of these fixed term jobs ended in mid-October. Fortunately, this coincided with an advert for another job, again fixed term but for three years. I was very interested in this post and was delighted to apply, be interviewed for and be offered the job.

This post was effectively a demotion, but I had no problems with this because the job appeared to offer more experience of other elements necessary to running a library, which would help me progress in terms of experience, knowledge and understanding. To me, this balanced/cancelled out the demotion. Plus, with it being three years, I felt I was going to have more security and relief from constant job hunting.

However, I have been in this job now for two weeks and I just cannot settle into it at all. I have discovered that the elements that originally appealed to me are not part of my job and never will be. In fact, my job is nothing like it was implied. I actually feel I've taken several steps back and I cannot see any development happening. I have been told that projects will be created "so that I don't get bored" but there is no indication at to what these will be or when they will occur. My colleague, who is also at this level, has implied that there is always intentions for things, but they either don't happen or not for a long time.

I was brought up to believe that you fulfil commitments, so deep down I feel that I should fulfil my three years and I'm being ungrateful considering the economic climate, but I just feel that this is not the right job. I feel I have made a massive mistake in accepting this position and it's making me very tense and confused. Everyday I keep telling myself that I haven't given the job enough chance; it could change, that by the end of the week I could love it. Yet, everyday, I go through this little speech to myself and nothing alters.

The reason I am asking for advice is that I have just seen another job that is permanent and if it fulfils what it advertises could be a fantastic opportunity. I really want to apply for it.

What do I do about references? What do I do about my current job? I know the library has been short-staffed for several months and if I left, it means that they are going to have to struggle again. Also, if I don't get anywhere with new job applications, I don't want people to know that I have tried to leave, after all I have signed on for three years. I don't want to have difficult relationships with colleagues or managers (I have been informed that the librarian in charge is not adverse to being difficult to people).

What would prospective employers think? How would I answer questions on my application form and perhaps interview as to why I want to leave? would it go against me?

Many thanks for any advice on this. I just feel very confused.

[Louise80]

Hi

I would suggest talking through your concerns about your current role with the person that appointed you if possible. I would suggest outlining how the job doesn't 'match up' to what you were expecting and ask when you can expect some of the elements that are currently missing to appear. It may be that they don't want to over burden you too soon. You don't have to put this across in a confrontational manner, you can ask for feedback on how you're doing and then present your thoughts.

I'd also be a little sceptical about what colleagues are saying, you don't know if they have a personal axe to grind.

If you do decide to move on I think one reason that you could give to a potential employer for wanting to leave is the fact that your current role isn't permanent. You can say that you are seeking greater stability and want to be able to commit your longterm future to a role.

You can also pick out why you believe the new post is more suited to your skills and how it fits your longterm career goals better.

In terms of your current employer finding out that you are looking elsewhere, I'd advise being as discreet as possible, this applies to colleagues as well, the last thing you need are rumours getting back to your managers.

Good luck