According to research, 35% of new hires have job regret. That means they wish they hadn’t accepted their new job. Job regret is real and it’s on the increase, with many planning on leaving their new job within just 12 months.

Job regret can affect you

Changing jobs can be quite stressful. The process of searching, preparing and getting up to speed in a new role takes both time and energy. While technology has made it easier for people to search and find roles, it’s also increased the amount of information that we have available. This isn’t always a good thing, especially if the words on a company’s website don’t necessarily correlate with how a specific team or department operates.



The emotional cost and energy involved in working in a place that you don’t enjoy, even for a little while, can take its toll. We spend so much time at work, it’s much better for your own well-being if you can find a place that suits you at the outset.

Empower yourself to avoid regret

There are five things you can do before you accept a position that will help you avoid regretting your decision.

1. Do your research: The key to making the right decision is to find out as much as you can about your potential employer and the role that you will be doing. While the company website is a good place to start, the interview is a good opportunity to ask questions about the organisation, its culture and the day to day aspects of the role. Perhaps also ask to speak to someone else in a similar role or in the same team to find out first hand what it’s like to work in the company.

2. Make sure you’re committed: In the past, there was some stigma attached to changing roles frequently but this is not necessarily the case anymore. This means some people may take a role with the attitude that they can always change. While this may be true, making the wrong decision can drain your precious energy and time. That’s why it’s best to make sure you’re committed to the role before you accept it.

3. Communicate: An interview is meant to be a two-way conversation. Your potential employer wants to find out about you, and you can use it as an opportunity to tell them what you want from a role as well. By communicating your expectations, you give the prospective employer an opportunity to decide if they’re right for you as well. If your expectations don’t match their organisation, it’s best that both of you find out up front.

4. Listen to yourself: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a potential new role and ignore that niggling voice in your head. If you’ve got some doubts about a role, it’s best to address them before you accept. Ring up the person who interviewed you and let them know your concerns. They may be able to address them or confirm them so you can then make an informed decision.

5. Talk to your recruiter: Recruitment agencies know a lot about the companies they help and also understand what you’re looking for. By partnering with a good agency and being open and honest with them, they can help you find the right employer and role for you.