Dr Froswa’ Booker-Drew answers your questions, putting her years of experience and practice into the goal of solving those knotty problems that beset us, and assuring us: ‘you’ve got this’. If you’d like Froswa’ to look at your particular problem, email it to managingeditor@thebusinesswomanmedia.com.
I’ve just started a new job, and everybody I work with seems to be quietly job hunting. I can’t see anything particularly toxic with the place — yet. But should I be worried?
Maxine
Maxine:
Wow! That’s not a good sign but we don’t know all of the variables involved. Have you asked any of your co-workers their reasons for leaving? There could be a myriad of reasons that people walk away from jobs but I’m wondering if there is a common denominator for them such as work politics, climate, or leadership. If you haven’t asked, you should but instead of asking why are you searching for a job, ask what would they suggest could be improved at the company. Because you are new, you would like to learn more about the areas of concern to be aware of and gain their insight as to how they have addressed those issues. I think using this question may help with not only gaining a perspective but serve as the lead-in question to then ask why would they are considering leaving the company.
I’ve have learned in all of my years of working in a variety of settings that people have different tolerance levels and expectations of work. I’ve had friends leave jobs because of very minor infractions from a co-worker to watching others deal with situations that are toxic and enormously stressful. Ultimately, you must decide what’s best for you. Think about this: Why did you take the job? What convinced you that this was the job for you? Has your initial impression of the role changed and if so, how? In evaluating those aforementioned answers and then determining your goals, you can make a decision if this is a place that you can stay at or if you need to also join your co-workers and begin searching. Maxine, keep your eyes and ears open but gather data first before making a decision. You. Got. This.
