New Role Regret

Lessons learned and advice for what to do when you think you’ve made a mistake with your new role.

So, you’ve recently landed your dream job, resigned from your previous role, said goodbye to your ‘work-family’, and now you’re ready to embrace this new opportunity - these are exciting times!

You can’t believe you’ve been offered the role you were so nervous to interview for. It’s everything you’ve been looking for in the next step of your career. As you settle in on day one, you realise almost instantly that it isn’t what you thought it would be and you find yourself thinking that you have made a huge mistake…

What now?

Know that you are not alone. We speak to candidates who have been in the same position, and I’ve also been in your shoes. This may seem out of character for you but it can happen to anyone and there are ways that you can get through it without making any rash decisions that could have a big impact on your career.

1. Go back in the next day

Every part of you might be wanting to stay home and cover yourself with a doona to hide from the possibility that you may have made a terrible mistake. You may even be picking up the phone to call your old boss to see whether they would have you back. This is natural, you’re scared and what’s in front of you is the unknown, whereas your old job was known - it was comfortable, safe, you were surrounded by people that knew you and trusted you – why the heck did I decide to leave that old job again?!? This is why it’s so important to ensure you go back in the next day and the next, and give yourself time to figure out your next move, without making an impulsive decision. Take it one day at a time, until you get to the weekend and you’ve got some time to think and reflect on your first week with a clear head. Then, it’s time to make a plan.

2. Start to work out what it is about the new role you don’t like

Perhaps it’s that the work is not what you were told or thought it would be. Or maybe it’s the company culture, are these ‘your people’? You need to take the time to breakdown what it is that is actually bothering you. It’s only natural to feel out of your comfort zone in a new role where you don’t know the work or the people, and they don’t know you! Once you’ve started to break down the issues, you can start to analyse what you can change, what could get better with time as you become more familiar in the role, and what might be a deal breaker for you.

3. Talk to someone you trust

It’s important to know that you’re not alone in this and that there are people who are willing to listen to what you are going through and provide advice. You don’t just have to trudge on and hope for the best, there are things you can do to help the situation. Make sure you choose someone that you trust, that will hear to your perspective. Keep in mind that the majority of people who have not been through something similar before will respond with something like 'Starting a new job is tough. Stick it out for a few months and it will get better'. Whilst a lot of the time this is true, this response for someone that is going through deep regret, fear and a level of anxiety is not going to be welcomed as there is no positive action associated. Use this as an opportunity to talk to a mentor who you respect, or get some career guidance. My biggest piece of advice is that nobody else can tell you what is right for you, only you can figure that out for yourself. So take advice with caution, listen to what your gut is saying but take the time to make sure that you are making the right decision for you.

4. Speak to your employer

When you feel ready and clear on what it is about the role that isn’t for you, you could reach out to HR or your manager and bring them up to speed with how you are feeling. There is no point suffering in silence, or suddenly resigning without warning. This will give them the opportunity to listen, understand and potentially help you. They may be able to shape the role to suit you better, introduce you to other members of the team to help you integrate, provide a mentor or you might decide together that it’s not going to be the right fit. If you bring your employer on the journey with you, it’s likely they will be empathic and if you do decide to leave, you could leave on better terms than if you just decided to not come back in one day (believe me, it happens!). You never want to burn any bridges and it’s likely that you’ll still want to get a reference from this employer. So, managing this process in a clear, rational and two-way conversational way is important. Remember, a probationary period goes both ways, it’s not only for an employer to decide if you are the right fit, but it’s also for you to decide if this is the right place for you. Either way, it is important to communicate how you are feeling so that you give them the opportunity to help you.

5. How to avoid the same situation in the future

Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to figure out what we like is to figure out what we don’t like through experiences, but there are ways that you can help avoid this situation in the future. Too many times we think interviews are one-sided, hoping that they will ‘pick you’. The feeling of ‘getting the job’ can be euphoric, it’s like the feeling of winning a race, but too often we forget to ask – ‘do we actually want this job and is it suited to me?’ Learning how to ask the right questions in an interview will help you with this. Equally, making sure you are honest with yourself about what you are looking for, what you like and don’t like about your previous roles and what sort of environments you thrive in are all important questions that you should be clear on whilst interviewing and assessing if the role is right for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for more out of the interview process if you are struggling to find out the answers you need. For example, if you’re not getting a great sense of the culture after a couple of interviews, you could ask for another meeting and whether it might be possible to meet some members of the team, or do a walk around the office. These little things can make a big difference.

6. If you do decide to move on, don’t see it as a failure

Behind every CV is a great story to tell, learn how to frame your story in a positive light to your future employer. This includes the reasoning behind the decision, what you’ve learnt and why you’re certain that the next role is for you.

At the end of the day, you need to feel comfortable with the decision you are making and know that it’s just the next step in your journey. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason, and the right role for you is just around the corner.

At iknowho, we’re here for career guidance, so if you’re suffering from new job regret or just need someone to talk through your next move, please get in touch. We’re here to help.

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By Kristina Gerdov • September 3, 2025

For many growing businesses, marketing is often something that gets added to the to-do list of already busy managers or existing teams. A social post here, an email there, and maybe a campaign when there’s time. But without dedicated expertise, marketing rarely delivers the consistency and commercial results your brand needs to grow. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to bring in a dedicated marketing resource, here are the key things to consider and how to ensure your first hire is set up for success. 1. The Telltale signs If your demand generation has stalled, you’re struggling to convert interest into sales, or your brand presence feels disjointed, it’s time to stop relying on ad-hoc efforts. A dedicated marketer can build and execute a strategic plan that drives consistent results and positions your brand for long-term growth. 2. What to avoid It can be tempting to look for a “jack-of-all-trades” who can do a little bit of everything. The reality? Even the most talented marketer will struggle without clear goals and defined outcomes on what the business is looking to achieve. Hiring without clarity can lead to underwhelming results and frustration on both sides. Be specific about the expertise you need and the outcomes you expect. 3. Why this hire is so important to get right Your first marketing hire is more than just another role, it often lays the foundation for your brands future growth engine. The right hire can build momentum and shape how your future team evolves. The wrong hire however, can stall progress, waste budget, and leave you back at square one. 4. Fractional vs full-time Not quite ready for a permanent commitment? Fractional marketers can be a great short-term solution to get things moving while you build the case for a full-time hire. Just be clear on their remit. Fractional marketers are ideal for campaigns, projects, or interim support, but they’re not typically suited to long-term brand building or team development. 5. What kind of marketer do you actually need? Marketing as a discipline is broad, as are the tools used to reach your desired target audience. Do you need someone to drive digital acquisition, manage partnerships, develop content, or build brand strategy? Start by clarifying your business’s biggest priorities and pain points, then match the skillset accordingly. The clearer you are upfront, the better the outcome. 6. How to set them up for success Hiring the right person is only half the job. To see results and maximum impact, you need to set your new hire up for success. This means: Clear KPIs so they know what good Vs great looks like The marketing tools and access to the resources they need to deliver Integration into cross-functional conversations with key decision-makers from day one Bec Godkin, Senior Talent Partner says “Marketing can’t succeed in a silo. The deeper your marketer is connected across the business and understands the various levers that shape success, the greater their impact will be” Hiring your first marketer is an exciting step - it signals growth, ambition, and the desire to build something bigger. By being clear on what you need, avoiding common pitfalls, and setting your hire up for success, you’ll give your business the best chance to thrive. At iknowho , we specialise in helping brands make their first marketing hire. If you’d like to talk through what kind of marketer is right for your business, we’re here to help.

What is a Fractional CMO and could one be right for you?

By Kristina Gerdov • June 25, 2025

Discover what a Fractional CMO is, the benefits they bring, and how to know if hiring one is the right move for your business.

How personal branding can supercharge your job hunt in 2025

By Kristina Gerdov • May 13, 2025

In 2025, personal branding isn't just a buzzword – it's important for anyone navigating the job market. The uncomfortable truth is this; you're likely being Googled more often than you're being interviewed. In a digital-first world, your personal brand can potentially boost your career prospects. So how can you leverage it to stand out during your job hunt? 1. Your brand is what people say when you're not in the room Personal branding isn’t just about the polished version of yourself that you post on LinkedIn. It’s what others say about you when you’re not around. Consider how you’re being perceived online and offline. Is your brand consistent, authentic, and aligned with your career aspirations? What would potential employers say about you when they Google you? To start refining your personal brand, think about your values, your goals, and how you want others to perceive you. This means showcasing your strengths, yes, but also acknowledging your struggles and learning moments. Authenticity can give you a competitive edge. 2. Lead with curiosity, not just expertise Publicly asking thoughtful, insightful questions. It positions you as someone who is constantly learning, open to feedback, and not afraid to explore new ideas – a thought provoker and idea leader in your space. In the job hunt, this quality can set you apart from others who might be more focused on offering answers than asking the right questions. So, when you’re engaging with others online or in an interview, try focusing on asking questions that spark deeper discussions. Your curiosity and willingness to learn can make a lasting impression. 3. Your personal brand is about becoming known for the right things Remember, personal branding isn’t about trying to become famous. It’s about being known for the right things – the things that align with your career goals and the value you want to offer to employers. For job seekers, this means ensuring that your online presence and interactions reflect your expertise, passion, and ambition. When crafting your personal brand, be deliberate. Think about the skills, values, and personality traits you want to highlight. 4. Be consistent and intentional The foundation of a strong personal brand is consistency. Your personal brand is built in the small, everyday actions – how you engage with your network. Consistency in your interactions helps shape how people perceive you and helps create a brand that’s memorable. If you're job hunting, it's critical to show up consistently both online and offline. This includes engaging with industry professionals on LinkedIn, contributing to discussions, and demonstrating professionalism in all your interactions. 5. Small steps to narrow the gap So, what's the gap between how you see yourself and how others might perceive you? The goal isn’t perfection, but making small, consistent adjustments that move you closer to aligning your internal brand with how you’re seen externally. It could be tweaking your LinkedIn profile, starting a blog, or sharing your expertise. What’s one small thing you could do this week to move the needle and narrow that gap? Whether it’s posting a thoughtful comment on a relevant post, reaching out to someone in your industry, or sharing a story of a recent challenge, small actions can have a big impact over time. 6. Share struggles, Not just wins When it comes to personal branding, it’s easy to fall into the trap of only sharing successes. However, some of the most credible personal brands are built on transparency – sharing the struggles and lessons learned along the way. It’s interesting to see how you handle setbacks, not just your triumphs. Embracing imperfection in your personal brand helps paint a fuller picture of who you are. Whether it’s sharing a challenging project you worked on or a time when you faced a setback and how you overcame it, these stories can help demonstrate your resilience, problem-solving abilities, and growth mindset – qualities employers are eager to see. In today’s market, personal branding isn’t just a nice-to-have. By being intentional, consistent, and authentic, you can build a personal brand that resonates with potential employers, ultimately setting you up for success in your job hunt. So, there’s no better time to start than now.