It happens. Sometimes you go through an interview process and get a great title and an awesome compensation package. Viola, you are on cloud nine assuming you found your dream job and on to a fast career trajectory.
And then in a few days or weeks, you realize that you are not a culture fit. Alas, you now have to deal with a job where you are not a culture fit. If so, maybe its time to learn the Top Ten Ways to Deal with a Job where you are not a Culture Fit.
Before taking any drastic decision, it is important to understand what exactly is the issue (or issues) and then assess the magnitude and whether there is any remedy short of quitting the job. Learning to deal with a job where you are not a culture generally involves nuances and subtleties – where it is a bit of give and take. Of course, if there are issues that are not about stylistic differences but involve fundamental values, then the choice will be easier.
Here are the top ten ideas for dealing with a job where you are not a culture fit.
How to Deal with a Job where you are not a Culture Fit
Understand the Underlying Issues.
Sometimes what you may think there are cultural fit issues but they may not be as significant or severe as they seem on the surface. At times, these things can be just a difference between your old job and the new one. So, take the time to look beneath the surface and understand the issues bothering you comprehensively.
Assess Values versus Culture Question.
In the same vein, sometimes there are stylistic issues that may be causing the cultural differences, and sometimes it is the value system. If your new firm is doing things that are immoral, illegal, or run counter to your value system, then the decision will be clear.
What areas can you Compromise?
In some situations, if you can take a step or two from your side and compromise, things will ease a bit.
Discuss with your Manager about Topics bothering you.
After all the evaluation, and you trying to compromise, there is still a gulf, then talk to your manager. Before any significant steps, such as quitting, try seeking help from your manager.
How can you evade or avoid areas that are bothering you?
For example, if you are not a fan of raucous Friday afternoon TGIF where the beer flows, maybe you can stay away.
Will changing teams or moving departments help?
Are the issues of the culture pervasive across the company? Or, is it limited to one or two groups. If the latter, then try to see if you can move teams or departments and be happy.
Talk to Leadership about top-down reformation.
Every company has a reformation moment. If you think the time is now for a change in culture, then you may take the lead and shoulder the burden. You may do all your coworkers and future generations a favor.
Evaluate whether any of the issues require external regulator attention.
Toxic cultures often involve behavior that is immoral and sometimes illegal. If it borders on the illegal, consider whom to talk to and which regulatory to approach for filing a complaint. Talking to regulatory agencies is a very big step and hence discuss with an attorney to understand the process and assess the risks and considerations.
Cast your net wide for other opportunities.
If things are not improving and you continue to feel like a cultural misfit and all your attempts have come to naught, start spreading the word that you are ready for a job switch. Activate your network, start activating your network, and touch base with your former company (assuming you left the previous job on good terms.)
Take up another job/career.
Quit and find a job. Life is too short to live in misery. Good luck.