I took a job in September 2021 and received a sign on bonus. Two weeks into the new job, it was obvious that it was not a good fit. However, I had to stay a year to avoid repayment of the bonus, so I chose to stick it out. Fast forward 9 months and I developed severe depression and imposter syndrome. I was completely disengaged at work and in constant fear I was going to lose my job. I decided it was not worth waiting the three months to finish out my contract. My mental health and personal life and relationships were suffering.
I found a new job that paid me 40% more than I was making. By the time my start date came, I was 40 days short of 1 year of service. Fortunately my manager was awesome and got my bonus repayment waived.
Three days into the new job, and the Director of Culture randomly messages me to say how special I am, she can see it, and she is hearing others say it to, and she is so glad I have joined the company. I had not ever received a compliment like that before at work.
Now two weeks in and I am engaged and feeling like I am actually contributing. I am not mentally and emotionally drained at the end of each day for just “surviving”. Going to work is not so dreadful.
Just wanted to share my experience.