Landed a new job - but still not sure?

When people hear “career coaching,” they often assume it’s only about getting a job.

That’s partly true — but not the full picture.

As a coach, I work with clients across every stage of their career journey: from finding clarity to landing offers, navigating workplace dynamics, dealing with transitions, building confidence, and yes — even after they’ve signed the contract.

Lately, I’ve had several coachees tell me something along these lines:

“I’ve accepted the offer… but I’m not sure I feel excited.” 

“What if I made the wrong choice?” 

“Why does it feel like something’s off?”

If you’re nodding your head while reading this, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s more common than you might think.

🌿 It’s Okay to Feel This Way

Let me start by saying this: uncertainty after accepting a job is normal. You’ve made a big decision — one that affects your daily life, your career path, your relationships, and probably your identity. Doubts and mixed feelings are part of any major life change.

As a coach, I’m not here to judge. I’m here to help you unpack, explore, and move forward with clarity and intention. Every person is different — even two people in the same situation might feel completely differently about it.

So let’s start from where you are — and gently work forward.

Step 1: 🎉 Celebrate What You’ve Accomplished

First, take a deep breath and acknowledge how far you’ve come.

Getting an offer and making a choice is no small feat. The job market can be unpredictable and stressful, and you’ve made it through interviews, case studies, negotiations, and decision-making.

So: close your eyes, take a moment, and give yourself a pat on the back (or a self-hug, if you're feeling generous, or even a toast with your favourite drink). You did it. That counts.

Step 2: 📝 Revisit Why You Said Yes

Write down — yes, literally write down — what made you accept this job offer in the first place.

Include both pull factors (what drew you in) and push factors (what made you want to leave your previous role). Examples might include:

• Growth opportunities

• Better pay or title

• New industry or function

• A more supportive manager

• Desire to move on from burnout or stagnation

Sometimes we forget our “why” and the “importance” of it once the adrenaline fades. Reconnecting to the reasons behind your decision can bring back perspective — or help you see what’s shifted.

Step 3: 🔭 Zoom Out to the Big Picture

Now think long-term. Ask yourself:

• Where do I want to be in 5 or 10 years?

• What do I want to be known for?

• What kind of work energizes me?

• What career gaps am I going to fill?

• What opportunities will this new job bring me?

  
  

Then: how does this new job align with that direction?

Even if the role isn’t your dream job, does it help you build relevant skills, industry knowledge, a stronger network, or a new kind of confidence?

Sometimes a role is a stepping stone, a launchpad, or a pivot point. Knowing where it fits in your broader path can help reframe how you feel about it today.

Step 4: 🔍 De-risk Early — Prepare for Roadblocks

Let’s be honest: even when a job looks like the perfect next step on paper, stepping into something new can still feel… uneasy. Sometimes even unsettling.

You’re not alone — change, even when it's positive, often brings a swirl of emotions: excitement, nervousness, doubt, hope, even fear. This is completely normal. In fact, it’s especially common in the “in-between” phase — after you’ve accepted the offer but before you’ve officially started. That liminal space between your old and new professional identity can feel emotionally disorienting.

But here’s the good news: you can take back a sense of control — and significantly reduce your anxiety — by proactively preparing for what’s ahead. One of the best ways to do this is to take charge of your onboarding process.

In my article, Take control of your onboarding and success in your new job!, I dive deep into how you can own your onboarding experience — even when your company doesn’t have a structured plan in place.

In addition to following those steps, here’s something simple but powerful you can do now:

✍️ List out the potential roadblocks you might face in your new role — things like unclear expectations, cultural disconnects, or skill gaps — and then write down what’s within your control to address them.

You don’t need to solve everything perfectly. But when you name the risks and brainstorm actions, you immediately shift from anxious anticipation to grounded preparation.

And remember: most of you reading this are already resourceful problem solvers. You’ve handled complex challenges before. Apply that same mindset to your transition — it will serve you well.

Step 5: 🤝 Still Not Sure? You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

Sometimes, even after all this, the doubts linger. That doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision — but it does mean it’s worth unpacking further.

Whether it’s a mismatch of values, unclear goals, or deeper questions about what you want — coaching can help you dig below the surface, get clarity, and take action.

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👋 Let’s Connect

If you’d like tailored support for this moment of transition — I’d love to offer that. We can explore your questions, build your confidence, and help you show up with purpose in this new chapter.

📩 Send me a message on LinkedIn or reach out via email (melody@poppartners.org)