Ask HN: What to do when having second thoughts about a new job?

When I was a system admin, I was happy to do anything they asked, as it all paid my salary... heck, I'd sweep floors and clean toilets for that pay, but was never asked. I did to data entry a few times, and found it fun.

But I would also address the issue of your criteria for a job. The part that concerns me is: 'none of the companies I really wanted to work for were interested in me'. What did those companies have that made you want to work for them?

You need to define what work culture you need, what opportunities you want (i.e. is a job with no growth sufficient), how much money you want or need. I typically put a monetary aspect to each, so I can make a quantitative decisions, and not convinced by a slick HR person.

Definitely, start looking. But start a=by quantifying your need, you might find your current company can fulfill it with a minor adjustment.

I would not recommend sticking with it a year though. I've done that. You can't do good work at a company you don't feel good at, and chances are everyone else feels the same. It's likely your career can move backwards and you'll be in a worse spot than leaving now.

Also the job market is still hot and you might want to look before it cools down.

I personally don't like leetcode problems either, and a lot of companies don't use that method anymore. Feel free to email me your resume if you're still searching.

It's easier to explain to a hiring firm that you made a mistake, realized immediately and want to move on, rather than leaving after a year or two when it starts to look like job hopping / lack of commitment.

Alternatively, stay for 2-3 years and do the studying at a leisurely pace. Just try to avoid a 1-2 year tenure, that's a bad look.

Yes. This is definitely the first move. If she isn't helpful, then move on to more drastic paths, but you have nothing to lose by sharing your thoughts at this point.