Natasha had just landed her dream job in Brisbane. But on the morning of her first day, she couldn't bring herself to go. Instead, she turned off her phone, packed a bag, and went on a solo road trip down the coast. In this interview, Natasha shares the story of why she ghosted her new job, the aftermath, and what she's learned about herself.
Interviewer: Natasha, thank you for joining us today. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and the job you accepted?
Natasha: Sure, my name is Natasha, and I'm 29 years old. I'm originally from Melbourne but had been living in Brisbane for the past few years. I accepted a marketing position with a tech startup in Brisbane. It was a really exciting opportunity, and I was thrilled to start.
Interviewer: What happened on the morning of your first day?
Natasha: I don't really know. I woke up and just felt this overwhelming sense of dread. I couldn't bring myself to get dressed, and before I knew it, it was time to leave. I turned off my phone and just left. I got in my car and started driving down the coast. I didn't really have a plan, but I ended up in Byron Bay.
Interviewer: What did you do in Byron Bay?
Natasha: I spent a few days there, just exploring and trying to figure out what I was going to do next. I didn't tell anyone where I was or what I was doing. I just disappeared.
Interviewer: How did your new employer react?
Natasha: They were not happy, to say the least! They tried calling, emailing and texting me, but my phone was off. Even tried me on Twitter! They even sent someone to my apartment in Brisbane to check on me. I didn't find out about any of this until a few days later when I turned my phone back on.
Interviewer: Have you spoken to anyone from the company since then?
Natasha: No, I haven't. I know it was a terrible thing to do, but I just couldn't face them. I still feel guilty about it.
Interviewer: What have you learned from this experience?
Natasha: I've learned that sometimes you need to put your own mental health and well-being first. I was in a really bad place at the time, and I just couldn't bring myself to start a new job. I also learned that communication is key. I should have let my new employer know what was going on instead of just disappearing.
Interviewer: What are you doing now?
Natasha: I'm actually still on my road trip. I've been all up and down the coast, and I'm currently in Cairns. I don't know what's next for me, but I'm taking it one day at a time.
Interviewer: Can you walk me through what was going through your mind when you decided not to show up on your first day of work?
Natasha: Honestly, I was just feeling overwhelmed and anxious. I had never worked in that type of environment before and I started doubting whether I was capable of doing the job. Instead of talking to someone about my concerns, I just panicked and avoided the situation altogether.
Interviewer: Did you have any communication with the company after not showing up?
Natasha: No, I didn't. Looking back, I know it was a mistake to not communicate with them and explain my situation. But at the time, I just wanted to avoid any confrontation or potential embarrassment.
Interviewer: Have you learned anything from this experience?
Natasha: Absolutely. I now realise that avoiding a problem doesn't make it go away, and it's important to communicate openly and honestly in the workplace. I've also learned to trust my own abilities and not let my insecurities hold me back from new opportunities.
Interviewer: Do you have any advice for someone who might find themselves in a similar situation?
Natasha: My advice would be to take a deep breath and try to assess the situation objectively. If you're feeling overwhelmed or anxious, talk to someone about it. It's okay to ask for help or support. And if you do decide to back out of a job or opportunity, be sure to communicate with the company or organisation in a professional and respectful manner. It's always better to be honest and upfront than to avoid the situation altogether.
My advice would be to take care of yourself first and foremost. And if you're not in a place where you can start a new job, that's okay. Just be honest with yourself and your new employer about what's going on. And always communicate.
Natasha's story is a reminder that life is unpredictable and sometimes we have to make tough decisions. While it may not be easy to walk away from something that we've committed to, sometimes it's necessary for our own well-being. Through her experience, Natasha has learned the importance of honesty and communication, and she encourages others to be open and transparent about their struggles. Her story also shows that it's never too late to start over and pursue a path that feels true to who we are. We should all take inspiration from Natasha's bravery and resilience in the face of uncertainty, and remember that there is always a way forward, no matter how difficult it may seem.
* Names and photos have been changed to protect the interviewee's anonymity where requested.