The first step is the hardest. Recognizing that you are not in the right job is tough. What comes next is of equal importance, as you want to find a solution without losing your income. This can be especially difficult if you don’t know where you fit in.

(source: psychologytoday.com)

Lingering in a job that doesn’t fit can be excruciating. You can only fake it so long before you start to lose your mind. Then you’re just showing up to work. You’re chances of getting ahead or even out of that position weaken with every day.

Over time supervisors may start giving you negative feedback. You may even find your friends at work turn their back. Nobody wants to work with the person who’s phoning it in or worse, complaining all the time. You gotta find a solution.

To fix this, you must first be sure that what you are feeling is accurate. You need a plan, but it may be wise to talk to someone with perspective before you spring into action.

Rule Out Other Possibilities

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There could be many reasons you feel out of sorts in your job. Work through the possibilities like a math proof. You may have personal issues clouding your emotions. Those personal issues may extend to your professional relationships.

If that’s the case, give it some time before making moves. Maybe you’ve already given it time? Most new jobs take a bit to get used to.

From the time I was a kid, when Mom dropped me at the babysitter’s through yesterday, every new environment gives me the willies. A new job should push you some. It shouldn’t be comfortable.

In fact, I would argue that the best jobs, you could measure on discomfort. That said, the feeling should pass in a month or so. If it’s been two months and you still feel it’s a bad fit, be glad you’re the only one who’s figured it out yet.

Talk To Someone

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This doesn’t have to be your direct supervisor, but it could be. It depends on how much you trust that person. Find someone with valuable perspective.

It may be better that you consult with someone from human resources. It also does not have to be one person. In fact, the more opinions you can assimilate, the better, but at some point, you have to make a decision.

You can stay on exploration for too long.  You don’t want to wait for them to come to you, asking what’s wrong?

Get your head screwed on right about what your options may be. Figure out if you can go for a job working for the same company. That’s the easiest plan. Otherwise, it may be time to polish up that resumé again.

Make A Plan

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Don’t plan in your head. Get a notebook and pen. If you’re super savvy, you can work in Evernote or some such planning app, but get your thoughts in one place.

You’ll need to make several lists, starting with what jobs you could go for. Also, you’ll need a list of professional moves you need to take, like drafting your resumé, buying interview clothes while you still have an income or talking to references.

All of these steps need a specific action and timeline. To set your mind at ease you need to know when you are going to do what. Otherwise, your mind will run through actions like wheels in the mud.

When you think of something, you want to tell yourself, “I have a planned time to complete that task,” then let it go.

Execute

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Don’t stop now. All the motivation to make a change is worthless without action. The reason your plan is full of deadlines is you need to stay on track.

It’s too easy to find a point of frustration, then stay there. This is what most folks do. They stay, making themselves and everyone else around them miserable.

They may even dig in their heels when the aforementioned supervisor comes knocking, citing that they like the job and want to keep it. That’s when it gets real ugly, with developmental action plans or worse, disciplinary action.

Avoid all this by running your plan like a boss.

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It may take you a few months to find the right spot, but it’s easier to find a new job when you already have one. Keep the one you have until you find the right one.

Looking for work when you have no income is not wise. Would-be employers can smell desperation. Not to mention, if you’ve not been in your current position long, it won’t look good on your application that you quickly left your job.

On the other hand, there is never anything wrong with shopping for a new opportunity while you’re employed. Professionals do it all the time.