Are You a Fish Out of Water? Seven Signs You're in the Wrong Job

When you’re in the right job, you know it — your coworkers and supervisors are sociable and supportive, your workload doesn’t weigh on you, and you’re making enough money to pay the bills on time.  Recognizing you’re in the wrong position can be even easier — your commute to the office is unbearable, your assignments are dull and the compensation leaves much to be desired.  But what if you’re in a role that merely seems OK?  You have both good and bad days, and after an extended search, you’re just thankful to be employed.

While a so-so job may be fine in the short term, holding a position that’s not a great fit for you over an extended period of time can take a toll on your health and happiness.  Here are seven signs to help determine if you’re out of your element:

You feel like you’re swimming upstream. Your days are jam-packed, and your plate is fully loaded, yet nothing you do seems to make a difference.  If you feel you have no purpose in the organization or your efforts are being put to waste, you’re bound to lose interest in the job.   

You’re stuck in a bowl that’s too small.  The market for your talents is changing every day, and unless you’re evolving, too, you run the risk of becoming obsolete.  If you feel under-challenged at work, ask your current employer for new responsibilities.  If none are forthcoming, it may be time to jump ship.        

You’re swimming in a tank of sharks. Employees who take credit for your work or steal your ideas may be sabotaging your career.  If competition around the office seems far from friendly, it may not be the best environment for you.      

You suspect your employer is playing a game of ‘catch and release. If no one further up the food chain says anything to you about your future, it could be a sign that there’s no room to grow.  Finding out you’re not on the fast track can be painful, but it’s better to know sooner rather than later.     

Your supervisor makes you feel like pond scum. There will be days where you’re not thrilled by your supervisor’s behavior, but you’re in danger if these instances become habit.  It’s no fun working for someone who maintains unreasonable expectations, overlooks your needs or questions your commitment.  If you suspect your boss takes you for granted or has little confidence in your abilities, you’re probably better off working for someone else.     

You can’t acclimate to the environment. It’s not uncommon for small mismatches to crop up between your personal and professional interests.  Perhaps you dislike the inflexible hours or your casual style doesn’t fly with the company’s buttoned-down dress code.  But when these discrepancies involve more serious matters — ethics or values, for example — you likely won’t last in the long run.        

Your species is on the verge of extinction.  While many industries are projecting growth in the coming year, there also is evidence that some occupations will become obsolete.  Visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://bls.gov/oco/) to discover if you’re one of a dying breed.  If the future looks grim in your industry, you may want to update your skills so you can pursue a new profession.  

If these scenarios strike home, it’s likely you’re not just going through a bad patch.  While it may be scary to say goodbye to your current employer, you’ll be better off planning a career change later so you can find a job that really has you hooked.