Your Job is a Poor Fit What to Do While You Wait For a Better Opportunity Marla Gottschalk

Your Job is a Poor Fit What to Do While You Wait For a Better Opportunity Marla Gottschalk Photo by Hans-Peter Gauster on Unsplash It is not uncommon to find ourselves in a role â€" or an organization â€" not adequately aligned with our   work life goals. Indeed, no role is perfect. However, what if it has become crystal clear that the fit just doesnt seem to be there? (More about 6 signs of a poor fit here.) We cant simply pick up and leave â€" and in most cases no one would advise this. So, the looming question then becomes: What should you do while you wait for your next (and hopefully improved) opportunity? Consider Jamie, an experienced professional who has re-entered the workforce after a few years on the sidelines. The organization she recently joined is not aligned with the experience amassed in her core sector and she is feels incredibly challenged to keep up with the daunting learning curve. She realized that this first step back into full-time work wasnt going to be perfect a fit. However, the on-going daily stress is challenging her resolve to stick things out for the longer haul. She knows this step is crucial, but feels she is quickly fading. Of course, a poor fit isnt reserved for seasoned professionals. Jessica, a recent university graduate, entered the world of work with high expectations concerning what she might accomplish in her first year on the job. Active in clubs and organizations related to both her training and intended path, she enjoyed a high level of both autonomy and respect. However, in the real world of work â€" she is faced with the challenge of proving herself once again. Her manager clearly isnt open to new ideas from a less established employee and she is struggling to even gain meeting invites. Frustrated and dejected, she toys with the idea of moving on to greener pastures. Both situations are common â€" and potentially devastating. Having a heart-to-heart with yourself is often number one on the agenda. Often you must embrace the fact that this happens to many and does eventually resolve. Learning from the situation can offer strategies going forward. Jill Katz Founder CHRO at Assemble HR Consulting, shares this advice: You would be surprised how often people feel stuck in their own role. Jill who has led HR for several brands, including Macys and Calvin Klein continues, As we move into a world where personal and professional goals are blending â€" it is more important to get in touch with what we want â€" how to get it and how to manage the interim. One critical strategy is to be highly candid with a direct supervisor during the interview process and every week thereafter, to ensure the communication is fluid and open. More than not, these frustrations correlate with this process not occurring. In most cases, a combination of strategies can help us move forward effectively. Here are a few to consider: Get real. Expectations can be a real bear to deal with, especially when youve over-extended an idealized vision of the near future. If youve realized that you miscalculated a roles potential or there were promises made that couldnt possibly be met, you may find that a come to reality discussion with yourself may be in order. Clarify what you can â€" and cannot â€" accomplish career-wise in this role and emphasize the positives. Look for smalls wins that will feed your workplace soul. Chill give it time. Being impetuous is not a great virtue within the broader context of a career plan. If you are new to a role or organization, for example, give things at least 3-4 months to establish. This allows time to gain an understanding about the ways things work and for your manager and colleagues to learn your strengths. A career is not like microwaveable popcorn â€" things take time. If youve been with an organization for a time, you know how things can change and things can resolve for the better. Look for an inspiring project. Organization work on many fronts. Seek a project with an inspiring mission, that might help build your connection to the organization and those within it. Staying 100% engrossed in work you do not connect with, is a miserable experience. Glean what you can. If you cant move into the right role, make a commitment to learn something valuable. You could seek inspiring individuals that might contribute to your development. For example, there could be a colleague well-versed in a skill of knowledge realm, that would be advantageous to your career. Take the time to focus on people. Jill point out that, Regardless of the subject matter, building relationships will always help to drive a career forward. In moments of stand-still, maximize relationships, get to know others on a more human level by offering time and assistance. This will pay off in the end when new teams are formed and new opportunities become open in the future. These formed bonds could carry you through a difficult impasse. If all else fails, consider short-term survival goals. If you find yourself barely hanging on, setting shorter-term goals can help. If overwhelmed or have lost your patience, focus on getting through the week. Then the next week. Thinking longer-term may be counter-productive. Being in a less than perfect role, doesnt necessarily mean that you cannot continue to move forward. It simply means that you must change the lens â€" and utilize the time in front of you in ways that you may have not previously expected. Of course, I hope that a better fit is right ahead of you. Do you have a poor fit strategy? Share it with our community. Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She is a charter member of the LinkedIn Influencer Program. Her thoughts on work life have appeared in various outlets including Talent Zoo, Forbes, Quartz and The Huffington Post.