What do you do when your job is too much for you to handle?

Estimated read time: 5 minutes

What’s in this letter 📧

• How do you know when you’re in over your head, and what to do about it.

• A new way to write your resume, cover letter, and even find suitable jobs using ChatGPT.

Role compatibility, an often underlooked issue

Today, I'm putting on my tour guide hat to walk you through the labyrinth of role compatibility in a fast-paced job market.

Imagine this: your job is like the driver's seat in a McLaren F1. When it's adjusted right, the ride is exhilarating, smooth, and you're in control. But if it's too far or too close to the steering wheel? Well, that's when the ride gets bumpy.

Throughout my 15-year journey in career services, I've noticed there are three positions you could find yourself in:

1. The driver's seat is too far: You're stretching to reach the controls, struggling to keep up and feeling overwhelmed in your job.

2. The driver's seat is too close: You're cramped, your skills are underutilized and you're craving more - you’re stagnating.

3. The driver's seat is just right: You're in the driver's seat, cruising along with the perfect balance of challenge and rest.

Role compatibility and mental health

When the job aligns with your skillset, interests, and values, I call it the goldilocks zone - you're steering projects that resonate with you, in a role that fits perfectly, at a company that values your contributions - life is good!

Over the course of my career though, I’ve seen how a mismatch between role and skill could throw people into a tailspin. It's like being handed the keys to a racecar when you've never driven one before. It’s often a recipe for disaster, and can wreak havoc on your mental well-being.

Spotting the signs you’re not qualified for your job

Whether your driver's seat is too far or too close, there are signs that can help you recognize when you’re in over your head. They include:

• Constantly playing catch-up

• Always being on the edge

• Constantly feeling like you're missing something

• Always handing in work late

• Being told your work is of low quality

Make the necessary changes when your job is too much for you to handle

Realizing that the role you’re in might not be for you is only half the battle. The other half is doing something about it. Two things you can do:

• Lighten your load: If your workload is too heavy, delegate some of your responsibilities. Break down your tasks, estimate the effort they require, and rank them based on your competency and interest in them. The tasks that rank lowest in terms of competency AND interest should be given to someone else.

• Downgrade: If the job is too demanding, it might be time to consider a role with less responsibility. You could return to an individual contributor role if management isn't your forte, or suggest bringing in a senior leader to guide you.

Conduct regular checkups every 6 months or so

Adjusting your role alignment isn't a one-time thing. It's a continuous process of checking in with yourself and making adjustments as needed. It's about recognizing when the job is just too much for you, and having the courage to make the necessary changes.

About the Author

I’m James, Cofounder of Final Draft Resumes. I’ve been in the career consulting space for 13 years, and before that, I was a recruiter for AECOM.

I’ve helped thousands of job seekers, from industries like software engineering, IT, sales, marketing, manufacturing, and more generate job opportunities through well-written resumes that translate unique backgrounds into coherent narratives.

If you’re struggling with your resume for whatever reason, reach out - I just might be able to help!

If you’re more of a DIY person, then check out Resumatic, my free-to-try resume builder.