Do you know people who are temperamentally unsuited for their jobs – the shy salesman, the abrasive customer-service rep, the timid manager? People who, for whatever reason, find themselves in a position that goes totally against their grain?
Sometimes we land in jobs that are a bad match because of things beyond our control, like earning a living in a down economy. Sometimes we do it because it’s expected of us, like the son following in the father’s footsteps.
And sometimes, because we’re great at what X, we get promoted to manage other people who do X, regardless of inclination or talent or training.
Could that person be you?
If so, remember this: The only way out is through.
Improving your skills
If you’re stuck in an unsuitable job because you can’t find anything else, you just have to cowboy up and hang tough. This won’t last forever. You can get through it.
And one way to do that – and be comfortable while you’re doing it – is to improve your skill set. While you may not have a natural talent in that particular sphere of life, you can learn just about anything.
You can learn how to close a sale, curb your tongue or become more assertive. Read a book, take a class, find a mentor (or coach) – take steps to improve your skills.
Take a self-inventory
Start by taking a dispassionate look at yourself. What do you like? Where do you really excel? What do you lack?
Take a self-inventory, and after you’ve created your own list, talk to other people about it. Getting other perspectives can be crucial because we are often our own harshest critics.
Bear in mind that your loved ones may not have the most unbiased view of your strengths and weaknesses, so while their input is valuable, 
reach out to others in your circle of friends, colleagues, acquaintances, etc., to get a more global view. Definitely ask your boss, but time the conversation carefully.
Regardless of whom you consult, you might frame the conversation like this:
“George, I’m taking stock of what I’m doing and where I’m going, and I’d really like your honest input. Do you have a few minutes to help me out? Great…thanks! What do you think I’m really good at? What could I do more of? Of all the jobs in the world, what do you see me doing?”
Which answers do you get most often?
If you hear something unexpected – something that maybe alarms or surprises you or seems completely ridiculous – pay especially close attention. Don’t discount it out of hand. Other people see things in you that you cannot.
Based on the input you get, come up with a plan of action. What do you need to do to get to where you want to be? What do you need to learn? What changes in your behavior are necessary?
It’s easier if you’re the one in charge, like the owner of a service business who has no people skills. Hire someone who does, before you run off your customers and your employees. Stick with what you do best.
With appropriate changes, you may find you actually like what you’re doing…or at least tolerate it better until you get to the place you want to be.
Life is too short to feel stuck. Get the most out of whatever situation you may find yourself in. Learn from it, grow and move on.
What is one positive thing you’ve heard about yourself from others that really surprised you? Please share in the comments below.