This post is just as much a reminder (and help) for me as it hopefully will be for you too. I figure that if I’m ever acting on auto pilot in life or at work, the job is either boring, too easy or I just don’t care about it any more.
I’ve had a fair few different jobs over the last decade, spanning from retail to charity fundraising, design and communications, as well as managing ThoughtBrick. In pretty much every job I’ve had, I’ve felt out of my depth at some point and still do sometimes!
So, using a mixture of personal experience and information I’ve picked up from the many self growth books I’ve read over the years, here are some solutions — some long term, some short term — for feeling out of your depth at work.
1. Start with this 5 minute meditation exercise
I’m assuming that if you’re reading this post right now, your day at work has been a bit overwhelming and you want to do something about it. Before you delve into some of the solutions further down on this list, stop what you’re doing right now and try this five minute meditation exercise to help you relax.
If you’re at home, find some calming music you like. I recommend this:
Now set a timer to go off in five minutes time, close your eyes and breathe at your own pace through your nostrils. Tense your shoulders up and down a few times before you begin. When you’re feeling stressed or out of your depth at work, this is where tension builds. Don’t give your thoughts too much attention — just let them be and try to relax.
You might also find this mindfulness at work guide helpful
*2021 Update*
Check out my latest article here before you actually find a solution for feeling out of your depth at work
Try This if You’re Feeling Out of Your Depth at Work
2. Write a ‘feeling out of my depth at work’ list
If you’re like me and you like writing lists, then this might help. Without thinking too hard, write out a list of all the reasons why you feel out of your depth at work.
Stuff might include, I can’t get everything done on time, my boss hates me, I can’t say no, there’s lots of things I still don’t know how to do, I feel like I’m constantly trying to be someone I’m not. You might also just want to write out your thoughts on a piece of paper and then throw it away at the end.
3. Is this feeling a one-off?
We’ve all had bad days, but only you know whether worrying about or feeling out of your depth at work has been a persistent problem or just a one off. If it’s not just a one-off, using your list, try to find the root cause of the problem. If you feel you lack the skills to do your job well, start by writing out a new list of what you need to learn, and then prioritise.
5. Can you approach your boss?
I once had a job where I felt out of my depth, only to find that after I stopped working there, I had next to zero support from my boss. In fact, I’d go as far to say that she bullied me which at the time I just brushed it away thinking she was majorly stressed.
If you have a good boss it’s your right to be able to approach and speak to him or her and if they think any less of you then they’re obviously not doing a great job themselves.
If you can’t approach your boss or your boss is the one who is making you feel out of your depth at work, is there anyone else you can speak to? Also, if you are being bullied at work, please don’t stand for it — go and speak to HR or someone who might be able to help. People making you feel belittled is never OK.
4. Do you really want to be here?
Sometimes I’ve noticed that when, deep down, you don’t really enjoy or feel passionate about your job, but you’ve got a massive workload, it makes everything all the more tedious. What I’m about to say next, isn’t wishful thinking: if you really don’t enjoy what you do and it’s stressing you out more days than not, have a good think about what else you can do. There are two really excellent places you can turn for inspiration:
- Check out ‘Live Your Legend’
Scott Dinsmore who set up the online Live Your Legend community, is dedicated to helping people find work they love. If you don’t check out the site, at least watch his TED talk — it’s really inspiring.
- Read What Color is your parachute
This is the ultimate career handbook filled with excellent advice for tailoring a career that is perfect for you in more than just a few boxes. If you’re not sure how to design your perfect career or job, read this. Richard N. Bolles is a careers expert and has been writing and re-writing the ‘What color is your parachute’ books since the 70s.
If you don’t want to read the whole book, try doing the flower diagram.
6. Realise that everyone feels like this at some point
That old cliche, ‘you are never alone’ is more relevant than ever for this one. Everyone has felt way out of their depth at work at some point, so never feel like you’re stupid or incompetent. At least congratulate yourself that you’re pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.
It may not feel nice now, but several days, weeks, months, years … down the line, you’ll be thanking yourself. It’s times like these that help to build your character and push you forward to bigger and better things. Plus, if you were constantly comfortable, you’d never learn anything new or be challenging yourself. So, see being out of your depth as a plus.
If you’ve got any encouraging words for others,please leave a comment below. I’d love to hear from you and I’m sure others would to
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