Have you ever found yourself in a position where something just doesn’t “feel “ right in your work? My bet is that your boss noticed it too.  Perhaps you used to love your work and do it well…so well, in fact, you were given pay raises and promotions. You should love it more than ever…yet you don’t.

Why is this?

It could very well be that you are a good player…but in the wrong role.

Perhaps you are one of those C-wired creative geniuses who excels in details. You love spreadsheets, designing, or programming – maybe even all three. You could work in solitude for hours on end and create the most amazing works of art, in whatever form that is for you. Your gifts have gotten the attention of upper management and you find yourself in charge of the IT or Accounting department. Suddenly, at the height of your career, you are miserable. This is because you are trying to work outside your strengths zone. You have traded your spreadsheet and code for dealing with people.

The same can happen to a D- or I-wired person. You are so good at dealing with people and getting things done that you are placed in a management position. This is a great fit, except that you suddenly find yourself chained to a desk, filling out forms and reports all day. You have traded your contact with people for spreadsheets!

If you sense that something is awry in your work – if you find yourself demotivated or underperforming – it is very likely because you are spending too much time in your weak zone. When you are working in your strengths, your work will actually give you energy rather than sap it away.

What are the signs that you are in the wrong role?

1. You used to love your work, and now you don’t.

2. You’re at the top of your pay scale, but not at the top of your game.

3. You can feel it – the minute you engage in your work, your battery immediately discharges.

4. You complain all the time.

5. You feel constant stress.

6. You are physically ill.

I heard of an attorney who gave up a lucrative career to operate a hot dog stand. His friends, family, and colleagues thought he had lost his mind. But, in fact, he had found it. He now loves his work and makes more than he did as an attorney.

If you find yourself in such a position, you owe it to yourself to check out your options. This doesn’t mean you won’t make a good income – in fact, if you are working most of the time in your strengths instead of your weaknesses, you will find greater success than you can imagine.

This doesn’t mean you have to leave the company, either. Learn your strengths and find the roles that fit you. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of tweaking the job you have until you can work in your strengths 80% of the time.

Don’t be afraid to explore the possibilities.

I know some very successful people who have found out how much exhilarating it can be to work again.  Join them!