If you’re unhappy in your job, you might need to ask yourself what it is that you feel you want to do at work. Is there some other job that might be a possibility that would fit who you are and your goals better? If your answer to this question is yes, you might want to talk to your supervisor or HR representative about the possibility of the change.
In the beginning, you’re probably best advised to keep the inquiry light. Going in and saying you’re going crazy and you want a different job will probably lack the finesse you need to exhibit to pull off such a coup. So how should you approach it? Appealing to the person you go to for help is a good first move. Don’t proclaim dire unhappiness. Even if that’s the truth of the matter, it’s just not a good idea in the workplace. Instead, ask the person you’ve gone to for help in exploring the possibility of future job opportunities. This is probably the most nonthreatening way to approach a possible future change. And appealing to the person as a source of help and information can inspire that person to help you purely for the joy of helping someone. Most people like to feel that what they do is of benefit to others.
Once you’ve established your interest and you have a helper, then it’s advisable to take your time and not be too demanding too fast. If, after a while, you have not made what you feel is acceptable progress, then you might appeal to another helper (but be careful not to step on the toes of the first person you approached) or explore other ways of achieving your goal.
While you’re doing this, you might want to reflect on the wise words of John Dewey, the American educator, philosopher and reformer: “To find out what one is fitted to do and to secure an opportunity to do it is the key to happiness.