New boss, new job

Q. The new owner changed my duties, and I don't like my job anymore. What can I do?

Sheila Grosdidier

First, ask yourself what's most important about what you do, says Sheila Grosdidier, RVT, a Firstline Editorial Advisory Board member and a consultant with VMC Inc. in Evergreen, Colo. "Make a list of things you're really in this business for," she says. "Then ask team members to make a list of your strengths. How do these lists match up to what you do now?" If your list of strengths matches up with your new job, think about what you could do to enjoy your job more. Is there a task you could take over or a new skill you'd like to learn?

On the other hand, if your lists of strengths and likes don't match up with what you're doing, Grosdidier says you may need to talk with your boss. "Respectfully ask your manager how you ended up with these duties, and show her your lists," she says. "Then explain what you'd like to work on. Try to use your skills to negotiate an arrangement that lets you do more of what you love."