Q: I enjoy my work but I feel like a duck out of water. I just don’t fit in and I don’t know whether I want to fit in. What should I do?
A: I am going to hone in on the second part of your question: “I don’t know whether I want to fit in,” because you seem to realize that you have an important choice to make: to fit in or not. The choice is up to you. Here are a few questions to consider:
- Do you want to stay at this job or leave?
- Are you willing to reach out to your colleagues?
- How do you describe the culture of your organization: Friendly? Formal? Collegial? Silos? Other?
- What is the culture that best suits you: Friendly? Formal? Collegial? Silos? Other?
- How well do you know the people with whom you work? How well do they know you?
- Who have you invited for coffee? Lunch? Drinks? Walk?
- Have you hosted a brown bag lunch to share the project you are working on?
Caveat: If the culture of the organization doesn’t match your values or environmental preferences, or if it isn’t a place that inspires you and helps you be your best, you may want to look for a new opportunity.
Finally, don’t be hasty and quit–especially in today’s economic environment–and by all 
means don’t drag “I don’t fit” into your next organization! Remember: It’s your choice.