Are you expecting too much from your job?

Have you ever built up something in your mind so much that it could never live up to your expectations? It’s one thing when a promising first date doesn’t go as well as planned; it’s another when it’s a job.

Is the problem your job itself or your expectations? No job is perfect, but here’s how to tell if the issue is you or your employer.

Signs you might be expecting too much

A big sign is constantly blaming your boss for your slow career progression, says Christine DiDonato, founder of career development consultancy Career Revolution. Great managers will initiate conversations about where you want your career to go, but you can’t rely on your boss to take the initiative every time.

Another common sign: becoming frustrated with routine tasks that have always been part of your job, says Renee Masur, community manager for Sokanu, a free career testing service. That’s a hint that the issue is you, not the job itself.

How to manage your expectations

Recognize some of these signs in yourself? You may not need to hand in your resignation just yet. They’re not necessarily signs you’re in the wrong job or career, and you may be able to find a way to love your job again by adjusting your attitude and behaviors.

For example, if your problem is with slow career progression, stop expecting your current job to prepare you for your next one. It’s great when it happens, but ultimately that isn’t your employer’s responsibility.

“It's up to you to own your career and seek out resources that can help,” DiDonato says. Find a mentor, join professional organizations and study your industry in your free time.

If you just don’t like your role any longer, see if there are ways to change it, suggests Elene Cafasso, founder of executive and personal coaching firm Enerpace. If you want entirely new tasks to go along with your current role, find a project you think might interest you and volunteer to assist with it. “Ask about cross-training or offer to cover for someone going on vacation or maternity leave.”

If that’s not an option, try shaking up your routine. If there’s a client or co-worker you always speak with over the phone or via email, Cafasso suggests trying a lunch meeting or coffee. She also recommends building stress-relieving activities into your day. Get away from your desk for lunch, do some stretches at your desk and walk as much as you can.

Cafasso’s biggest tip is to avoid hanging around with other disgruntled co-workers, if you can help it. “That negative energy rubs off and ruins your day! It also can get you labeled as 'negative,' an image that can haunt you if it becomes attached to your professional brand.”

If after making all these changes, you still don’t feel happy at work, it may be time to look elsewhere. You’ll be free to look for a job that’s a better fit, knowing you did your best to make it work.