What to do when your role at work feels unclear

Written By Nicholette Thomas

There’s a specific kind of stress that comes from not knowing:

👉 “Am I doing what I’m supposed to be doing?”

You’re working.
You’re trying.
But something still feels… unclear.

WHY THIS HAPPENS

Sometimes expectations aren’t clearly defined.

Which can lead to:

  • doing too much

  • missing what actually matters

  • second-guessing your work

WHAT ACTUALLY HELPS

Clarity around outcomes.

Not just tasks.

STEP 1: IDENTIFY KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Ask:

  • what am I actually responsible for?

  • what outcomes matter most?

STEP 2: DEFINE “DONE”

For each responsibility:

  • what does success look like?

  • how is it measured?

STEP 3: CONFIRM EXPECTATIONS

Don’t assume—clarify:

  • check with your manager

  • ask direct questions

  • write it down

STEP 4: DOCUMENT IT

Keep a simple reference:

  • responsibilities

  • expectations

  • outcomes

If your role feels unclear or constantly shifting, having a way to map it out can help reduce a lot of that confusion.

The Role Outcome Clarifier is designed to help you define expectations and understand what actually matters in your role.

CLOSING✨

You can’t meet expectations that aren’t clear.

Nicholette Thomas
Next

How to ask for feedback at work (without overthinking it)