Research Your Role Before a Change of Scene

Even when you think you know what you want, it can be tricky to decide a reasonable amount of time to stay at a job.

Mostly it depends on just how bad the situation is. And remember, it may not be the entire field that's a bad fit -- it may be a particular job or supervisor.

If the job is making you physically ill, quit as soon as possible, Wilner said. But if you're just bored and unfulfilled, try to stick it out for a year. Use that time to research other possibilities and weigh your options. Once you're confident in your decision, the next step will be convincing potential employers that you're not going to flake out on them.

It won't be as hard as you fear, Zweibel said. Employers realize that people leave jobs for many reasons. "You can explain that away one or two times."

And if this new job doesn't turn out to be the one? Keep looking.

Zweibel likened the search for one's ideal career to the surprise in a box of Cracker Jack. "Sometimes it's at the top of the box, sometimes it's at the bottom." You never know how long it will take you to find it.

Tales of the Unexpected

Have you ever had a job where the workplace culture turned out to be radically different from what you expected? Perhaps you had trouble fitting in? If so, tell me how you handled it. Send your stories to slayterme@washpost.com .

Join Mary Ellen Slayter at 2 p.m. Sept. 26 for Career Track Live, an online discussion of issues affecting young workers, athttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/liveonline/jobs/careertrack.