How to Manage When You Realize the Jacket (or Job) Is Too Big for You

Let’s talk about a situation every ambitious professional has faced at least once: You said yes too soon, and now you’re drowning in fabric—or responsibility. ( It could be nepotism, absence of no alternative or .... )

You bought a jacket. It looked great in the store, the salesperson assured you it was "the perfect fit," and you were feeling confident. But the moment you stepped outside, reality hit you: I had just purchased a coat that could double as a parachute.

Turns out, this is also how most business professionals feel when they take on a role, a project, or a responsibility they were sure they could handle—only to realize later that they may have slightly overestimated themselves.

Now, whether it’s an ill-fitting jacket or an oversized leadership role, the solutions are surprisingly similar.

Fake Confidence Until You Actually Have It

When you’re swimming in extra fabric (or extra responsibilities), the first rule is: never let them see you sweat.

That massive coat? Walk into the office like it’s the hottest trend in Milan. That overwhelming job? Walk into the meeting like you’ve been preparing for this moment your whole life. If you look confident enough, people will assume you belong—even if you’re just hoping no one notices the sleeves are covering your hands.

Roll Up the Sleeves (Literally and Figuratively)

If the jacket is too big, adjust it. If the job is too big, break it down.

Oversized leadership roles and complex projects always feel impossible at first. The trick? Start small. Prioritize. Delegate. Roll up your sleeves (both literally and metaphorically) and tackle the most manageable pieces first.

If all else fails, get creative—tuck in those oversized cuffs, clip that too-long hem, and restructure your approach to make the job fit you rather than the other way around.

Find a Tailor (a.k.a. a Mentor)

A good tailor can transform a poorly fitting jacket into a power look. A good mentor can do the same for your career.

Find someone who has worn this jacket (or role) before. Ask them how they made it fit, what mistakes they made, and—most importantly—how to avoid looking like a kid in their parent’s clothes.

Layer Up (Build Skills to Fill the Gap)

If the jacket is too big, wear extra layers underneath.

If the job is too big, add more skills to your arsenal. Take a course, read up on industry trends, ask for feedback, or take on smaller challenges that prepare you for the bigger one.

Yes, you may feel like an imposter at first, but the best leaders didn’t start out knowing everything—they grew into their roles.

Own the Look—Make It Work for You

Sometimes, the problem isn’t that the jacket is too big; it’s that you’re seeing it the wrong way.

Maybe you weren’t hired because you have all the answers—maybe you were hired because you bring fresh ideas. Maybe the company wants someone who doesn’t fit into the old mold.

Instead of trying to shrink yourself into the jacket, expand into it. Learn, adapt, and make the role your own.

Worst-Case Scenario? Pass It On

If, after all the adjusting, rolling, and layering, the jacket (or job) still doesn’t fit—it’s okay to admit it.

There’s no shame in realizing that something isn’t the right fit. What is shameful? Clinging to a poor decision just because you don’t want to admit you made one. If the role, project, or business isn’t aligning with your skills or vision, find someone else who can wear it better.

Because sometimes, the smartest leaders aren’t the ones who force things to fit—they’re the ones who know when to pass the jacket to someone it was actually made for.

Final Thought

In business and in fashion, the key is not to let the jacket wear you. If it’s too big, adjust, grow into it, or—when necessary—pass it along. Or admit to yourself that you are not fit and let others do the work. After all you will take the credit anyway because of the fancy jacket or title.

And if you do end up stuck in an oversized role, just remember: at the very least, a big jacket can keep you warm.