If you re-read the original post, you'll see that a lot of it refers to how you feel. That may be the key to how you deal with it.

The situation sounds pretty cruddy, and you feel understandably negative about it - "out of control" and "unhappy", and the latter often follows the former. I get the impression that you hope somebody can sort something out - maybe they can, and maybe you can be that person.

There appears to be a lack of strategic direction in the organisation - nothing to give you direction. So, can you give direction to your bit of the organisation?

I suspect you may be asking for things "what do we do?", "how does it fit together?", and hoping for answers from people you suspect don't have clue. Can you turn it round, and say "We should be doing X, Y and Z. Am I right?" or "This is our priority because..." If you are wrong, and least they have to tell you and explain it.

There's a fine line between positive thinking and controlled hysteria - you don't need to be stupidly optimistic, but you can try to find some positives and build on them.

I was more surprised about your comment about not knowing what to do about a communications strategy. This is where networking comes in - find someone who can point you in the direction of a good one. Discuss your ideas at an early stage so you get buy-in from your manager.

The other thing to be careful about, is that you sound as if you think you are asking for something personally from the organisation if you ask for help. You have a right to support and direction (as long as it doesn't develop into neediness) because it should enable the organisation to function more effectively.

Other things to think about:

Who are your allies in the organisation? Can they help?
Are there any areas of your life can you sort out, so work may seem less of a problem?
What attracted you to the job - and can you get it back?


Take some time out - maybe more drinkies!