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Anonymous

08/14/20 at 12:19AM UTC (Edited)

Career

Tell my boss I'm disengaged?

I feel like I am growing increasingly more "checked out" at work... I've been with the same company for almost 7 years, and I think I"m ready for something new. I don't know that I see a lot of growth potential where I am at, and I feel like I just desire a new challenge! Do I/how do I talk to my boss about this? She says I am her "right arm" and we have worked very closely & compatibly together for several years now... I think she will be taken aback. I have already done some phone interviews, and have at least one position that seems promising thus far. Any advice?

Join the conversation...

Jenn McFatter, aPHR, CCFP

Veterinary/HR Professional in Austin, TX

08/19/20 at 1:01AM UTC

UPDATE: I put on the big girl pants and started the conversation. I did a lot of thinking over the weekend... how I wanted to say what I was experiencing, without focusing TOO much on feelings. My boss & I have a pretty informal working relationship and genuinely care about one another as individuals outside of work, so it seemed appropriate to discuss with her. I actually feel like I owed her that at least, to confide in what I have been experiencing versus blind-sighting her down the line by just accepting a new position elsewhere. I think she has earned the opportunity to try to help me find new responsibilities, etc. so I might re-engage with the work. And we are off to a good start. She actually came back at me today with an email that she herself has become "passive" in her role in our business and she wants to change that. So we are both working to start a new chapter, and she has enlisted my help in a big remodel coming up next year. I am not necessarily discontinuing my look at other opportunities out there, but right now I think that what I have is really good and worth fighting for, so I am optimistic and can get excited about work again. : ) Thank you everyone so much for your input! I will try to post another update down the line to let you all know how this plays out.

Brianne Stanley

123

Teacher, Writer & Editor

08/31/20 at 10:13PM UTC

That's great news! Now that the conversation is started, keep the lines of communication open. It's much easier to do informal check-ins every month or so then to wait for the upcoming remodel. Make sure you are progressing professionally on your timeline as well. If you need more, and she is willing to help, then you should ask how you can do more to assist with her vision. Of course, have a couple of suggestions in mind before you have the follow-up conversations!

Erin Gargano

Banking & FinTech Executive

08/18/20 at 9:45PM UTC

Thanks for sharing with the FGB crew as I know all of us hit this at some time in our careers. In the current environment, I first encourage people to gut check if this is a "time to make a change" funk or a Coronavirus funk - to where if we were back in face to face interaction times - would you love your work again. If it is "time to make a change", I would encourage you to take the time to explore what it is you would like to do next. It sounds like your boss is super supportive of you, but she would be able to help more if you gave her more feedback on what you would like to do next in terms of job challenges & roles. To summarize, don't go to her with a problem, go to her with what you need and where / how you could use her help. To help with career exploration, there are many great resources. When I am trying to articulate my next need / challenge, I heavily revisit Strengths Finders 2.0, MAP Career Assessments, and other sources. So, take some time to firm up your thoughts around what you need for that next challenge, and it sounds like your boss & your community around you would love to help!

J Acharya

198

Project Manager

08/18/20 at 9:40PM UTC

I’ve been in this situation before, and I would definitely give it some thought before bluntly stating that you are disengaged. I’m sure you’ve heard the advice that you shouldn’t go to your boss/leadership with a problem unless you have a solution too. Reflect on why you are bored, and what kind of challenges you’re looking for. If you have trusted mentors or friends talk to them and get their advice too! Sometimes it’s hard to know how you need to be challenged, because the only experience you have is your own. talking to others (or researching career paths, or whatever works for you to get more info) will help your figure out some next steps to keep you engaged and motivated. Then, you can take action on these yourself or talk with your manager if you need their approval or direction. I’ve been tempted to blame my manager in the past for being bored, but remember they are not in charge of keeping you entertained. Their job is to make sure your work gets done. How you handle it depends on what kind of person your manager is and your relationship too. Do you have more of an informal friendship with your manager? Then you can have more of a casual and honest conversation. They might have some great advice and be able to mentor you. But if your boss is not that interested in your development and just wants you to keep efficiently working and not cause any problems then you’re better off keeping the fact that you’re bored to yourself, and instead maybe ask for more responsibilities or something new to work on to grow your skill set. If this kind of discussion will set off alarm bells for her and put you on the short list for layoffs or cause some office drama then best to look for a new job and only talk to her when you have an offer (that you’re prepared to accept). You know your boss and yourself best, basically do some work on your own to come up with solutions before taking it to her as a problem.

Laura McCann

325

Driving results through people engagement

08/18/20 at 9:14PM UTC

I had a similar conversation with my boss last year. She and I have a good relationship and I just hit the wall, based on several reasons. It was great to get it off my chest and have a frank discussion with her. It wasn't an easy discussion as she challenged me on my "funk" but it was exactly what I needed. I would definitely encourage having that kind of conversation, especially if you are the key person on her team. Good luck!

THERESA HARVEY

Aspiring Bookkeeper

08/14/20 at 1:56AM UTC

I think this person gave more advice than I could give. I'm trying to move on from my job, but don't see any room for growth in the same company because I don't want to become a manager at any level. I'm working at a fast-food restaurant, but a special one that also has a grocery area, where I work. It's called Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores. It's only in 5 states: OK, KS, TX. AR, MO. Headquarters are in Oklahoma City. I've been there a little more than 15 years, mostly part-time.

Allix Stewart

193

Human Rights Graduate Student & Resume Developer

08/19/20 at 3:13AM UTC

I love the grocery section at Braum's and shop there regularly!

Chloe Bass

Technical Advisor and Certified Coach

08/14/20 at 1:28AM UTC

It sounds like you've developed some valuable skills and make great contributions! It's understandable that you want to continue to grow professionally. For situations like these, it's helpful to do a little research on your own as to the kind of growth you're looking for, how easy it will be to get it elsewhere, or if you should try to craft the opportunity in your current workplace. Just telling your boss that you are bored and want something new without plans/suggestions/hopes might spark nervousness and rock the boat before you're ready. It also won't tell your boss how she might help you if she was willing to work with you to find something in your current organization. Once you have a better idea of what you want, then you can develop a plan on how best to communicate to your boss, whether that be a pitch for a new position within your organization or a transition elsewhere. Do you have an idea of the kind of growth you're hoping to gain?