How to how reposition myself at work?

Anonymous

February 27,2024 at 8:16AM UTC

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How to how reposition myself at work?

I recently realized that I'm one of the people at work that are assigned the tedious and non-glamorous work. This type of work usually requires a lot of running around and stress. But in the long run my organization does not count these things when giving opportunities and awards. So it ends up being a waste of time on my part. No one ever really offers me help and I'm never considered for big opportunities.

But I noticed there are some people who get selected for responsibilities that would typically only require making a few calls from home. They receive a lot of help on moves to make that will advance their careers and they are the ‘winners’ in the organization.

This is not just a work issue because I have noticed this pattern in various aspects of my life as well.

A friend of mine says it's because I have positioned myself to be someone who wouldn't mind non-glamorous work. He also says the way I dress, which is simple and casual, is a contributing factor to that general assumption. He says I need to start by dressing really glamorous, even if it means spending a lot on clothes and make up.

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Sue Gordon- retired Career CoachFebruary 27,2024 at 1:21PM UTC
I can’t speak to how you dress, as that depends on the workplace. Usually “really glamorous” isn’t required or even advisable. If the colleagues who are advancing are presenting themselves more professionally than you do, take your cues from them. It won’t hurt to upgrade from simple and casual to business casual or professional.
The larger issue may be how you advocate for yourself. Have you volunteered for more challenging assignments? When given the option to say no to the tedious work do you do so? Have you talked to your manager about your goals?
Consider elevating your image and speaking up for yourself. If this is a repeat pattern in your life, find a good therapist to help you dig in to find out why, and to offer strategies for moving forward. Good luck.
Jonna Ferguson, ACCFebruary 27,2024 at 1:40PM UTC
All work is important, and I'm sure you're helping to keep your office "machine" running. Take a moment to celebrate that you're reliable, responsible and trustworthy, otherwise, people wouldn't continue to ask for your help.
That said, you're ambitious and want more. A few ideas:
Ask for what you want. If there are projects you want to be part of or tasks you'd like to own, talk to your leader and raise your hand for them. You could say outright, "I'm ready to take on more. How can I help?" If they say there isn't anything they need help with right now, thank them and say, "When something becomes available, like [this or that project], keep me in mind. I'm ready to learn more." Stay observant (you clearly are) about project opportunities and ask again in a couple of weeks.
If your leader gives you feedback about areas you should improve before you take projects on, listen and absorb the feedback. Even if you disagree, there may be a perception about you that you can overcome. This is your moment to have a meaningful discussion about how you want to grow with the company, how reliable you've been managing other tasks and that you'd like to strengthen your skills in other areas.
Think about leaders in your company who have characteristics you respect and reach out to them about becoming your mentor. You should partner with someone who will champion you for opportunities and expand your way of thinking, not just someone you like or are similar to. I've seen amazing examples of caring leaders who bring out strengths in others, catapult confidence and careers.
Lastly, while you don't need "glamorous" clothes, you could try "dressing for the job you want" while remaining authentic to yourself. Think about the level you'd like to be promoted to one day, and dress for that position. Don't do this for other people. Do this for YOU. We tend to carry ourselves with more confidence and genuinely feel more capable when dressing for the part, while still being true to the person you are.
Go get 'em!
AnonymousFebruary 27,2024 at 3:12PM UTC
If you're working at a company that gives 'nice' jobs to glamorous women and brunt work to those they deem less physically attractive, that's insane-- run!
Unless you're in client facing roles where you need to 'wow' them to sell something, work is about your cognitive abilities and emotional intelligence.
Other might say to try dressing up and presenting more feminine at work in order to see if they stop giving you all the brunt work, but I personally think that sets women back. Go where you and your brain are appreciated.
yvette finley PHRFebruary 28,2024 at 1:13PM UTC
Im not able to tell if these tasks are part of your role or just need to be done by someone. If the latter, use your “no”. Be direct but not rude. Express your interest in tasks that are meaningful to you. Hope it turns around for you! Cheering for you!!
AnonymousFebruary 28,2024 at 5:43PM UTC
You cannot receive what you do not ask for. Ask for more challenges tell your manager that you need more. Dress for the role you want sure, but speak up. As for your comment on >So it ends up being a waste of time on my part.<
If that is your attitude you need to shift that because it is being seen. by those you interact with and for sure they know you want someone to notice you. To be noticed be awesome, help others mentor others, ask for more things to do that perhaps you have not done before and get more training. To be strategic (vs tactical which is what you are) you have to learn how to do this and to plan work that affects others and the overall business and organization. Reach, and reach and open yourself up more. As for the role you are in you applied for it, you took the job either love it or move on....
AnonymousFebruary 28,2024 at 9:18PM UTC
I hope this doesn't offend you, but your "friend" is a sexist, male chauvinist. You need to be yourself. As for giving the impression you're OK with doing the non glamorous work, have you spoken to your manager re your concerns? If you're too afraid to rock the boat they will never know. If you have and it's gone nowhere you have to make a decision on how much longer you're willing to deal with this.