How do you get past the boredom?

9 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 28,2022 at 3:36PM UTC

   The two suggestions I have. The first is to try and find out if there is any documentation that exists for the area you wish to cross-train. Perhaps showing that you are already familiar with the process will show that it will not take much time to cross-train. The second option is either other training (perhaps a certification) or maybe getting an advanced degree (if there is tuition reimbursement). This will show that you are trying to improve yourself in other ways.

2. Megan LeasherNovember 28,2022 at 5:14PM UTC

   Wow! You've got initiative and it sounds like you want to put it to good use. Beyond cross-training for roles within your company, a few thoughts came to mind... 1) would learning more about the company as a whole and other jobs in it benefit you?...2) consider external learning you could be discovering that might benefit your job or the company...3) perhaps ask to shadow others to get more immersed and accelerate your learning of other jobs, people, and the company as a whole.

3. NeicyNovember 28,2022 at 6:33PM UTC

   Hello, may I ask what company you're with and how can I apply with them?

4. AnonymousNovember 28,2022 at 10:10PM UTC

   Use the down time to upskill.

5. AnonymousNovember 28,2022 at 11:24PM UTC

   I would keep your supervisor apprised of your lack of work to ensure she understands that you are an underutilized resource.

   Then get busy with education, classes and certifications. Draft a development plan for yourself both inside and outside the company. Many great companies encourage development by paying for tuition and books, seminars and conferences. It supports their agenda and offers employees a chance to grow.

   Being board can be easily remedied if you are looking to learn and expanded your goals.

6. AnonymousNovember 29,2022 at 3:06PM UTC

   This rests solely on you and the value you put on your personal growth and development personal ambition and your need to improve. You can't be passive and wait for people to drive your career. You have to have goals and want to improve then all your free time will be easily used to further your plan.

7. AnonymousDecember 1,2022 at 4:42PM UTC

   I am definitely not being passive, I do take classes, do a lot of reading and research. Somedays you can only do so much. I definitely need to work on goal setting for myself and checking off those boxes.

8. Audrey KirschDecember 2,2022 at 10:14PM UTC

   I feel the same about my job. I constantly help others, ask if anyone needs help and tell my bosses every chance I get that I would love to expand my role and do more. Nothing ever comes of it. I start somewhere, learn the job inside and out, then it becomes routine, and I get bored. Like you, I don't want to leave because the company is great. They just underutilize me. Fortunately, I work remotely so I can do household chores or work on a hobby while I wait for more work to come in. Find something that interests you during the boring periods. It's better being bored at a great company, than being stuck at a toxic one. Last time I thought changing companies would relieve the boredom and found that there are a lot of worse things than being bored.

9. AnonymousDecember 5,2022 at 8:10PM UTC

   I have always told employers in interviews and managers during onboarding that "the day I quit learning is the day I start looking for a new job." It is always good to be upfront with your desire to continually learn something new, and if the company is as great as you say it is, it will respect and appreciate the initiative. Ask your supervisor if there are any additional tasks or roles you can take on during your downtime. You mention that there are very specialized roles. Have you considered asking to be trained in one of them, not just to "help out" but as a potential career move?