Not gaining skills...

Question

I was in a high intensity job with limited flexibility for a few years and decided to move to a training role at the end of 2016. Shortly after starting, the company had a reorg and my role was kind of unclear, so I didn't have a ton of work during the transition time. I then relocated to another state and got a new job. Again, I find myself in a position where I don't have a ton of work. I have tried to create projects for myself but with such a small budget and not really a ton of scope, I am having difficulty adding stuff to my plate. The job is very flexible and I have a small child at home, so it's helpful, but I hate the feeling that I'm not gaining skills and I'm not contributing much to the organization (or society...), etc.  I can't decide whether to stick it out and enjoy the flexibility  until I've been here a little longer (just over 6 months so far, though it's very clear that my role is going to be the same) or if I should be moving on to another role...jumping to another job so soon. I just feel like I'm going to be in a position where I'm 15 years into my career, and I don't really have the skills to show it!!

Logan · Answer

What a GREAT position to be in! Flexibility, time with your child, steady income...and extra time, to boot. I work with so many women who would love to be in your positions, so I would suggest a reframe, if you are open to it. Reframe: this is a golden opportunity to explore what lights you up, gain new skills on your own (check out free trainings, there are tons!) and take the driver's seat in creating what you'd like to happen next with your career.

Time is our most valuable asset, is non-renewable and you have the gift of it in your hands this very moment. One place to start is to look at what your dream role would be in, say, a year...just daydream and then see where/how you can fill in the gaps using this amazing gift.

I hope this helps!

MMarsden · Answer

You control your time, control your learning, there is a zillion free trainings on line and networking in your area can help during this slower time.  Take the opportunity to become a specialist (go to person) for something.

Julie Arnheim · Answer

I agree with Logan, you are in a unique situation where you can develop skills OUTSIDE the work place and it will benefit you in the long run. What are you interested in learning? 
I utilize these two sources to keep growing

https://about.udemy.com/
https://www.coursera.org/

Anonymous · Answer

I was in a similar position at my last company.  My suggestion would be to volunteer to get involved with other projects outside your normal scope within your company! That way, you are contributing to your company and learning new skills at the same time. Any extra project you can be involved with is a new opportunity to learn!

Anonymous · Answer

Dear 'Not Gaining Skills', there are 2 choices you can make: leave or stay. Here are the consequences.  You lose nothing if you stay and in the meantime you can take free courses plus if you're innovative you should be able to find ways to do projects which cost little or nothing. If you leave you can easily get branded as defective by HR people.  They hate job hoppers and most likely will blame you for leaving a job prematurely rather than understanding that your job offered you no job enrichment or advancement or ability to make things better.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you all for your suggestions. I definitely think it's worthwhile to take some training classes. I just struggle a bit with that because I know so many companies looked for demonstrated experience. But I will absolutely be looking at some of the resources you've mentioned and will be looking into Pivot as well!

Anonymous · Answer

I'm in a very similar situation - the book Pivot by Jenny Blake was recently recommended - I'm just getting started to determine if I make a change or ride it out. Good luck to you!

Elliec · Answer

How about using the time to learn a new language? Be experienced and bilingual!

Tekla Francis · Answer

See if you can ask other co-workers if they need help on projects or ongoing work. Nothing big, but extra filler work. Also ask, on the side, what types of skills (hard or soft) your office could really use. 
Do they need someone with Photoshop for the occasional design work? What about an office notary? Does the office SharePoint intranet site need an update? Do you have a 'dream job' that you could train for? 
Asking around for the projects/tasks that others would like done, but don't have time/training/skills to do that would both give you experience AND solidify your position in the company. There are plenty of free/cheap resources for learning these skills (YouTube, Lynda, Udemy, Coursera, etc).

Anonymous · Answer

Computer skills are so beneficial. Take your skills to the next level in one you know, or find one that is used in your current company that you could learn.

Not gaining skills...

You're invited.

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