Feel like I add no value.

12 Comments

1. AnonymousSeptember 26,2024 at 6:39PM UTC

   I am about to be in your shoes. My office is going to be remote and in-office. Nobody can seem to figure out what's going on. I agree with the commenter asking what would make you feel like you add value and to seek that out. Half the posters on here are ruthless and hate their own lives so they will leave you a snarky comment. Ignore them. Do you, just make sure that if you decide that this company you are with right now is not going to be a future job, that you already have another lined up before you leave. This last month has been horrible. Jobs are plummeting everywhere. I wish you good luck!

2. AnonymousSeptember 27,2024 at 1:26PM UTC

   I’m sorry you’re not happy with your role but I would give my left arm for your problems - some of us deal with long commutes and horrible managers that abuse us, or long hours where nothing we do is good enough. If I could I’d switch places with you in a heartbeat, but I do get how you yearn for more . I wish you luck.

3. AnonymousSeptember 27,2024 at 1:28PM UTC

   I think there are a lot of us in jobs, especially in the corporate sector, that often feel like they have no real value. I know there are many days that I find myself asking 'what am I really doing here? Am I accomplishing something or helping anyone?' I have good pay, a decent company and can work remote full-time. I am grateful for all of that, but it doesn't lessen the feelings of being really unimportant.

   Don't really have any advice, just wanted to say that you are not alone. I think there are far more of us living like this than we think.

4. AnonymousSeptember 27,2024 at 1:36PM UTC

   Have you tried asking for more things to do? Maybe there is a project starting that you could participate in or something that would help you feel like you accomplished something. If you have a great boss, this could be an easy discussion.

5. AnonymousSeptember 27,2024 at 1:50PM UTC

   In my new job, it is a little bit like this. I was super-busy and had long weeks. With this job the goals are reasonable and no one even notices if I sleep in a bit before I get to my desk. I ended up signing up for an online class. When work is slow, I learn. It has helped a lot and when I decide to move on, I will be upskilled.

6. AnonymousSeptember 27,2024 at 2:30PM UTC

   It took me a long time to learn that a job is a means to an end. Period. I didn't realize that I tied my value in this world to my career. Since that hit me over the head, I still work hard, but I'm happier because my circle is bigger than the job. I volunteer, make plans with friends and take advantage of everything that living in a big city has to offer. Please ensure you're not tying your life to just the job :).

7. AnonymousSeptember 27,2024 at 3:12PM UTC

   Yes, THIS!

8. AnonymousSeptember 27,2024 at 3:27PM UTC

   I had a job I felt like this completely. I found other ways to develop and grow, I was a member of Junior Chamber International (for ages 20s 30s) with has social, leadership training and volunteering opportunities. In my time there I ended up serving on the board for state and national levels, traveled around the US and Canada training other young leaders. I may have been stagnant at work but the skills I learned in JCI set me up to being a senior leader in my career now and made a ton of amazing friends and a network in my community.

   I suggest looking into similar opportunities, Junior Chamber, Zonta, Soroptomist are all in my community and I see lots of ways to grow and learn in them as well as see the world.

9. Wanda ShawSeptember 28,2024 at 6:18PM UTC

   A good way to add value is to by doing or learning something new. During those odd times when you're counting down the minutes to the end of the day, why not fill those minutes looking for an online course that will allow you to add a new skillset. Or better still, have a conversation with your manager about taking on some additional responsibilities that will allow you to expand beyond where you are right now. You never know until you take the first step. Best wishes.

10. AnonymousSeptember 29,2024 at 1:34PM UTC

    I'm a senior manager in marketing and there are days I feel like I'm just warming my seat while I wait for approvals. I've reached the point where I'll use that seat warming time for professional development.

11. AnonymousSeptember 29,2024 at 7:54PM UTC

    Much better than wasting company time pushing paper or spending hours on social media.

12. AnonymousOctober 2,2024 at 6:40PM UTC

    It is nice to hear someone say they are grateful for their job despite it not being stimulating and treasuring the times when it is.