Nothing to do at work?

11 Comments

1. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdOctober 16,2024 at 1:10PM UTC

   Hello!

   When I first started at my job I didn't have much to do either. In my case, however, it was because the position, team, and client were all new. Flash forward 21 years and I love when things calm down enough that I can take a breather!

   Can you have a conversation with your boss or supervisor on this? Perhaps you can approach it from the POV that you'd like to see if there's a project or process you could take on or manage?

   If it turns out there isn't steady work for you, then you may have to consider either finding a new job. or finding ways to fill your day. Is there a class or course you could study that might eventually allow you more work - something like this.

   All the best

2. AnonymousOctober 16,2024 at 2:41PM UTC

   Definitely talk with your supervisor and let them know you would like to take on more work. But before you do, have a solution in hand. What exactly do you foresee yourself doing to help the company and/or team? Build on that and offer ideas on how you can help. If they are not providing you work, you are at least getting paid, but it does make a for a very long day not feeling productive. If that doesn't work, perhaps as another poster suggested, find a new opportunity elsewhere. Good luck!

3. KatOctober 16,2024 at 3:05PM UTC

   Talk to your supervisor and let them know you are ready to take on new projects and responsibilities. If there are processes you could manage better or a "back burner" project you could do, mention that. Ask them what you need to do to advance your career. Taking the initiative and wanting to solve problems are things bosses like to see from employees. If that doesn't work (vague promises, not supportive of your efforts) it's time to look for a different job with more responsibility and new challenges. If there are any certifications/credentials/degrees that would help you advance at your company, take them - especially if work will pay for them. You've got enough time on your hands in your current job to learn and study new things, so take advantage of that.

4. AnonymousOctober 16,2024 at 3:05PM UTC

   Are they planning to replace the person that moved to another position? Chances are, when they do, you will have plenty to do. Is it possible for you to take on some of the tasks she would have?

5. AnonymousOctober 17,2024 at 12:42PM UTC

   They filled his position prior to him moving into his new role

6. AnonymousOctober 16,2024 at 3:47PM UTC

   If you are bored at work you can take the time to do online courses while at work and then use the education you have gained to find your next more challenging role. It seems like you have outgrown the one that you are in and so best is to find a new place where there are more interesting challenges or upward mobility for you if that is what you seek.

7. AnonymousOctober 17,2024 at 6:48PM UTC

   This is the worst. I had jobs like this, it was either feast or famine. Is there training you can do?

8. OLIVIA JOHNSONOctober 17,2024 at 7:38PM UTC

   Hi there!

   Good question for a unique challenge.

   My recommendation would be to ask yourself the question, what are the challenges that you, your team, department or organization faces? What are the tasks that your coworkers don't like to do?

   Come up with this list and then brainstorm on how you can contribute to solving them. These can be small challenges to big challenges (I would recommend to also use discretion in obtaining buy-in from your Manager before doing anything that requires permission.)

   For a few examples:

   Smaller challenge: Organization Dictionary - Often times companies have tons of acronyms and everyone may still not know what they all mean.

   Bigger challenge: Is there a cost or service that the company utilizes a vendor or that they contract out for that fits within your teams' responsibilities or your skill set that you could lobby to take over and cut their cost. *Would definitely require discussion with management.

   Get creative!

   Hope this helps!

   Coach Olivia

9. AnonymousOctober 19,2024 at 2:27PM UTC

   When you started 2 years ago did they give you a job description explaining your core responsibilities? Have you had annual reviews mapping out their expectations? As others have mentioned - is the position where the individual was promoted available? If yes, put yourself out there. Go to HR and speak to them. What’s the worse they can say - No? Ask them why, are there skills you don’t have that are needed. Then you know where you stand and what you need to do. They may not even realize you would like to do more than what you are doing now. Make sure you are speaking to the right person.

   Unfortunately, the individual you mentioned it to probably did not say anything to anyone. We can all give you advice based on what you’ve told us, but it may not be the right advice without all the details.

   When you have the conversation, you need to be prepared for what they are going to tell you. Good or bad. But you sound like you are ready, so get yourself out there or you’re going to stuck in this situation for another 2 years. Good luck - keep us posted, you got this!

10. AnonymousOctober 20,2024 at 4:37AM UTC

    You are worried about your productivity. But if they don't complain, it means they want someone in that position and you seem to be doing the job. Use your time remaining time to up skill in your or higher job with their permission.

11. AnonymousOctober 22,2024 at 5:51AM UTC
    I would try to be proactive and suggest some new initiatives. There are many cool HR management and business management software developments, that made this possible. In my company, we use the https://www.goodday.work/ software for HR project management, tasks and communication. Fortunately, it replaces many of the other programs we used before. And actually, it was me who found it and recommended to the boss. And I received a promotion right after probation. As my boss explained, they managed to save time and, subsequently, money.