I feel like my job doesn't actually need or want my expertise.

Anonymous

May 2,2022 at 7:35PM UTC

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I feel like my job doesn't actually need or want my expertise.

I've been an in-house content writer with a few different orgs for about 6 years now. I get hired because "omg, we're all so sick of writing blogs, scripts, social media copy" and then....uh....they keep writing stuff anyway. I was just in an editorial meeting where I was bulldozed over about some very confusing copy (like the kind of thing that could cause a very expensive error if someone misunderstood it for the client) and everyone said they wanted to keep it because it was an inside joke. That's great but the client doesn't care about your inside joke and will care if it causes confusion. It's just so weird.

This is a pattern; I get hired because people express how overloaded they are managing their social media and creating content and then they won't turn the projects over because "well, so-and-so really likes doing it." I am so confused. What do I do?

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Barb HansenMay 2,2022 at 11:46PM UTC
Ah, I've been in your shoes - hired to do work because the team either doesn't want to do the work or isn't doing regularly or isn't very good at the work but then after I'm hired, someone else or multiple people on the team continue to do the work.
Here's what I did:
I changed my mindset from freelancer (hired to do a particular job) to consultant (hired to provide guidance and best practices).
If the company that hired me chooses to not take my guidance, that's on them, and I'm happy to continue to take their money.
If a company chooses to not take my guidance for something that I think is detrimental to the company, I will follow up in an email with the person who hired me - just to cover my bases.
AngieMay 3,2022 at 12:46PM UTC
Barb...you hit the nail on the head!
AnonymousMay 3,2022 at 1:31PM UTC
I’m not in the same role as you but I get the same type of attitude sometimes.
All I can say is go where you are appreciated when you can and continue to showcase your talents. Even if you need to do writing on the side or on a personal website, social media or anywhere there will be readers you need to demonstrate your abilities. People will always be difficult but that doesn’t alter your talents.
Maegan, Nike Sales Rep & Career CoachMay 3,2022 at 6:37PM UTC
I'd speak to your manager about your responsibilities and how they see social media/content either being strong and strategic, or scattered and handled by multiple people.
This might give you the answer if you want to continue to work here or move on.