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Comfortable in my job but getting bored.

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Anonymous

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Comfortable in my job but getting bored.

I've been with my organization for a few years. The raises are generous, the time off is generous, I work for a nice team... but I don't see a great future. I can easily go on this way for another 5, even 10 years. Management does move people around as there is some attrition; employees with stay for a few years and then retire or take transfers or just quit for something else. I don't see other jobs out there in my field-- it would be either more of the same for less pay or more stress for more pay. I put in for a transfer a few months ago but it went to someone else.

At this point, I feel like I need to learn to be at peace with the situation and just appreciate it and not get so antsy. There are a few people who will retire over the next two to three years and I think I have a good chance to move into one of their jobs. So, how can I stay patient in the meantime and stop feeling so bored? I've thought of asking to go on conference trips but the budget is limited this year. I took a course last fall that was helpful. I already have a master's and I don't have the bandwidth for another degree with a full life after work with my kids. And I don't even know what else I'd want a degree in even if I did have time to pursue one.

I recently finished a big project that was a success and since that project ended, this voice in my head keeps saying "you've realized you've peaked out and did exactly what you were hired to do." I will say in the past I've changed jobs every 3-4 years due to layoffs or finding higher paying work. This is the first time I've stayed at a place this long, so maybe I'm just not accustomed to staying somewhere for this long.

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  1. Sara Trost

    It sounds to me like you have a pretty nice work situation going on where you currently are. I may be a bit conservative and I know I am not a huge risk taker, but I am not seeing a good reason to try to find another position. And, if it is as you say, and there will be others leaving in the next few years, I think it wouldn't hurt to stick it out and see if you could possibly take on one of those roles when the time comes. I think we all struggle with periods of boredom in our jobs. Is there a new skill within your current job that you could focus on? Any special projects you might be able to take on to give you some variety? I wish you the best as you navigate your situation and hope you come to the best conclusion for yourself.

  2. Anonymous

    Sounds like you need to find out what else that place has to offer, agreed. Is there a new skill set that you are interested in that would help your career development? It sounds like a good work environment as well. I would reach out to ask for more to do! Good luck. :)

  3. Anonymous

    I would recommend you speak to a Career Coach that would be a game changer!

  4. Anonymous

    Maybe online or in-person courses at local community college?

    If you can find one to align with your role, company might pay for it.

    I know what you mean about feeling restless. I'm not far from retirement-- relatively- and today my HS senior finished school so I'm officially an empty nester and can do what I want....not tied to one particular area.

    I live in an income tax-free state but want to move as I now have no reason to live here. If my job lets me go, I'm leaving!!! For now, I take it day-by-day. A plan, but not up and leaving either unless- I'll leave it up to fate

    I get the struggle but I'm confident if you hold on a bit longer-- maybe you can volunteer for a project?

    I just did with my role- ask and you shall receive! Lol....I'm within 90d so I look like the hero and no one else wants it (reconciliation of tax accts ignored for 5(??!) YEARS.

    Worst case: add it to my resume and then enter next life chapter. Like "Pretty Woman": "Do you have a plan?? Gotta have a plan!!"

  5. Mary Pool

    I wonder if you are looking for love in all the wrong places.
    This sounds like an excellent fit for you and a perfect opportunity to explore other areas of your life. I bet if you expanded other areas of your life, you would find this position perfect. Few of us are lucky enough to find a position that works well with a work-life balance. Sounds like you have! Enjoy it and explore avenues to obtain a well-rounded life and, therefore, the satisfaction you are looking for.

  6. Anonymous

    Wow, count your blessings and find fulfillment with putting more energy into your family time and get a hobby to increase excitement.

    Also ask for additional responsibilities at work as you see opportunities there.

    SO many unsatisfied, stress inducing jobs out there....geepers please don't take this the wrong way, though it is a blessing to be in your job, not to be scoffed at with boredom. And you may move up as you said. Bide your time. Maybe take a class or two to add even more value to your resume.

  7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Are you having regular one-on-ones with your boss? If you think there may be promotion opportunities for you in the future at your company, I suggest you discuss what stretch assignments you might explore to help position you to be ready for those promotion opportunities.

    You think you may have a good chance to move into one of their jobs - does leadership see you as being ready? Stretch assignments could give you more visibility and the opportunity to showcase your abilities.

  8. Anonymous

    I would enjoy the lower stress and focus on challenging myself in my personal life. Hobbies, interests and passions that will get you engaged, excited and motivated.

  9. Anonymous

    Don't leave. I was in the same place is you. I figured I could work harder and a higher salary. I left for the same job but a 20% increase and it was a disaster. My new manager was clueless and the department was so toxic and micromanaged everything. I was then laid off a few months later without warning and I am still unemployed. The market is terrible. Take my advice and stay put and enjoy your work life balance while making a living.

  10. Hold on Lee Lou

    If you're not up for classes/more degrees (unless they will help you get those roles that will open up), maybe try on some new hobbies for size.

    You can also reach out to your manager to see if there are more challenging projects or additional work you can take on. Make it clear you're looking for progression in your career and that you want it to be with them. In my experience, when people know where I want to go, they know who to ask when the time comes.

    I have been with my company for 10 years now, and while there are lots of stressors at various points of the year, the culture is overall very healthy, and I have been treated really well. It would take a lot for me to take a chance on a new job - loads of money or a work from home schedule that paid close to what I'm making now or like 8 weeks of PTO. Even then I would be nervous to give up a good situation.

  11. Anonymous

    prepare for the roles that will be vacated in a few years with some free courses on LinkedIn or Udemy.

  12. Anonymous

    OP here, thanks for all of the feedback on this. I think I will just try to enjoy the situation as it is for the time being and not get too antsy. I am very tired of all of the same old projects. I don't want to work on yet another quarterly presentation after doing 12 so far since I started in the role. It's pretty much just the same work I've been doing with a few twists here and there. I'm good at it and the team appreciates me, but jeez, I'm bored. That said, it's not the end of the world. If I have to, I'll stick it out a bit longer, smile, and see how else I can still grow.

  13. Anonymous

    Smart choice.

  14. Anonymous

    OP again. Update-- I asked my supervisor for a transfer and was told they really like the work I'm doing in my current role (code for "please don't make us move you because your role will be difficult to fill. No one in their right mind would want your job") but if I'd like to apply, go ahead. Oh, and they added, a few other people already expressed interest in the job, so good luck! This already happened once before. :-(

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