I'm BORED...
During most everyone's working life, we are promoted to a position that is simply the most boring place we have ever had to place our nameplate. Although an advancement or lateral move, it holds no thrill, nothing new, allows no chance to try something new....or does it?
I've had several stints in low motivation and boring jobs. They were on the track I needed to take but OH, SO BORING. I decided early in this stage that I would make the job worthwhile to me in some way(s). It wasn't all just a generous thought on my part because a busy interesting job makes your day go faster and leave you feeling better. Here are my thoughts:
Every single job allows you to learn something. A new skill, although you may consider it beneath you or menial, it is a new skill. Down the road, you may be extremely surprised how much that learned skill will enhance your work or enhance your resume'. If the actual job doesn't have a new skill, is there a possibility you can learn a new skill on this job. An example: Do you know how to type and do you have daily access to a computer? Learning to actually type (as in the right way to type), can speed your supervisory duties and make your computer enjoyment magnify. Investigate with your company if you can incorporate taking an on-line college course that would improve your work skills and knowledge. Develop training for your employees that will enhance their knowledge and work skills. It is endless.
If the supervisory job is boring enough that you act bored, the people who work for you will notice and it will affect how they do their jobs. Acting bored actually minimizes their value to you and the company. Make a plan to enhance their daily work life. It doesn't have to be a company policy or initiative. It doesn't have to cost. It just takes your using your mind to come up with ideas and put them into effect.
If this position has "always" been a bore, why? Use your talents to figure out ways to make this area of the company more valuable ~ improve customer service, cut steps to cut time wasted, improve employee moral, improve your analytical skills, start a new competition and on and on. It is only limited by your unwillingness to use your mind for something besides being bored.
Aside from these suggestions on making the job less boring, let me suggest some things you don't want to do if you find the job boring:
Do not act or look bored. Playing games on your computer, endlessly surfing the internet, listening to your iPod, standing around talking, getting sloppy with even this responsibility tells the employer you are not really promotable material. If you can't even handle or be content with your present position, who is going to take a chance advancing you to big things. Your being in this position may be a test of your initiative. Your being in this position may just be they needed someone in this position. In either case, it will make you noticed - either because you became a slug or because you blossomed.
Do not bad mouth the position. Everyone has pits jobs during their career and you are not so special you are immune. Sooner or later your complaining will get back to your boss - not good. AND, not only are you in a boring position but you become the office "downer" to everyone that has to listen or watch you.
One last thing: You can also use this time to make sure you are considered for other openings in your company. If it looks like this is truly dead end; another company. Just remember, no one inside your company or a future employer wants someone who drifts from one place to another waiting for someone else to challenge them.
OK, really the last thing: Keep in mind, you are being paid to do this job. Boring or not, you are obligated to do a good and complete job if you take the pay. You, as a Christian, should model a work ethic that reflects upon your God; even at jobs that are less than perfect. Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
I've had several stints in low motivation and boring jobs. They were on the track I needed to take but OH, SO BORING. I decided early in this stage that I would make the job worthwhile to me in some way(s). It wasn't all just a generous thought on my part because a busy interesting job makes your day go faster and leave you feeling better. Here are my thoughts:
Every single job allows you to learn something. A new skill, although you may consider it beneath you or menial, it is a new skill. Down the road, you may be extremely surprised how much that learned skill will enhance your work or enhance your resume'. If the actual job doesn't have a new skill, is there a possibility you can learn a new skill on this job. An example: Do you know how to type and do you have daily access to a computer? Learning to actually type (as in the right way to type), can speed your supervisory duties and make your computer enjoyment magnify. Investigate with your company if you can incorporate taking an on-line college course that would improve your work skills and knowledge. Develop training for your employees that will enhance their knowledge and work skills. It is endless.
If the supervisory job is boring enough that you act bored, the people who work for you will notice and it will affect how they do their jobs. Acting bored actually minimizes their value to you and the company. Make a plan to enhance their daily work life. It doesn't have to be a company policy or initiative. It doesn't have to cost. It just takes your using your mind to come up with ideas and put them into effect.
If this position has "always" been a bore, why? Use your talents to figure out ways to make this area of the company more valuable ~ improve customer service, cut steps to cut time wasted, improve employee moral, improve your analytical skills, start a new competition and on and on. It is only limited by your unwillingness to use your mind for something besides being bored.
Aside from these suggestions on making the job less boring, let me suggest some things you don't want to do if you find the job boring:
Do not act or look bored. Playing games on your computer, endlessly surfing the internet, listening to your iPod, standing around talking, getting sloppy with even this responsibility tells the employer you are not really promotable material. If you can't even handle or be content with your present position, who is going to take a chance advancing you to big things. Your being in this position may be a test of your initiative. Your being in this position may just be they needed someone in this position. In either case, it will make you noticed - either because you became a slug or because you blossomed.
Do not bad mouth the position. Everyone has pits jobs during their career and you are not so special you are immune. Sooner or later your complaining will get back to your boss - not good. AND, not only are you in a boring position but you become the office "downer" to everyone that has to listen or watch you.
One last thing: You can also use this time to make sure you are considered for other openings in your company. If it looks like this is truly dead end; another company. Just remember, no one inside your company or a future employer wants someone who drifts from one place to another waiting for someone else to challenge them.
OK, really the last thing: Keep in mind, you are being paid to do this job. Boring or not, you are obligated to do a good and complete job if you take the pay. You, as a Christian, should model a work ethic that reflects upon your God; even at jobs that are less than perfect. Luke 16:10 "He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
posted by Diane Gibson at
8:51 AM
