Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I started this job in August 2013 right after getting my master's degree, so I have been in the position for six months. Over the past six months I have learned some new skills, but now I am feeling unchallenged and bored. The work has gotten pretty mundane. My job description said I would be doing other things, but I haven't done much of those things. Therefore I feel my job was slightly misrepresented.
I have spoken to my manager, telling her that I am ready to take on new challenges and contribute more to the other aspects of the job. She offered some menial things I could do, which don't utilize the skills I learned during my master's degree program. There isn't really much I could do. I told her of a project I could do, but that project is already being done by someone else. On the plus side, my manager is very approachable and I felt comfortable talking to her.
On top of the job dissatisfaction, I live in a rural town, which is several hours away from the big city. I am a single guy in my late 20s who grew up in the city, so I miss it dearly. I also have to pay $1100 in living expenses since housing costs are inflated here. I could easily pay $700-800 in the city. It's getting hard to manage expenses.
So I'm at a crossroads here. In my field, commitment is valued. Should I hold out for at least a year and then move? Should I be concerned about my own marketability and look for better jobs now? There is no more room for growth/challenge in my position, so what's the point of staying?
I would suggest you suck it up and continue working without complaints or any sense of dissatisfaction. AT the same time, start your search for something else. Even if your boss is "approachable" if you are being under-utilized there may come the time (even soon) where they see you are not working out in their eyes, or they really don't need someone with your education/skills. Be proactive and keep the attitude positive even if you don't feel that way inside.
Get out when you can, but bear in mind that you're only six months on your first job so there might be some skepticism with future interviewers. Think in advance of good solid reasons "Why you want to leave" Build a list of references and positive things to say, even if it's a stretch.
You're probably way ahead of your manager's skill level. Keep applying to any and all jobs that would be a step up. W/in your current company and elsewhere. Don't be skeert!
You have already spoke to your boss about taking on more challenging projects and she responded by giving you mundane tasks. There a few ways you could choose: 1-Give her some time and see if she will assign you better, bigger, more challenging projects. 2-Start looking for a job that you think you may like in a geographical area that meets your criteria. 3-Accept the situation. I would do a combination of 1 and 2. I know how it feels like when you know you could do a lot more, but the management tie your hands. You are young, do not get stuck in a job that will not fulfill you. Do not fear looking for a better opportunity in a place that you will enjoy.
I think you should stick it out at least another six months. Jobs are hard to get nowadays. Who's to say that you would be able to get another job right off the bat? And who is to say it would be any different? In my office there are many coworkers with Masters degrees doing mundane work beneath their degree right now. Why? Because they need a job while they get the all important experience. They have a potential for making big money some day with exciting jobs, but not fresh out of school. So they do their best putting in their time and paying their dues at the bottom. This is what you need to do as well. You can't just start at the top you have got to work your way there. In the meantime try and find something on the side that is rewarding like working with troubled teens or getting funding for community centers etc... to give teens something to do. You get the idea.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
