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I had my review today. My boss was very complimentary and emphasized my importance to the team. Then he asks me (as he does at every review) what he can do to keep me happy in my work. TBH, I love my job. I make 6 figures, work from home, and can ditch out to take care of my father or run an errand any time I need to. I take a lunchtime nap almost every day. I work with a GREAT team of people I genuinely like and look forward to talking to, and I adore my boss. My job can be a bit boring with occasional highly stressful moments, but it had a lot of variety and I'm finding it pretty doable after more than a decade. I told my boss all of this.
My friend was like "Ask for flex time or a paid sabbatical" but I already really have flex time and can't seem to use up the more than 30 days of vacation I already have. And I know what our corporation is willing to do and what it's not willing to do - paid sabbatical is not something in its repertoire. And "more money" is something I know isn't going to get corporate approval - as it is, I'm pretty sure the management is very fair in how it doles out bonuses. I can't ask for more responsibilities as I'm pretty maxed out, and I don't want a title change.
So how does one answer that question? It's a nice position to be in but "Nah, I'm good." or "I dunno." seems like a dumb answer.
Interestingly, I had a conversation with my manager today.
He's pretty involved with what we all do, so he's always there with us when operations are happening. I suppose that's a good thing compared to the previous manager who was lazy and spent most of his time on his cell phone than engaging with us.
Anyhow, outside of that, I don't speak to him often (no one on one's, etc.). I guess he sensed I wasn't happy and perhaps I was looking for another job (I was), but he gives me the spiel about wanting to keep me happy, what I wanted to do, what could he do to keep me engaged and not look elsewhere for a job. So I told him the truth in a nice way of course. I told him I wanted to do other things, more projects, work with other departments, etc. So he was receptive to that.
If you are truly happy with what you are doing and the job overall (coworkers, environment, etc.), then it's as simple as telling the boss you like how things are and to maintain that. If you are not happy like I am, then you tell him what you want to do to make things better.
But you also have to respect your manager/boss and know that he is sincere about what he says. Some will say things to blow smoke up your rear end, and have zero intentions of doing anything to improve your work life.
This and don’t give an impression that you may leave. Obviously, you have great flexibility in your work and love what you do. That is why you’re productive and recognized by your boss. Some people who work remote struggle to demonstrate that they are actually productive doing so. You don’t seem to have a problem on that. Whatever you ask, I wouldn’t ask something that goes against company policy as that is difficult to implement. Since at times it could be boring, you can come up other tasks that you can help your organization? Training or conference opportunities? That could add value to you and your organization and makes working there even more interesting. You are one of the lucky ones.
I'm glad you review went well. What exactly do you do? I agree with just telling your boss that you are satisfied where you right now and thank him for asking/
We don't ask people what will make them happy, but we routinely ask people how we can make their job/work situation better/easier/whatever you want to call it. Sometimes we can help, some times we can't.
I had my review today. My boss was very complimentary and emphasized my importance to the team. Then he asks me (as he does at every review) what he can do to keep me happy in my work. TBH, I love my job. I make 6 figures, work from home, and can ditch out to take care of my father or run an errand any time I need to. I take a lunchtime nap almost every day. I work with a GREAT team of people I genuinely like and look forward to talking to, and I adore my boss. My job can be a bit boring with occasional highly stressful moments, but it had a lot of variety and I'm finding it pretty doable after more than a decade. I told my boss all of this.
My friend was like "Ask for flex time or a paid sabbatical" but I already really have flex time and can't seem to use up the more than 30 days of vacation I already have. And I know what our corporation is willing to do and what it's not willing to do - paid sabbatical is not something in its repertoire. And "more money" is something I know isn't going to get corporate approval - as it is, I'm pretty sure the management is very fair in how it doles out bonuses. I can't ask for more responsibilities as I'm pretty maxed out, and I don't want a title change.
So how does one answer that question? It's a nice position to be in but "Nah, I'm good." or "I dunno." seems like a dumb answer.
No need to make it any more than what it is - his sincerity to support you. If you have everything you need - I'd make sure he understands that. And also show your appreciation by recognizing it.
If I may editorialize - I think we often look for reasons when things aren't going well. But not the other way around. The fact that you are enjoying yourself at work is great - but a lot of that is very likely because of your manager. So make sure they know that. The opposite is also true - as a manager, if things are all running smoothly, it's very likely because your staff is doing a great job. Thus, also make sure they know that. And not just at review time.
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