Anxious about working future

[Safeasmilk]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had any advice or had been in a similar situation. I love my workplace and colleagues but I have been doing the same roll for the past 3 and a half years. I am starting to worry where my future lies within the company and wondering if there is any chance to take on more responsibility and or increase my pay. I think my role maybe limited to my current duties and I find I fear approaching my boss for more to do, but I'm starting to feel unchallenged. I don't want to seem ungrateful as they showed faith in me and gave me my first opportunity and it is a great work place which has given me excellent work/life balance but I am increasingly getting frustrated which is starting to show such as today.

Finding a new job is an option but at the moment I am currently trying to get finance approved for a house which will make it difficult.

Anyway thanks for listening to my ramblings, any advice would be great.

Thanks

Ben

[SubduedBlues]

Hi Ben

Sometimes it is not about taking on more work, it's about taking on more challenging work. Actually, as a manager, I love it when people ask me for more challenging work. This tells me that they are growing in their abilities; what used to be work is now becoming easy.

Depending on the industry you are in, it could be more challenging to clear or process more of the same. Other industries, it may be taking on something similar, but at the next level.

Remember, asking for more challenging work is not the same as asking for a promotion. Or is it even suggesting that you want one. It is simply saying that you are ready for something more.

Could you give us an idea of the industry and type role you're in... so we can better advise?

Thanks,
SB

[BballJ]

Hi Safeasmilk ,

Very interesting questions you have asked. I don't think any boss or manager would be upset you asked to do more work, I would think they would be taken back a bit for starters that someone is asking for more work to do but I am sure they would be very happy you are taking the initiative to do it as well. I also think speaking to your boss about your future is very important as it shows you want to grow and simply asking the question of where you can go within the company should always be taken as a positive as it shows you are not there just to get paid and do minimal work.

I think after you ask the question about your future, if you do not like the answer then maybe looking into another job may be what is needed. Many people change jobs to receive high pay and to have more responsibility. I know you do not want to come across as ungrateful and that you appreciate the opportunity they gave you but remember the gave you the opportunity and you didn't waste it and that is all the could of asked of you. You have already done right by the company.

My best for you,

Jay

[Safeasmilk]

Hi SB,

im currently working as an accounts assistant. I have a degree and plan to do further study. Just at the moment I feel like I'm going no where which is worrying. I love the company but worried about my future here.

Thanks

Ben

[Safeasmilk]

Thanks Jay,

very helpful words. I think I will have to have the courage to approach my boss to ask what the future holds.

Thanks again

Ben

[SubduedBlues]

Hi Ben - if I were you, I would consider something along the lines of...

I like my job and all, but lately I have felt somewhat under challenged. It's not that I am bored, as there is plenty to do, it's more that the current tasks are not growing my abilities and capabilities. I am curious if there may be larger or more complex accounts, or other duties that I could take on to add more value to the team / department / company.

I think the key messages are that you are under-challenged and want to add more value.

SB