Find a Job You Enjoy

By Sue Morem

Dear Sue,
Three months ago I changed jobs and companies. The change resulted in both significant salary and benefit increases; however, I now find myself bored beyond belief. The only projects I am assigned are so easy that I can complete them within minutes. I am not using the knowledge I gained in my last position, as I assumed I would. I've told my manager that I need more to do, but so far, haven't been given more challenging work. (read more...)

I Can't Stand My Boss

By Julie Jansen

I am at my wit's end. I have a great job. I'm challenged and feel at the top of my game in so many ways. Here's my problem. I can't stand my boss and I'm quite sure he feels the same way about me. (read more...)

What's Your Objective?

By Maureen Anderson

Your career objective is one of the first things you should highlight on your resume--after your name, address and phone number. And that's where many people get stuck, says consultant Debra Davenport of Scottsdale, Arizona. (read more...)

Find a Job You Enjoy (^top)

By Sue Morem

Dear Sue:
Three months ago I changed jobs and companies. The change resulted in both significant salary and benefit increases; however, I now find myself bored beyond belief. The only projects I am assigned are so easy that I can complete them within minutes. I am not using the knowledge I gained in my last position, as I assumed I would. I've told my manager that I need more to do, but so far, haven't been given more challenging work.

The opportunities for learning are non-existent. They only offer what I already know in my area and the things they offer that interest me do not pertain to my specific position.

I feel as if I have taken a step backwards. The challenges I anticipated have not materialized and my duties do not indicate that this will change any time soon.

I am finding little in the job that interests me and the only motivation I have right now is the salary and upcoming vacation time. I don't know what to do. How would it look to leave this job after just a few months?

- Disillusioned

Sue Says:
I think you need to stop worrying about what it looks like and do what you need to do to feel productive and useful again. You made a job move that didn't turn out to be what you thought it was. You are better off doing something about it now than waiting three or six or twelve more months until you do.

The first thing you should do is talk with your manager again and make sure you are very clear about what is going on and why you are so disillusioned. Ask specific questions and make sure you get the answers you need to help you decide whether or not there is any reason for you to stay. You need to find out if there is a reason for you to stay. Your manager will never know how unhappy you are unless you tell him. Perhaps there is something that can be done and you both will benefit. If not, you can look elsewhere.

It didn't take you long to realize you made a mistake, and you are better off leaving quickly. You are being proactive and leaving for good reasons, which will reflect positively on you. As long as you haven't made a habit of changing jobs every few months, it shouldn't be a problem for you. Wanting to feel challenged and productive is admirable and something that will be attractive to other employers. You've learned a lot and hopefully will base future decisions on different criteria. Money and benefits are important, but as you have seen, are not the only factors that lead to job satisfaction.

Try to determine what you missed during the interview process for the job you have now; what didn't you see and what do you need to do differently as a result? When you are about to make a decision about whether or not to accept another job, don't rush and be sure you take your time. Find out all you can about the position and the specifics of the job you will be doing. Do whatever you need to make sure you don't make a similar mistake the next time you are about make a move.

I Can't Stand My Boss (^top)

By Julie Jansen

Dear Julie,
I am at my wit's end. I have a great job. I'm challenged and feel at the top of my game in so many ways. Here's my problem. I can't stand my boss and I'm quite sure he feels the same way about me. We don't communicate well and he is always criticizing me despite the fact that my colleagues tell me how much they value my work. He's dismissive and a terrible listener. I really don't want to look for another job. What should I do?

Patty F., Des Moines, IA

Dear Patty,
You are in a situation that over 50% of people experience at some point in their careers. Unfortunately for many of these people, a poor boss relationship caused them to leave their job, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. Just as with any relationship, there are always two perspectives. You don't mention your communication style or how you react to your boss's dismissiveness or poor listening skills. Communication behavior can become habitual, particularly in negative situations. The next time you feel as if your boss is communicating with you in a way that makes you uncomfortable try responding differently than you have in the past. As difficult as it may be, you should ask your boss if you can set up a face-to-face meeting to discuss how you can work together more effectively. Just because he's your boss doesn't mean he's comfortable initiating this kind of conversation. If he resists doing this, then it may be that you will need to talk to his boss. However, you should only go over your boss's head when you truly believe that you've done everything in your power to change your behavior and work on your relationship with your boss. It certainly sounds like it's worth the effort. Good luck!

What's Your Objective? (^top)

By Maureen Anderson

Your career objective is one of the first things you should highlight on your resume--after your name, address and phone number. And that's where many people get stuck, says consultant Debra Davenport of Scottsdale, Arizona. She cautions you not to word your objective like this: "I'm seeking to find a position in a growth-oriented company that will allow me the opportunity to use my skills and to grow."

Davenport says all that would tell her as a prospective employer is that the candidate is more focused on themselves than on the company's needs. She thinks your object should be as succinct as you can make it. "A few words will probably do just fine," she says. "Like, 'Sales Management--Computer Software.' Or, 'Computer Sales.' That's it. Don't ramble on for two sentences. It's a turnoff. Not only that, but almost everyone thinks their company is growth-oriented."

Davenport recommends your objective be followed by a summary paragraph detailing the specific experience and skills you have that support your objective. "Everything on your resume should support that objective," she adds.

You want to come across as a person who knows who they are and what they want. Your resume --and in particular, your career objective--is a great place to summarize that for a potential employer.

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