Mar 24 2009

The Daily Grind

Posted in All Posts, Everyday Life, Misc.

I go through phases with my job.  I don’t know why that is, but I’ve always done it.  I’ll get a new job and be excited about it for a long time, a year, maybe two or three.  But then things start to get old.  Pushing paper, going to meetings, everything begins to seem routine.  I yearn for the excitement of starting over and the feeling of having things be new again. 

I’ve thought about this at great length because I find myself in a bit of a rut at work.  Nothing major of course, just struggling a bit.  Which makes me wonder why it is that I always end up here, at this very spot.  I know it’s me, it’s not the job itself, but instead it’s my interest in it.  I also know that it will get better, it always does.  In fact, I think that everyone goes through times in their job where it’s more difficult than others, and I think that we each have the power to make our jobs what we want.  

The more I think about it, that seems to be the key.  Challenge.  Diversity.  Responsibility.  I find that if the job loses its any one of these things, it loses its appeal.  It’s not that I need to have constant excitement or live on the edge, it’s nothing quite so dramatic.  I just like to push myself and try new things.  And when I don’t, I can feel a difference.

And lest you think that I am a flake at work, I’m not.  I know that it doesn’t look good on a resume to move around too much so I try to make my job the best it can be.  When I lived in Utah, I worked for the same company for seven years.  Granted, I had three different positions during that time as I was moving up the chain.  Perhaps that’s why I lasted that long.

So here I am.  This month marks my two-year anniversary at what I considered to be my dream job.  It’s a start-up company that needed a lot of work when I came on board.  So I put in a lot of work.  But now things are running on automatic.  The company no longer needs the introduction of new policies or programs.  It still needs work, definitely, but with the economic issues and with the downsizing we’ve had to do, we haven’t pushed it.  Now I wait for the right time to introduce new projects and new ideas and in the meantime, I go about my daily duties and wait for the excitement to return.  

That’s not a good place to be really.  I know how fortunate I am to have a job, I absolutely know that.  And it is a good job with fairly decent pay, it is close to my house, and it allows me flexibility with my schedule.  So why is it that I’m struggling lately?  Why has it become less and less like a home away from home and more of a daily grind?  And an even better question: how do I get the excitement to return?  

Am I the only one who sometimes struggles with their job?



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Julie - March 24, 2009 - 4:08 am

Nope. I often get bored at work. Not allowed to anymore. Before, I could just claim I was in college and needed different jobs to pay the bills. Well, I graduated a year ago. I need to stick with a job now.

Julie´s last blog post..Ice Out…Not to Be Confussed with Peace Out

The Wife of Odie - March 24, 2009 - 4:12 am

Yes. You are definitely the only one who has struggled with their job. I can’t wait in the morning to get to mine. Ok, ok, I’m kidding. That post is so timely. Yesterday I was almost in tears ALL day at work thinking how much I did not like what I was doing. Work can be so frustrating. Like you said, it ebbs and flows, but when it’s bad it’s just hard. Good luck. I say take a few sick days.

The Wife of Odie´s last blog post..come here, junior

Joanna - March 24, 2009 - 4:37 am

No, you’re not. My current job is raising two kids and there are times when I struggle with boredom at that job. But before that, when I had an employer paying me money to work, I had this problem.

I worked two and a half years as a public librarian until we moved and I began working as a middle school librarian. I stayed there for three years and then left to grow babies. But at each job, I was done well before I quit.

I think it’s a honeymoon thing. There’s a learning curve for each new job when you’re figuring things out and making the job your own and and it’s all new and exciting and you haven’t had time to acquire a long list of little things that annoy/bore you and start to add up. Even the routine tasks are new for a bit. It changes for each job. A combination of what type of job you enjoy, how invested you are in the company, and any number of other personal factors that get you excited. :)

I think it’s pretty normal. My question is I wonder if it’s like marriage and just sticking it out gets you through. I mean, you reach a point in your marriage where in your previous relationships you would just walk out. But there’s this commitment that goes with saying “I do” that means that you’ll be sticking around to work it all out and figure out how to get past the bump and back on even ground. That’s what it’s about. So, do you do that with your job and hope that things are better on the other side? Or is the job more like a dating relationship and once something is not really working for one side or the other you go looking for a better fit? Hmmmmm …

Joanna´s last blog post..Poor Dave

Janet - March 24, 2009 - 5:00 am

I think Joanna has made a great point. I worked at the same university over 27 years, with a number of different jobs, moving from entry level to department head. All had boring parts to them but because I think and have always thought that the work I do is fun, it makes it easier to just deal with the boring and frustrating bits. After retiring from there and moving on to another university, the fun still continues in a different place with different people. The boring bits are still there too. So thirty years in a career is like a marriage, I suppose.

emilyG - March 24, 2009 - 5:39 am

I think Joanna is a genius. No, she doesn’t have the answer to the question, but sometimes genius is coming up with the right question to ask. I’m sure it’s different for everyone, different for certain industries, different for every home situation. But I think everyone should ask that question when things get mundane.

I hate my job. Like the people.. hate the job. It takes NO brain power whatsoever.. and I have always thought of myself as above average when it comes to smarts. Nothing spectacular.. but someone who will get their spirit crushed from doing a form of data entry day in and day out. So I’m looking for a new job. A career, if you will. But I also never wanted to be here in the first place, so it makes a lot of sense for me. I think I’m in that relationship that you didn’t mean to be in. Like when you thought it was just about having fun, and then you wake up and he’s talking about being exclusive. Or something alone those lines. I’m still searching for my marriage. I find myself gravitating toward academic advisor. So who knows. :)

Maybe there’s another start up business that could use your expertise? Maybe that’s what you could define yourself as? I don’t know you or your situation. But it’s a thought.. ?

Ann - March 24, 2009 - 6:32 am

I definitely don’t have the answer, as I struggle with the same thing with my job. But I have had jobs that I enjoyed going back to after a weekend or a vacation, which I think is why it’s harder for me to stay with a job I dislike so much now. But it depends on personality too, both in terms of what it would take for you to like your job and in terms of how long someone can stick with a job. Maybe a new project or responsibility will come along that will make it fresh and exciting? Maybe it’s changing some part of the routine of your day? Or maybe it truly is time to move on?

Just a thought though — once you do get pregnant, it might be nice to be in a job that doesn’t take quite so much energy and time! :-)

Jill - March 24, 2009 - 6:46 am

You’re totally not alone. It comes in waves. However, I’ve felt very much like you lately. I’ve been here for 2.5 yrs and in my current position for 2 yrs. The economy has definitely made my job much more challenging (I’m in fundraising for an npo) and I think that is part of it. There are other factors at well (which are an even larger part of it), combined with the fact that we hope to move by the end of the year. I actually know exactly how many work days I have left if I have to stay to the very end…haha

Jill´s last blog post.."I hate myself for lovin you!"

Sabrina - March 24, 2009 - 6:47 am

You are definitely not the only one. I loved my job in the beginning (7 yrs ago) but the people I loved working with are all gone now and the jerk has stayed on and says he’ll never leave. :-( So, I’m looking for a new job even though it’s not the best time to be looking. In Tinytown, USA there aren’t many jobs. I’ve even been applying for some with an hour commute (yes it’s that bad) but no luck so far. I know that the right one just hasn’t come along yet though so I’m not giving up. :-)

Sabrina´s last blog post..Feeling Better

Jill - March 24, 2009 - 6:52 am

oops. one more thing. I meant to add that a big part of my struggle, too, is feeling guilty for being unhappy or complaining. I’m very grateful to even HAVE a job in this economic situation. I just sometimes wish things were different :)

Jill´s last blog post.."I hate myself for lovin you!"

admin - March 24, 2009 - 7:05 am

Oh my goodness – where to start? Such interesting and thought-provoking comments!

Julie – Ha! THe life of a graduate student, not always what it’s cracked up to be, is it? :)

WofOdie – poor thing, I didn’t know it’s been hard for you. And I agree that sometimes taking a sick day helps. Speaking of sick days, I recently read some information that showed how use of sick leave has increased lately. Makes you wonder what other people are going through and if it’s because of the weather and everyone’s been sick, or if it’s because people are struggling at work. Hmm….

Joanna, wow! What an interesting question you posed. You brought up some good comparisons and thoughts. I agree that it’s probably like marriage or anything really where you commit to be in it (mortgage, gym membership, etc.). and you’re right – the question is, how committed am I and would it be better going somewhere else. Not an easy question to answer. I think with jobs at least, there is the list of pros and cons and when the cons start outweighing the pros, it’s time to evaluate. Personally, I’m not there yet. But I have been there in previous positions. As long as I felt I had given it my best shot and had stayed for a reasonable length of time (in my mind) then I felt okay about moving on. But it’s probably different for everyone.

Janet- amazing! 30 years is like a marriage in a way, you’re right. And good for you for enjoying your job enough to stick with it. I think you’re right that there are boring parts to any position and it’s important to overlook those and focus on what’s good about the job.

Emily G – yes, it is a good thought actually and one that I’ve considered myself. Not sure how I would go about it, but maybe it’s a matter of hitting that point and then getting motivated enough to look into it. Definitely something to consider!

Eryn - March 24, 2009 - 7:11 am

I don’t have this problem with work exactly, but I know what you mean. I crave change, challenge, excitement. Once things get to the autopilot stage it’s like, what’s the point?

Eryn´s last blog post..I barely hear You whisper through the rain: "I am with you."

admin - March 24, 2009 - 7:20 am

Ann – ahhh.. the pregnancy issue! Yes, I have thought of that and I admit that even if I were at the point of wanting to look for another job, I probably wouldn’t do it because of the family situation. Definitely adds another variable to the mix!

Jill – yes, I would imagine that fundraising would be a tough spot to be in right now. :) And I agree about feeling guilty too. In fact, I had put up this post this morning and then took it down (before the CPA convinced me it was okay) because I didn’t want to seem ungrateful or disparaging towards my company. So I know exactly how you feel about that!

Sabrina – isn’t it amazing how the people you work with can totally impact the job? I didn’t mention it in my post, but that definitely is a factor with my current position. And all it takes is one or two people to have a negative (or positive) affect on how you view the job. Good luck, btw, with your search! They may be harder to find, but jobs are still out there.

Erny – challenge and excitement could definitely be an issue in a lot of things, not just work. good point.

Kristina - March 24, 2009 - 8:21 am

I usually stay at jobs between 2-3 years. But, I do like my current job, even if it’s boring sometimes. We didn’t get any kids into our center, and I was DYING. That’s how I am able to read so many blogs. Sometimes, it’s 8 hours of nothing, in front of a computer.

Terra - March 24, 2009 - 8:26 am

No, I think it’s totally normal. I don’t think I know anyone that just loves their job, year in and year out. Work used to be something that really didn’t bother me, it was something I did and made the best of.
However, now that I’m a mother, my heart is at home…. so work has became more of a struggle than ever before. Knowing that my son is at home while I’m here.

I think we all get into ruts though, and the only thing that matters is getting out of them. :)

Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com - March 24, 2009 - 8:32 am

I struggle with the people more than I do with the work. I love diversity and challenge and I definitely thrive more at work when my job provides me with both, but how often does that really happen outside of a new job or a promotion?

What matters much more to me is having a community. If I don’t like the people, I tire of the job very quickly and start to dread work. If I love the people, I can stick with something for years even while it isn’t providing me with the intellectual stimulation I crave.

Too bad that whole specialization-in-the-workforce thing had to be invented, though, really. I’ll bet if people had jobs that challenged them more, there would be less burnout in the workplace.

Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com´s last blog post..I love…

admin - March 24, 2009 - 8:43 am

Kristina – don’t you hate days like that? They sound like they’d be fun, but I would imagine after a while it gets more tedious than anything else.

Terra – well said, it is about how we get out of them, not just that we have them!

Sarah – Interesting and a very good point. Personally, I think that’s part of my problem here – not having a lot of interaction lately with the people with whom I work (a large part of the workforce is offsite or in teams) and it’s somewhat isolating. I can totally see how that plays a big part in job satisfaction.

Courtney - March 24, 2009 - 10:24 am

Definite ups and downs. And even though I’ve been out of college/school for almost 10 years, the downs hit during the times that Christmas, Spring, and Summer breaks would happen. My job has it’s slow times every month, it’s at that point that I quietly and secretively get caught up on the blogs I follow… :) But when I’m done there I scavage for odd and end tasks. I think I’ve cleaned out and organized my file drawers 3 times in the past 3 months…

But yes, I’ve extremely grateful that I still have a job with a very secure company. And I think it’s natural to hit a wall and become a little bored or discontent at work.

Courtney´s last blog post..All Day Long…

Jenna @ Newlyweds - March 24, 2009 - 12:32 pm

Heck no, I have been struggling with my job since before the boys were born. I am working purely because we need the money, don’t get me wrong there are things I really enjoy, but for the most part, I really wish I could stay home with the twins.

Jenna @ Newlyweds´s last blog post..Hearty Cabbage Soup

Robynn's Ravings - March 24, 2009 - 1:14 pm

My main job – and I LOVE it – is to homeschool my kids. And I struggle all the time wondering how to fit everything in. But I never stop loving it. Sure wasn’t true in corporate America – but I wasn’t doing what I loved.

Even the blog and my writing career is a joy – most of the time – but I struggle with balance and trying to ply my trade. Many days I feel like if I wasn’t out here it would be like pulling my finger out of a bucket of water. Not much difference really. But I forge ahead because I think there are things to do and things God HAS for me to do. And sometimes I make people laugh and THAT makes it worthwhile. :)

Robynn’s Ravings´s last blog post..Gird Your Loins! I Am Ranting!

Briony - March 24, 2009 - 3:26 pm

i love my job but it has its slow moments and its tedious ones but i don’t always mind it, sometimes it’s a nice break from the more high-stress project driven weeks. its a good balance for me :)

Briony´s last blog post..no flash

erin - March 24, 2009 - 4:27 pm

I wonder how much of it also comes from also wanting to be at a different place in your life, i.e. trying to get pregnant and start a family. I was pretty happy at my job until recently, when this whole pregnant thing started becoming “real” (showing, being achy, etc). I admit, I have a bit of “senioritis” also in that I just cannot WAIT until it maternity leave comes and I can just stay home and rest, and then have my baby and be a mom, until I have to go back to work. 5 weeks till maternity leave, and then I will have the time to comment (longer) novels on your blog!! muhahahaha ;)

I know for me big life changes make me a bit restless at work, maybe because I have other things that I want to be throwing my energy into and can’t to the level I would like to. I should be giving all my energy and attention to my job right now, but I’m not. I just can’t focus like I normally would be able to. Part of that I’m sure is being pregnant but I think part of it is also that I would rather devote my energy to being a wife, a homemaker, growing a kid, taking care of that child once it is here. So I wonder for you, how much of your boredom or restlessness is that you want to make this major life change and yet have to be continually devoting your energy to work when you’d rather channel it elsewhere.

erin´s last blog post..nature’s recycling program

Alzo - March 25, 2009 - 4:11 am

Very good post and some great comments. No, I am convinced that no matter how good a job you have, there is no such thing as the perfect job. There is always something about it that sucks. Just as there is no such thing as a perfect spouse (although mine is pretty close) or perfect children, parents, etc. I think it is question of whether one is able to improve the situation to the point it is acceptable, or if it is time to find something else, if possible. There are always things you can do to improve oneself and one’s situation if we try. So, try not to get discouraged (speaking to myself as much as anyone else).

Joanna - March 25, 2009 - 6:32 am

emilyG … I e-mailed your comment to my husband and told him to just look at the first sentence :)

Joanna´s last blog post..Lions And Tigers And Bears, OH MY!

Tabitha Blue - March 25, 2009 - 8:33 am

You’re definitely not alone! Everyone goes through stages like that, I know I have. Sometimes other things in life distract me and I can tell I’m not putting 100% in at the office, and it effects the quality of my work. It all goes in seasons and stages, I’m sure it will change if you want it to!

:)
~Tabitha~

freshmommyblog.com

Tabitha Blue´s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday… almost

admin - March 25, 2009 - 10:44 am

Courtney – I know what you mean, I’ve organized stuff over and over! It helps pass the time when it’s slow.

Jenna – that must be hard, being away from the boys I mean.

Robynn – I’m glad you forge ahead and I for one am grateful for your ability to make people (myself included) laugh!

Briony – You’re right, balance is key. I don’t think I’d mind the down times so much if there were more up times.

Erin – I read your comment and the light bulb went on! I think that’s a HUGE part of why I’m personally feeling like I do. I keep thinking of the lifestyle changes I want to see happen and it’s hard to imagine combining the two, at least the way my job is now. So yes, that is definitely a large part of the issue!

Alzo – thanks for your supportive words! Having a dialogue like this with all of these great comments really helps to keep things in perspective.

Tabitha Blue – That’s true, it does go through stages. I’m sure the next stage is right around the corner…

Kate - March 25, 2009 - 12:55 pm

Ditto! I also work in HR, and I’ve been working my way through various positions within my company. Right now I’m kind of at the “top” of where I wanted to be, which should be a good thing, right? Wrong. Not if you’re a total overachiever and can’t be satisfied with a good thing :) I find myself bored.

I actually just finished a Masters degree (I officially graduate in June), which I thought would be my ticket onto bigger and better things… but with the tenuous economy and my husband and I trying to make a baby, I don’t think switching jobs would be a very wise thing to do. So I’m sticking it out, and trying to take on as many new projects as possible to show my commitment to my employer and satisfy my unquenchable thirst for challenge. And hoping, hoping, hoping to get pregnant soon! As I’m sure that will bring new challenge that will help me appreciate my quiet days at work.

Kate´s last blog post..She Says… Blogging About Blogs

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