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Ask HN: What to do about a boring job ?

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Re: Ask HN: What to do about a boring job ?

#21

Post by j_baker »

Since you're doing well in terms of workload, I'd suggest using the extra time to learn new things. Use emacs? Learn vim. Use vim? Learn emacs. Don't use either one? Learn both. Any skills you need that could be preventing you from getting your dream job? Learn them.

Seriously, this works as long as your job situation is only temporary. If you force yourself to use the new things you're learning you can also draw your projects out a little bit more so that you're not spending all day browsing HN (or whatever else you read) and you look busier (which is what's really important to PHBs).

Re: Ask HN: What to do about a boring job ?

#22

Post by madprogrammer »

rjett wrote: post #5

If you "cannot switch" (hard to believe) then I would suggest going above and beyond your job description to create value for your employer. This will help displace downtime and make your job more interesting. Being passive about your situation isn't going to do anything for you though.

"I would suggest going above and beyond your job description to create value for your employer."

Why in the world would one want to do that? It's not like you are going to get paid more or get more free time for going the extra mile.

Re: Ask HN: What to do about a boring job ?

#23

Post by frossie »

j_baker wrote: post #21

Since you're doing well in terms of workload, I'd suggest using the extra time to learn new things. Use emacs? Learn vim. Use vim? Learn emacs. Don't use either one? Learn both. Any skills you need that could be preventing you from getting your dream job? Learn them. Seriously, this works as long as your job situation is only temporary. If you force yourself to use the new things you're learning you can also draw you…

I second this enthusiastically. If the workload is not taxing for you, instead of finding things to fill your spare time, just do the things you have to do as "inefficiently" as possible. One of the barriers to trying new things is the drop in efficiency (like switching to a new editor, as per the suggestion before). If you can take the productivity hit, this can be a great opportunity. Frustrated by a lack of feature in the editor? Rather than work around it, fix it and submit a patch. Keep using KDE (or whatever) but switch your locale to French. If you don't already and you are allowed to do so, switch your version control to git - that should mess with your mind for a good while :-)

Basically if you genuinely can't leave, just try and make it interesting for yourself and make a habit of stepping outside your comfort zone - otherwise your brain will rot.

The other issue is your actual project. If you have scope, overspec it. Only you will know, but that should give you back some pride in your work. If you are taking shortcuts, don't. If you are not commenting and documenting properly, do. If you can make the code faster, speed it up. If you can deliver knobs and whistles, go for it.

Re: Ask HN: What to do about a boring job ?

#24

Post by rjett »

madprogrammer wrote: post #22
rjett wrote: post #5

If you "cannot switch" (hard to believe) then I would suggest going above and beyond your job description to create value for your employer. This will help displace downtime and make your job more interesting. Being passive about your situation isn't going to do anything for you though.

"I would suggest going above and beyond your job description to create value for your employer." Why in the world would one want to do that? It's not like you are going to get paid more or get more free time for going the extra mile.

That's quite a myopic view of things. Going above and beyond may not offer an immediate pay increase, promotion or more break time, but it will afford him an opportunity to learn new things, show that he is fit for more responsibility, and in the process he'll stand out to all those working around him. All this will increase his chances later down the road of getting where he wants to be. Most importantly, it will address his immediate problem of boredom!

His alternative: Do what his job description says, surf the internet, watch the paint dry... sounds like a real recipe for motivation, excitement, and success.

Re: Ask HN: What to do about a boring job ?

#25

Post by timwiseman »

madprogrammer wrote: post #22
rjett wrote: post #5

If you "cannot switch" (hard to believe) then I would suggest going above and beyond your job description to create value for your employer. This will help displace downtime and make your job more interesting. Being passive about your situation isn't going to do anything for you though.

"I would suggest going above and beyond your job description to create value for your employer." Why in the world would one want to do that? It's not like you are going to get paid more or get more free time for going the extra mile.

1. You may get paid more. Going above and beyond might be what makes you the next person promoted when an opening comes.

2. You may open up more opportunities down the road. Going beyond what is required may get you noticed by coworkers that may prove to be in important positions to help you many years down the road.

3. You almost certainly will learn that way. By going outside what what is required you will put yourself in new positions and face challenges you wouldn't otherwise. This can be one of the best ways to learn.

If nothing else, it can help you be less bored then just doing the minimum required for a boring job.

Re: Ask HN: What to do about a boring job ?

#26

Post by timwiseman »

tjmaxal wrote: post #4

I am currently in the same situation. As my friends keep reminding me, STOP WHINING! You are employed in the middle of an economic recession. It could always be worse.

While I do dislike listening to whining, I also find a search for improvement in your situation to be quite understandable, no matter how good your situation may be.

No matter how good things are, you can always work to make things better.

One important point though is to be careful about the meaning of better you use. The obvious route is through seeking more money, more prestige, more etc. But another way may be focusing on your spiritual life. Another may be working to help others through volunteer or otherwork and finding fulfillment that way. And of course, there is nothing saying you can't pursue multiple goals and multiple ways of improving your life at the same time.

Re: Ask HN: What to do about a boring job ?

#28

Post by btilly »

madprogrammer wrote: post #22
rjett wrote: post #5

If you "cannot switch" (hard to believe) then I would suggest going above and beyond your job description to create value for your employer. This will help displace downtime and make your job more interesting. Being passive about your situation isn't going to do anything for you though.

"I would suggest going above and beyond your job description to create value for your employer." Why in the world would one want to do that? It's not like you are going to get paid more or get more free time for going the extra mile.

1. It is a very useful habit to be in.

2. It is a great way to establish good relationships that will help build your personal network for the future.

3. It may lead to unexpected good things happening with your current employer.

Re: Ask HN: What to do about a boring job ?

#29

Post by zck »

ams6110 wrote: post #27

If the workload isn't much, can you work on your side project during the day after you've gotten your work responsibilities taken care of (or while you're waiting)?

Since this would involve getting a signed letter from the company stating that the company does not own work you do for your side project while you're at work, it seems unlikely that this is an option.

Re: Ask HN: What to do about a boring job ?

#30

Post by CyberFonic »

If you had a heart attack, came to in a hospital bed, would you rip out the IV, get dressed and go to work???

Didn't think so. So you CAN SWITCH, it's just that you've become attached to your present circumstances and are not prepared to break free. So stop killing yourself, quit and do whatever it is that you can contribute greatest value by.

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