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Ask HN: How do I tell my employer I love the job but hate what I'm working on?

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Ask HN: How do I tell my employer I love the job but hate what I'm working on?

#1

Post by x2f10 »

I am working a job I love. I work for decent pay in a location close to home with people I like. However, one of my assigned tasks is causing me so much grief that I would rather leave the company than endure another minute. I absolutely hate it. The thing is, I'd like to tell them this in a productive manner as I wish to continue my other work (and maybe additional work), but I am _miserable_ doing this one specific task.

How do I tell my employer that I like it here but find myself drained and unmotivated about one of my assigned tasks?

Re: Ask HN: How do I tell my employer I love the job but hate what I'm working on?

#3

Post by x2f10 »

vnpc1 wrote: post #2

Is it a specific project that you want to move away from? Or is it an ongoing responsibility that you would like to stop doing?

It's more of an ongoing responsibility that I would like to stop doing. It needs to be done, but it's draining me. The process is extensive to the point that I do not have the time left over to do a good job on my other responsibilities. In addition, it's more of an administrative task that is preventing me from improving other processes and/or learn other tasks.

Re: Ask HN: How do I tell my employer I love the job but hate what I'm working on?

#4

Post by mortivore »

x2f10 wrote: post #3
vnpc1 wrote: post #2

Is it a specific project that you want to move away from? Or is it an ongoing responsibility that you would like to stop doing?

It's more of an ongoing responsibility that I would like to stop doing. It needs to be done, but it's draining me. The process is extensive to the point that I do not have the time left over to do a good job on my other responsibilities. In addition, it's more of an administrative task that is preventing me from improving other processes and/or learn other tasks.

Is there a way you could automate the task?

Re: Ask HN: How do I tell my employer I love the job but hate what I'm working on?

#5

Post by fastbeef »

I went through this exact situation. I wound up telling them like it was - I liked everything about the job except my actual duties. Then I proceeded to describe to them what I’d like to do instead (focus on ops) and basically invented a position for myself. And they said yes!

My point is, don’t dwell On What you don’t want, but rather focus on what you do want and work to make it happen.

Re: Ask HN: How do I tell my employer I love the job but hate what I'm working on?

#6

Post by x2f10 »

mortivore wrote: post #4
x2f10 wrote: post #3

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's more of an ongoing responsibility that I would like to stop doing. It needs to be done, but it's draining me. The process is extensive to the point that I do not have the time left over to do a good job on my other responsibilities. In addition, it's more of an administrative task that is preventing me from improving other processes and/or learn other tasks.

Is there a way you could automate the task?

There is not. There's maybe a part I could automate, but the bulk of the frustrating parts is speaking with sales, speaking with customers, etc. This task is something nobody else is willing to do. It's basically a "hot potato" situation with different departments.

Re: Ask HN: How do I tell my employer I love the job but hate what I'm working on?

#7

Post by x2f10 »

fastbeef wrote: post #5

I went through this exact situation. I wound up telling them like it was - I liked everything about the job except my actual duties. Then I proceeded to describe to them what I’d like to do instead (focus on ops) and basically invented a position for myself. And they said yes! My point is, don’t dwell On What you don’t want, but rather focus on what you do want and work to make it happen.

Thank you. How did you word what you said? I don't want to come across as aggressive or giving a strong ultimatum.

Re: Ask HN: How do I tell my employer I love the job but hate what I'm working on?

#8

Post by matt_the_bass »

x2f10 wrote: post #6
mortivore wrote: post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Is there a way you could automate the task?

There is not. There's maybe a part I could automate, but the bulk of the frustrating parts is speaking with sales, speaking with customers, etc. This task is something nobody else is willing to do. It's basically a "hot potato" situation with different departments.

Your boss probably knows this and is sweating it until you raise the issue with him/her. If the company/environment is so great, then your boss is probably pretty good. So talk to your boss.

Can they hire someone part time just for that task? That may be less expensive than the cost to replace you (should you leave).

Re: Ask HN: How do I tell my employer I love the job but hate what I'm working on?

#9

Post by x2f10 »

matt_the_bass wrote: post #8
x2f10 wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There is not. There's maybe a part I could automate, but the bulk of the frustrating parts is speaking with sales, speaking with customers, etc. This task is something nobody else is willing to do. It's basically a "hot potato" situation with different departments.

Your boss probably knows this and is sweating it until you raise the issue with him/her. If the company/environment is so great, then your boss is probably pretty good. So talk to your boss. Can they hire someone part time just for that task? That may be less expensive than the cost to replace you (should you leave).

I think you're right. I guess what I'm looking for is advice on how to speak to the issue. I tend to have the habit of ranting and going on-and-on. I also find that when I try to curb this, my words can seem sharp and forceful.

Re: Ask HN: How do I tell my employer I love the job but hate what I'm working on?

#10

Post by shoo »

> don’t dwell On What you don’t want, but rather focus on what you do want and work to make it happen.

fastbeef makes a good point.

That said, be clear when communicating what you want.

A way to help frame discussion is to think of other work you could be doing that the organisation would find useful/important. If your boss or another manager is keen for you to start doing new work to solve the other problems, it can be easier to talk positively and get support for you to start doing the new activity and drop some of your existing responsibilities.

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