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

#11

Post by gshdg »

x2f10 wrote: post #9
matt_the_bass wrote: post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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.

Maybe find a friend to role-play the conversation with?

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

#12

Post by ChickenTicklerz »

Do you have a forum to discuss this in? I.e: weekly 1-to-1's, monthly/quarterly reviews (annual reviews naturally being too late to bring this up)

What's your relationship like with your manager? You could test the waters if you socialise with your manager outside of work (maybe even just work drinks during a week?) and bring it up, and ask if it's something you could discuss.

Alternatively you could ask your manager for a meeting and tell him you've been struggling with this task and you need support on how to make it easier. Note, it's important that when you're bringing a problem to management to have some potential solutions, including ones that you favour most i.e. Automate that thing Spread the load Farm it off to another team or get a tool to make the task easier.

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

#14

Post by x2f10 »

ChickenTicklerz wrote: post #12

Do you have a forum to discuss this in? I.e: weekly 1-to-1's, monthly/quarterly reviews (annual reviews naturally being too late to bring this up) What's your relationship like with your manager? You could test the waters if you socialise with your manager outside of work (maybe even just work drinks during a week?) and bring it up, and ask if it's something you could discuss. Alternatively you could ask your manager…

I have scheduled a meeting for EOW. The meeting will be my forum to discuss this issue with the decision makers. Hence, I am looking for suggestions on how to approach what will be a difficult conversation for me.

I think I will do as you suggest: let them know I'm struggling, provide options, and see where it goes. I am to the point where, even if I like this place, I will be looking for another opportunity if it's not resolved.

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

#15

Post by segmondy »

Why is it causing you grief? Does the task matter? Will it help the company? Then why can't you suffer through it? Someone has to! Why should it be anyone else but you? I don't believe everything that we do for work ought to be enjoyable, sometimes it's tedious and boring. But we must suffer through it because it needs to be done. I personally believe that most people feel like you do when they don't see how it connects to the broader company strategy and what value it brings. So try to understand that. If it brings no value, then speak up because it's not worth doing.

This is my personal opinion and feelings, I know most people don't agree with it, but that's how I reason about boring work.

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

#16

Post by JSeymourATL »

> I'd like to tell them this in a productive manner ...

First, have 2-3 possible SOLUTIONS to this problem when you have the conversation with your Boss.

(Don't make it his problem.)

Frame the conversation in terms of your professional strengths.

We all should be thinking about the Highest & Best use of our time.

If you weren't working on this Assigned Task -- what are you willing/able to do?

Team Player Mindset: What would add more VALUE to the organization?

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

#17

Post by jerome-jh »

x2f10 wrote: post #7
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.

"I would rather leave the company than endure another minute"

However you phrase it, if that is your actual thinking, it will sound like an ultimatum. Your best bet is to say things clearly and not try to hide.

What is unclear: do you hate the task itself (because it is bureaucratic, repetitive, needs interacting with people you dislike) or do you hate the consequences of the task (privacy violations, squeezing money out of poor people, making weapons)?

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

#18

Post by fred_is_fred »

segmondy wrote: post #15

Why is it causing you grief? Does the task matter? Will it help the company? Then why can't you suffer through it? Someone has to! Why should it be anyone else but you? I don't believe everything that we do for work ought to be enjoyable, sometimes it's tedious and boring. But we must suffer through it because it needs to be done. I personally believe that most people feel like you do when they don't see how it conne…

Life is too short to have to dread going to work every day, even if it's necessary for the company.
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