“Help, I just started my new job and am already bored!”

Question, from a recent grad in a new job: “Today is my fourth day, and I’m already feeling bored. I’m hoping this is just me being impatient and that things will get better. I’m glad to be employed and to have an income, but my gut instinct about this job was right — this definitely isn’t the place I envision myself. Do you have any advice on getting through this period? I made a list of things I’m happy about in my life, which helps, but any practical advice would be appreciated. I feel like a constant whiner — maybe I need to just suck it up?”

Answer: For starters, do cut yourself some slack. We’ve all been there! Here are some thoughts:

1. Commit to a time period you can mentally handle. Is it 3 months, 6 months, 9 months? It takes time to get to know a new position and what’s possible within it. It’s good to give yourself the opportunity to try it out, regardless of your initial feelings.

2. Muster up the courage to ask for more work or clarity on what you should be doing. Chances are if you don’t have enough to do, and you’re bored, it’s because you’re new but that will change.

3. Make friends – that always helps. Ask people to go to lunch with you or a snack break. At the same time, there’s no need to put too much pressure on friend-making right away.

4. Use the boredom time as a gift to work on your own projects or creative ideas at lunch or while working. (I’m always multi-tasking and never once had a job where all I did was THAT job. But maybe that’s just me.)

5. Figure out the fun stuff you like to do. For me it’s a little writing, helping others, projects that require my creative input, or use my special gifts. Find your way onto those projects or suggest them. It takes some time to figure that out and involves self-awareness.

6. Aim for one week at a time, one day at a time.

7. According to LYJ blogger Jen Bird – Always remember that it’s only TEMPORARY and you have choices, i.e. you can leave, stay, or use the time to explore other options. Even evaluating all of your options mentally may help you to realize the benefits of staying for the time being and actively choosing to stay in your current position may have the effect of making you feel more powerful/less a victim of circumstance. Understanding and remembering that you have choices can be a huge relief, and one that allows you to then focus on using the time productively in some other way.

Other suggestions for our recent grad?

Got job or career-related questions? Send them to lyjnow (at) gmail.com.

About the Author: Suzanne Grossman

Suzanne Grossman is a job search coach and women’s leadership specialist. She is a founder of Love Your Job (LYJ) Search, a series of classes that support women in achieving fulfilling work at the compensation they deserve. She also advises graduate students, teaching them practical skills and sharing information on how to make the leap to satisfying careers. Suzanne has a BA in Psychology from Tufts University and a Master’s degree in Women’s and Gender Studies from Rutgers University. See testimonials on Suzanne’s success working with women jobseekers. Follow Suzanne on Twitter @LYJnow and @Suzanne_LYJnow. Contact lyjnow (at) gmail.com.

2 Comments

Omee January 2, 2012 at 8:45 am

I have been working for 4 years in a very reputed company and everything was good. Then after my marriage i have joined a new company now which is also good, (in pay as well)
The problem is my co workers and so called seniors are so boring and idiotic, they are not friendly at all, i tried being friendly to them however they seem to all be in group and keep me aside, I am a very good employee and very talented and fun loving. I used to have lots of friends and enjoy a lot in my previous company, but here the things are totally opposite, though salary is good i am still v upset over this new job and keep missing my old days. i tried to over come but the people in my bew company are so boring and not creative at all. they dont have answers most of the time to the questions i ask them about the process.Please give me your expert comments on what to do in this situation, I cannot quit the job right now as i have lots of commitments as well.. i wish the new job was as interesting as my old one.. waiting for your comments.

Thanks
- Suzanne Grossman January 2, 2012 at 10:23 am
  
  Thanks for your comment, Omee. I understand your frustration and am sure it is shared by many. Since you need this job and quitting is not an option, it’s helpful to make peace with the present moment and start to shift your perceptions. I recommend using an affirmation such as, “My co-workers are creative and interesting. I enjoy many friendly relationships at work.” Visualize this and say to yourself before and throughout your day. Make a commitment to do this for one month and be open to the process. Groups can be challenging so why not ask one person you like the best to have lunch with you or a coffee break. It takes time to develop relationships; you can start by reaching out to others. Finally, can you make peace with this being “just a job” for the moment and find other ways to engage your passions and energy outside of work? If you are happy in other areas of your life, this will spill over into your workday. Best of luck to you!