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Hey all,

Just wanted to know if you run into issues like these like I am. I am currently working as a business analyst working with Oracles ERP system (yuck); I havn’t liked it since the day I started working (its all about documentation and very little play); I have managed to survive here for a full year now, and I am ready to go insane. Unfortunately I havn’t had any opportunities to move into a different area (which I would like to be re-focused on the web: Cold Fusion or PHP; I love both languages). I need to get out of this place though, but unfortunately I am being very picky in selecting the next move as I don’t want to end up at another I hate my job its really boring situations haha.

It’s so strange, because usually I am a workhorse. I love putting in the hours and being dedicated to my job. Ever since starting here though I have just stopped caring and I do the bare minimum to get by; you know, just enough to make sure my work is done and no one has to talk to me about anything. I feel like the guy from office space. hah.

Has anyone else run into situations like this? What did you do? Because this is pretty lame. I feel like my talent for the web is being wasted, and I am being ‘forced’ into something I’m not good at. I’m sure I can develop into an “OK” BA, but it just seems like I am so much better with web based skills.

Thoughts? Shared a similar experience??

Hey drewbee,

Have you tried to sit down with your boss and have a private conversation about your goals/desires?  I can tell you you’re likely to get the ‘just help me get through this one project and…’ sort of response.  But it may lay the ground work for better things down the road.

Remember, every day is a job interview.

Randy

Actually yeah, which is why it is sort of strange in the way it turned out. I actually contracted with this company for 6 months before being hired on full time.

During that interim period between contracting and employee, I told them that I was looking for a more web centric focus in my career path, but for some really strange reason they were all about doing everything they could to not get me to leave. They even offered different positions within the company. It was after all, 6 months worth of training that they would have to re-do.

I found it quite strange that they were trying to keep me, even though I had told them I was looking for other jobs, interviewing, and I wasn’t too interested in what I was doing here. If I was my manager looking at me after that, I would know in my head that it would only be a matter of time before randomly leaving. I think a lot of that has past since that was about 6 months ago, and your right a conversation would lead into ‘help me out with this help me out with that’. It will only be when that two week notice finally goes in that it will be serious.

Unfortunately I have thought at times to just put it in anyways so I am forced to be at another job or doing something else, but we all know those good ol’ bills get the best of all of us eh? 😊

Yeah…so here’s what I might suggest.  Have a private meeting again.  This time simply tell your boss that you’ve tried your best to make it work.  You were honest up front about what you were after, you’ve tried your best and given this a fair shot.  “Unfortunately, I’m afraid this position just isn’t fulfilling the professional development goals I had in my 5 year plan.  May I have your permission to talk to the Director of IT (or your boss or whomever) about seeking a position where I can utilize the skillset I’ve developed as a PHP and ColdFusion expert?”.

This might sound a little “in your face”, but your boss will know you’re serious. You’ll be taking control of your own career, and you’ll feel a lot better.  The worst that can happen is you’ll confirm your boss’ suspicions. Trust me…he/she already knows anyway if they are worth half a paycheck 😉

hope this is half way helpful,

Randy

Thanks for the advice. It will be very useful when I am ready to ‘pull the trigger’ so to speak.

I always find it funny, because even though I do what is necessary to get by, I always get my work done on time and correctly. I just don’t hit that ‘above and beyond’ factor I guess. It seems enough to keep my manager quiet, or at the very least enough to make him not get upset with me. I’m pretty sure he realizes I’m bored more out through the day.

Unfortunately, he’s the workaholic type, and doesn’t want to relinquish work to anyone under him. But then he sits their and always complains about being busy. Go figure, eh? Their are 3 of us under him, and all of them feel the same about it.

Let me guess…he has the title of Project Manager…right?

Randy

FYI…I’m a PMP.

No. He is actually a lead who works under a manager. However, the actual manager I see for a few minutes a day. I work next to my lead though.