work advice

C

Cbelle

Cathlete
I recently started a new job (4 weeks ago) and am very unhappy. It appears as if they hired me without actually having anything for me to do! I go from person to person begging for something to do and usual only get easy, busy work type stuff. This morning this is what I did:

1) checked email every 5 seconds for 1 hr. No kidding
2) highlighted 5 people's names on a piece of paper
3) went to the bathroom
4) sat in my car to kill time while going to get the mail

That's it. Its been like this ever since I got here and I'm going insane! I like to have down time at work but this is ridiculous!!! I can barely drag myself in here in the mornings.

So should I quit or what?
 
Cbelle,

Have you asked someone for a job description? Are they perhaps in need of someone to do a job, but don't seem to have the time or personnel to train you now that they've hired you?

I'd go talk to your immediate supervisor/boss or the person who hired you and ask them exactly what is your "job description" and if one is given which requires your training, ask when you'll receive the training. This can be done professionally, I should think they'd understand your feeling that you are not contributing anything at this point.

I understand how your day must be draaaaaaaaaging on, ugh!
 
Administrative Assistant was the job description, no training, but they've never had an admin assistant before, probably because they don't need one! I go around to everyone for jobs, including the person who hired me and generally get brushed off like I'm just a nuisance
 
Then, it's up to you to show your usefullness. Do you like this company?

If the answer is yes, then I would write down everything thing you can do - all of your skill sets. Think hard about how you think you can contribute to the company and make everyone else's job's easier.

Then I would go around to each person you're supposed to be helping and ask each for 15 minutes of their time. Explain to them what you can do, show them how you can take some of the load off their shoulders, and ask them if they can think of anything else you can help them with. I'm sure they simply don't know what to do with you. So if you show your initiative, you can get more work, and it may just help you move up the ladder later on.

Good luck.
 
I felt this way with new jobs before. It sometimes takes a few weeks to get the hang of things and have people get used to you. I'm sure before you know it, you'll have plenty to do. The last office job I had started very slowly like you described and slowly built up to a very busy job for me. I'd give it some time and get used to your surroundings.

Carolyn
 
I think that it may be that people are not used to having an administrative assistant and either 1) are not sure what kinda of tasks to give you or 2) feel bad pawning off some of their work on you. So maybe make it clear what you can do and ask if they need any of those things and that you are happy to do them, so that they don't feel bad giving you work. I know that I did not give my assistant any work for a long time because of the two reasons listed above. But now we have a great relationship and I can't imagine doing a project without her.
 
I like Christine's advice. Helpfully assert yourself, you'll probably become indespensible before you know it.:)
 
If all else fails get a clipboard and keep the sheet out of site from everyone. Take a walk around the office every now and then and randomly write things on the clipboard. This will instill a sense of paranoia in your coworkers.

When you have nothing to do reprogram people's personal speed dial #s on their phones to call other numbers, McDonalds, Burger King, 1 900 sex lines etc etc.

Gradually switch the coffee to decaf, keep it decaf for a week or two then when everyone is adjusted switch back to hyper caffienated coffee.

Hack the office muzak system to play either real redneck country or hip-hop rap the same week you switch back to caffienated coffee.

If the office has a paging system, whenever there's a page roll to floor in a fetal position crying "please, please make the voices stop"

Everyone appreciates working in a non stressful environment LOL
Dave
 
A lot of times a new job can start off very slow and especially true if its a new position. I would suggest making up some things to do...maybe redoing some forms or paperwork on the computer if its ragged looking. Develop a filing system if needed. Keep asking for projects and definitely talk to your boss. Boredom all day like that is no fun at all...I remember days like that. Maybe you'll just see things that could be done better, etc and do that.
 
I am a firm believer that you create your own environment-quitting is just that quitting. You have to go in there every day and make things happen for you. You set the tone of the job-get involved with whatever is happening at work and make suggestions. It could end up being the best job youve ever had but people wont make things happen for you only you can do that.
Lisa
 
I can't decide what I like better Christine's wonderfully astute advice:) or Dave's warped sense of humour:+ Thanks for the laugh Dave but I almost choked on my post workout snack reading it:7

Take Care
Laurie:)
 
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