Fran took some new approaches to her work, and found that it put a lot of enthusiasm back into her job. She simply made some changes in her usual routine and did a few things more creatively. It’s Saturday now and she’s meeting her friend, Nancy for lunch to ask her advice about being bored with her job.
They have a long discussion about boredom, and Nancy agrees that it’s a challenge everybody has to face on and off throughout their careers. "No job is without its boring aspects, that’s one thing I’ve come to accept, Fran," Nancy says.
"I’m beginning to understand that," Fran says, "but I really think that I’ve outgrown the job in a sense. I’m ready for a bigger challenge."
"Do you see another job in the company that interests you?" Nancy asks.
"Yes, as a matter of fact," Fran answers, "but I’m not qualified—they would never consider me…."
"Now, Fran, don’t start with the negative prophecies. You need to identify your career goals and then put a plan in place to make yourself qualified," Nancy tells her.
"Well, I’d like to be … I really think I could do a good job… I’d like my boss’s job," Fran finally gets it out.
"Great…" Nancy starts to reply.
"But they’d never consider me. I haven’t been there long enough…" Fran starts again.
"Stop it, Fran," Nancy says. "Let’s just make a list of the qualifications necessary to do your boss’s job; then we’ll talk about what you can do to acquire the skills and experience you need as quickly as possible."
For about an hour the two of them make notes and discuss what Fran needs to do to be qualified for the job she wants. Then Nancy says, "If I were you, I’d go to your boss, and solicit her help. Let her know that you want to be in line for her job when she gets promoted, and ask her to give you assignments or suggestions that will help you."
"You mean, tell her I want her job?" Fran is surprised at Nancy’s suggestion.
"Sure, there’s nothing wrong with that. She’s undoubtedly working on her next promotion, and she should be impressed that you want to work on yours," Nancy says.
As Fran goes back home she says to Jesus, "Nancy had some great advice. Now, I’ll just work out a plan and then ask my boss to give me some new areas of responsibility that will help qualify me for the job I want. Thanks, Jesus, for your help."
She can feel his smile of approval and remembers another verse from Proverbs 19:20 – when you listen to advice and accept instructions, in the end you will be wise.
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How to Thrive from 9 to 5 will teach you to do more than just survive on your job. In this book Mary Whelchel offers creative and practical suggestions that will make every aspect of your work more enjoyable. Click here to order the book or call us at 630-462-0552.
Our 25th Annual Weekend Getaway – The Life You Were Meant to Live – is April 19-21, 2013. Kay Arthur is our Special Guest Speaker. This will be a conference you won’t want to miss. For more information or a brochure call 630-462-0552 or go to our website at www.christianworkingwoman.org. Take advantage of early bird savings and register by March 1st to save $25.
