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How to cope with boredom on your job—that’s Fran’s dilemma. But she’s learned some valuable lessons on practical things she can do when she’s feeling unmotivated and bored.
Fran took some new approaches to her work and found 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. That has helped a great deal. 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 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 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 let him know that you want to be in line for his job when he gets promoted. Ask him to give you assignments or suggestions that will help you.”
“You mean, tell him I want his job?” Fran is surprised at Nancy’s suggestion. “Sure, there’s nothing wrong with that,” Nancy says.
As Fran goes back home, she says to Jesus, “Nancy had some great advice. 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.
