I started a new job a few months ago and long story short, I am bored to death. I’m supposed to be a coordinator for a department, but frankly I am not sure why I was even hired. Everyone has their own office and does their own independent work – there is 0 collaboration. I had no training, no guidance, anything (my role is brand new.) I am 100% convinced no one on my team, even my own bosses, know what I do.
I quite literally get my work done in 30 minutes and have to look busy for 7.5 hours for the rest of the day. We have fishbowl offices so everyone can see what I’m doing. I hate being watched. It makes me so anxious. I can’t go on my phone, browse the internet, etc. I need to look like I’m working. If I could work from home this would probably be the best gig ever as I could basically do whatever I wanted, but my work is 8-5 in your seat, like clockwork.
I can’t believe I am complaining about a lack of work almost- it feels wrong when there are people working multiple jobs to stay afloat and this is basically easy money. But I never knew how soul sucking it could be to sit there every day for 8 hours waiting for 5pm. I’m not learning ANYTHING and I am only 3 years post grad into my career. This won’t get my anywhere. But, somehow my bosses think I’m doing great based off the 1 sentence of feedback I’ve gotten in 6 months.
I asked a few months ago during my initial review for more tasks or something to do to stay busy and they said it could “maybe come soon” – nothing. Everyone focuses on themselves.
Would it be dumb of me to ask for more work? I’m weirdly kind of afraid to. I worry they’ll ask what I’ve been doing. I’m torn between feeling like it’s not my job to do that and it’s their job as my bosses to assign me work and between I need to speak up if I’m unhappy. I don’t love working, but I’m a good worker and will get the work done, but nothings being given. I’m not in a position where I can quit, but I can definitely start looking for something new. This a really secure job so I just want to be smart with the job market.