General Mirth wrote:
How would you avoid finding yourself in that position then?
I can't really. Since one of my team members left, I've had more work to do and particularly since the new year I've taken on more responsibilities (which is what I want). The issue is that whilst now I'm doing more interesting/important stuff compared to 6 months ago, I'm still doing all the other stuff that supports the general work of the team/clients (and no, that's not collecting coffees).
So in essence, I spend more time working because I'm making sure I can do all the new stuff I'm enjoying working on and is relevant to my career progression. Doesn't seem much I can do about the workload per se.
Captain wrote:
Have to be honest, nobody gives a shit how many hours you put in or how hard you work because you simply aren't important enough. Are you doing these extra hours as a favour or because it is par for the course?
As I said I'm doing it so that I can make time to work on the stuff relevant to my career (ie. Projects I'm leading, new business pitches etc.) that I'm otherwise being pulled out of to do other things to support the team.
Regarding the networking, I know it's good and I do attend work drinks, I'm just not great at connecting with the really senior folk beyond something quite superficial.
Captain wrote:
Also, don't be afraid to schedule a meeting with your boss/line manager or whatever you have to discuss what you want to achieve; it could just be that there are projects you can work on that are more worthwhile for you personally and in order to achieve your goals. People like ambition and they like to feel that they are nurturing it in others.
In my annual review, one if the main objectives for me was to take on more responsibility in running projects etc. This is something I was very keen to do but was always a bit cautious about because I'm still relatively new to the job. Their feedback was basically encouraging me to be a bit bolder and basically realise that my opinion is already valid despite my inexperience. I've taken that on board and now I'm basically managing one of my accounts (ie. Rather than just working on it).
One of my frustrations has always been how much time I spend on data analysis. It's an area that I knew about before I started and although I've stressed my desire to move away from it so I can progress, I still get lumbered with a lot of requests in that realm despite the added responsibilities I've taken on since the girl in my team left (and who isn't going to be replaced) and the stuff I purposely take on because it's interesting and good for my progress.
Ivansen wrote:
I don't know what kind of work you do, but the way to get appreciated at my job is to become indispensible. Learn some really boring area that no one else wants to touch, but that's an important part of your business.
That's the data analysis stuff basically. If anything my efficiency/aptitude in that area is abused unfortunately. 😆
Captain wrote:
We'll agree to disagree.
Don works in Media, he's one year in, he has to make himself stand out. He can sit there and hope somebody notices him or he can accelerate that by simply being a more confident, interactive person (skills that will serve him very well in his chosen occupation); I know what makes more sense to me.
I think I'm quite confident in my job on a day-to-day basis and I certainly try to get involved in things. The reason I mentioned self-promotion is because I actually think my director and associate director don't actually realise how much I do.
y va marquer wrote:
Don maybe as a starting point you should assess what the consequences would be if you didn't work those extra hours...
In short, things (a) either wouldn't get done or (b) is miss out on the more interesting/relevant projects to get involved in.
