(Untitled)

[idea_boy]

I'm bored, at work, again. I'm on the fence as to whether or not I want to start looking elsewhere, especially with the market being what it is these days. I also feel like a complete tool complaining about a job when so many people I know would be thankful to have one right now. It's just that I have almost no writing work to do here, and what I

Comments

[indar_chandra]

I don't know if this sounds even vaguely tempting to you, but if it's just more work you are looking for I know several non-profits that could benefit from you skills. It would be unpaid and I’m not sure how you are paid now (by project or salary), so my suggestion might be awash. That said, if you are looking for projects, I have plenty of do-gooders who willing to exploit you.

[idea_boy]

Yeah, pay is important. I'm on salary currently and would like to continue that way. Lately, I've been thinking about doing some sort of philanthropic work, but the no money part makes it unlikely.

[dejavudu]

But couldn't pro bono work be done on the side as a portfolio builder? Especially if you've got time on your hands while you sit at the desk...

[idea_boy]

I think they'd frown upon me doing outside work while at the office.

[mrs_budzisz]

It won't hurt to send in your portfolio. Don't feel guilty about leaving until you have an offer on the table from someone else. And just because you get an offer, doesn't mean you have to take it if you don't feel like it will be a good fit. You already have a job right now, so you can be choosy about where you go next. Good luck!

[jrunberg]

Choosy mothers choose... great point.

Put the book together and send it in - what's the worst that could happen (unless he's BFF w/ your employer). If you get the interview, enjoy it. If you get the offer, decide if the fit is right. Rule of thumb: if you're not a little scared then it's probably too easy. Post the results.

[29_97fps]

I agree. Send it out and if they offer then consider it. Telling your current place that you are not doing the work you thought you would is a legit reason for leaving. They can always counter if they want to. We all know the economy is crap but if you don't have to suffer, then there is no reason to. You won't be happy for much of your life if you're not happy at your job. Money is important but feeling like you serve a purpose and are valued were your work is far more important in the long run.

[idea_boy]

More money isn't going to solve the issue. They just don't have the work I want to be doing and what they do have me doing isn't going to further my career (at this point). I have to decide if I want to wait and see if they start moving in a more "full-service" direction or just keep getting website redesign work that they may or may not need me to work up copy for (and still not the kind of work I prefer doing).

[cs_smith]

I agree with Devin; if the work isn't turning out to be what you thought it would be, there's no reason to feel guilty. I know what you mean about just being happy to have a job. I was a bit down on my current gig back in Nov...even reached out to my headhunter. Things weren't getting produced and I just wasn't into it. Then, a month later, we had layoffs...100+ people were let go. My attitude changed pretty quickly. Luckily, things are now getting produced, so that's a welcome change.

It sounds like, not only do you feel guilty, but that there's also a twinge of worrying about whether the next job will work out. I'd think that, if that next job affords you opportunity to do the work you want to do, then it's probably worth rolling the dice. Good luck either way.

[idea_boy]

There certainly is a twinge of worry about the next job, but there are a few things that are coming up. I worry that, with a tanking economy, I'll be the new guy and first to go when there are cuts. I also worry that I won't be able to produce the work they're looking for, as it's been years since I've worked on actual concepts. Finally, I worry that I'll even like working there. I generally like the people I work with now, but I feel like I'm just sitting around (which, truth be told, I am).