Advice

In Defense of Boring Jobs

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It's time to defend boring jobs.

Sure I want people to do the jobs that excite them.  I want people to have the kinds of careers that truly let them be themselves.  I want people to – let's face it – turn hobbies into lifelong occupations.

However there are times to do that boring job.  To work at that boring company.  In short, there are times to do things that aren't as exciting as your dream career – because they'll let you reach that career.

  • Perhaps that boring job lets you get valuable skills that you can use elsewhere.  In fact, maybe that job is one of the few jobs that lets you get those skills at all.
  • Those less-than-exciting jobs may let you have experiences that you'll rarely have anywhere else.  Perhaps you go to other countries, or work with technology that's not common.
  • That seemingly uninteresting job could let you make connections that you wouldn't anywhere else.
  • The mind-numbingly dull job you're facing can help you travel or relocate or get to know another area you may want to live.
  • The job you're suffering through may let you step up in your position to a level that would let you transfer your skills and knowledge to a more interesting job or company.

So, yes, we may face jobs that are boring.  But let's not knock them – sometimes that boring job is just what you need to get your more interesting career going.

– Steven Savage

Build Your Own ‘Inside’

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"I'm not on the inside."

Have you ever heard that excuse from some sad seeker of employment?  Have you ever lowered yourself to employ the excuse yourself?  My guess if you've encountered one if not both cases.

It's a common story – and a common excuse.  People think they can't succeed because they're not part of the "inside" the elite group, the . . . well whatever elite or group or team of influencers that makes things happen.  We fear we're not connected, never going to be connected, and are thus going to fail.

I won't lie – connections are important in career and life.  Networking and being connected pays off in far more ways than just a job search.  Decrying it however misses the point.

You're not "on the inside"?  Then build your own inside.  In fact, you're a progeek, you have an entire "inside" just waiting to happen.

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Look At The Many Opportunities Of Relocation

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OK, you've done it.  You're relocating.  You found that right place, that right job (or right opportunity).  You're going to get that career of yours going!

Don't forget, once you relocate, that there's plenty of other things you'll want to do to catch up on your life.  Relocation is an opportunity not just for that new job, but often we're moving to areas that cover a lot of our others needs much better than where we were. 

Consider:

  • A chance to improve your connections.  There are new meetups, new conventions,  new events, new networking opportunities, new holiday celebrations.  Take the time to find out what to do and how to get involved.
  • A chance to improve your health.  If you're going from an area with less than stellar health care to a place with better, or to one of the high-tech megaregions, take advantage of it.  Better doctors, better medications, newer technologies, and more options can all contribute to your health.
  • A chance to improve your education.  More training?  Better schools and colleges?  Check out the opportunities to get better educated in your new location.
  • A chance to go a bit greener.  Is there better public transportation where you're moving?  Can you make a bit less impact on the environment?  Maybe you can even get involved locally to improve things.
  • A chance to save money.  Now you may be moving to a place where things are more costly, despite higher pay, but I've found that its too easy to ignore the chances to save money from a move.  Better public transport can help you ditch one of your cars, locally grown food may be cheaper, more opportunities for exercise can cut your doctor's bills, and more.

So when you relocate for that dream job, don't just look at that.  Look at all the other ways the relocation can improve your life.

– Steven Savage