Normally I wouldn't be asking for advice but I feel CP is an extremely strong community of posters and will offer some advice on my current situation.
I've been working at a fairly large company which I have nothing but great things to say about them but lately I've been feeling fairly put off from my industry, baring this is my first full time job after graduating from post secondary. I used to enjoy going to work and doing something I was really passionate about but for the past few weeks its been a total 180, maybe I'm just posting due to emotions and not thinking logically about it. Would it be wise to talk to a manager about it and get their take on my performance to gauge where I sit in the company?
Did you go through a phase like this when first starting out in your industry?
These ups and downs are normal.
I do recommend talking to your report about your feelings, especially if you have a review coming up. If you feel you need more of a challenge then mention it. If you are "personally" in a rut then nothing your job offers will help you out of that...its your own responsibility to dig out of that hole.
40 years ago or more men would stay in the same job for a lifetime, I cant imagine how boring it must have been for some of those guys. Now it appears that its normal to change jobs/professions at least 6 times or more, it keeps the focus clear for most.
If your job description doesn't change and it gives you nothing no matter what you say, then change.
Every new job has a "honeymoon period" where you are excited and think things will be great, then after a while the rigors of the office, regardless of where it is, kick in and you start to feel disheartened because everything isn't as good as you thought/or is the same as it was in your last job. Then, as you adjust to the setting and your job expectations, things start to get better. There is a technical term for it, but I really don't feel like digging out a textbook and trying to figure it out.
I would say hang tight for a bit, especially since this is your first full time job in the industry.
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"Wake up, Luigi! The only time plumbers sleep on the job is when we're working by the hour."
Location: Close enough to make a beer run during a TV timeout
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When I feel like this I try to go for lunch with my old co-workers. They tell me stories about my old work and I remember how much I hated that place; and it refreshes my interest in my current job.
In your case- are you in a profession that required university? Maybe go for lunch with some of your old classmates; that way you can see how many are in worse positions since graduating.
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I think you need more time to diagnose whether your feelings are an actual indication of unhappiness with your employment, or a symptom of other malaise.
We are coming out of 4 months of darkness, so spirits can drag.
This may sound silly, but could it be the weather? I've been feeling miserable and I know it's because I'm pretty much stuck inside because I can't take my kid out when it's -40.
I'm going to Palm Springs in a couple of weeks and I know that will revitalize me. Maybe you just need a vacation?
I would STRONGLY encourage you to discuss your thoughts with your direct supervisor (or higher, if you've got the relationship). I love it when my guys come and talk to me. It shows that they trust me and that they know we're working together. Good management knows how hard it is to recruit, train and ultimately trust new staff.
With that being said, you need to be sure that you're not just in a funk before you move ahead with any drastic changes. Ride it out for 4-6 weeks and see if there are signs of improvement.
Now for the mini-sermon:
Within a professional context, blind dedication to any particular person, job or industry is a waste of your life. If you aren't getting exactly what you want/need out of a situation, there's absolutely no reason to stay. Don't ever discount the option to shift within the same organization, but don't ever hesitate to move on completely. This applies equally to specific jobs, industries and careers.
And the final bit of advice.....have another job before you quit. So many people make the mistake of jumping overboard without a life-jacket.
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.......Would it be wise to talk to a manager about it and get their take on my performance to gauge where I sit in the company?
.....
It is not a bad idea to talk with your manager but do not talk about yourself feeling under motivated. Speak about yourself in a positive manner while trying to gauge how things are. Perhaps you could say you are looking for new challenges instead of being bored with the current challenges.
While a good manager cares about the people he works with his responsibility is for the output of the group he manages. If he is aware you are undermotivated that could influence things for you in the wrong way.
Do you have an HR department? If you feel you would like to talk to somebody about things on a more personal level you could talk with somebody from HR. Or better yet. Talk to people outside of your company about things.
That's work man. Especially an office job. They suck.
To be honest, anyone thats says they truly love their job every day is a liar. Stick with it, and find ways to motivate yourself to work harder. Because it is a really slippery slope as soon as you start trying to find ways to just "make it through the day".
In situational leadership they teach you that almost everyone goes through four stages whenever they take on a new task, big or small. It is classified by Ken Blanchard as going through stages D1 through D4.
D1 is an excited beginner, not knowing what you are going to experience but making excited judgements about it.
D2 is a disillusioned learner, you have encountered the mundane, maybe made mistakes and have become discouraged
D3 is capable bu cautious performer, you have become fairly good at the tasks but are still unsure in your abilities, and hesitate to fail
D4 is an self reliant achiever, you have mastered the tasks and can confidently perform and teach it to others
Sound like you are in D2, which is a normal phase for a new employee after 1 to 3 months on the job. The supervisors trained in SL would recognize this and have increased interaction with, provide support and be more directive to make sure you don't lose confidence.
In the absence of that I would recommend you set up a meeting with your supervisor and explain to him that you want get a feel for how you are doing, specific to tasks, ask for his feedback on areas of improvement and see if you can set up regular meetings to discuss your progress, probably every other week. Be slightly careful, some supervisors are not that keen on meeting and discussing progress and performance, because it is uncomfortable for him and you. But to try is your best effort.
Good luck, and don't get down on yourself.
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I need a little help from my friends
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