Enlisting imagination can combat career boredom

DEAR J.T. & DALE: I started a job and loved it, but it’s been a year and now I’m bored. The company says I can create an opportunity for myself as long as it can be justified, but I have lost interest and don’t even want to do that. This has happened to me repeatedly in my career since I graduated college. What’s wrong with me? — Jackson

J.T.: I’ve seen this in

professionals before, ones who resist the constraints put on them and who crave new opportunities.

Dale: I know that feeling. Early in my career, I used to read motivational books, pushing myself to remain engaged in corporate life. It didn’t take. So eventually I shifted my perceptions and embraced the restlessness: “OK, Mr. Boredom, have a seat and let’s talk.” Said another way, Jackson, boredom is your friend. On and off during your career, Mr. Boredom will turn up, and you’ll know it’s time to seek career adventure. In my case, I left corporate life to join a consulting firm, then opened my own company, then sold it to focus on writing, while still doing consulting work for its variety.

J.T.: It’s common for people who crave variety to become entrepreneurs. It allows them to work on many things at once and feel free. That said, Jackson, you may not be ready to start a company. If so, I’d suggest either finding a job that is bigger in responsibility, or consider becoming an independent contractor so you have the added challenge of working for yourself. Both of those options will add a complexity to your work situation that should help you feel more occupied.

Dale: And that could happen right where you are. You wrote, “The company says I can create an opportunity.” Bang. That’s a rare chance to test out a new career endeavor while drawing a paycheck. It’s time to engage your imagination, then have a sit-down with Mr. Boredom and see if you can find a new project that will re-engage your energy.

Dear J.T. & Dale: My friend works at a big company in town. I want to get a job there, but she refuses to recommend me for a job. Is it OK to at least mention that I know her? — Doreen

J.T.: No; if she has turned you down to act as a reference, then I would not. There must be a reason she is not willing to help you. Perhaps she doesn’t have a good reputation, or feels her own job is in jeopardy. Or, she may not feel comfortable endorsing you. Whatever the reason, you need to focus on networking and meeting other people at the company. Once you establish a relationship with some employees, you can let your friend know and ask: “Eventually, they may find out that I know you. What do you want me to say?” That way, she will see that you plan to move forward in pursuit of a job, and will have done it without her help. Perhaps then she’ll change her mind and assist you.

Dale: Let’s hope that happens. But for now, when it comes to this relationship, I agree: Shut your piehole. It concerns me that your friend won’t endorse you and hasn’t explained why. J.T. has come up with some pleasant scenarios, like the one about her having doubts about her own reputation in the company. But if that’s it, why wouldn’t she just say so? Which leads me to conclude that her reluctance is tied up in some hesitation about you as an employee. Thus, if you mention knowing her, then the hiring manager undoubtedly will seek out her opinion. At that point, anything less than an enthusiastic endorsement will kill your candidacy. Just picture how faint praise might go: The hiring manager pops in on

your friend and says: “Hey, I’m talking to Doreen about hiring her. What do you think?” And your friend does a tight smile and says, “She’d be OK, I guess.” You’re toast. Here’s how the rating scale works when references are asked about you: You’re either a 10 or a zero.