Some-day recession no reason to keep boring job
DEAR J.T. & DALE: I have been with my company 10 years, and I’m really bored. But it’s a safe job. I’ve been told it won’t be long before a recession hits. I’m thinking about switching jobs, but I’ve heard that in recessions, the layoffs are “last in, first out.” So, should I just stay at my current job, or take the risk and make the change? — Kenny
J.T.: It’s true that a market correction is inevitable. But I wouldn’t stay in a dead-end job just because you are worried about what could happen. If you do your homework and find a better job with a stable company, making the switch could be fantastic. Companies no longer do layoffs based on seniority; today, they keep the employees who can do the best job of helping them succeed in tough times. So don’t assume that being new in your job would mean that you’d be first out the door. And what’s to say your stable job of 10 years couldn’t be at risk in the next recession? You never know what can happen.
Dale: Here’s what has happened, and in a good economy: There are no safe jobs. None. Especially boring ones. If you’re bored, then the job is easy or routine, or both. That means you’re a candidate to (1) be replaced by automation, (2) have your job done by someone overseas, or (3) have your job be given to a lessexperienced and cheaper employee (one who won’t be bored yet, and thus is likely to also have a better attitude). And J.T. is absolutely right about seniority not offering any protection. In a culture that worships the new, layoff priorities might be reversed. Here’s the point: If you’re bored, you’re doomed. That’s why the first thing you should do is find ways to renew your current position. One way to do that is to begin a job search. As you get out and make new connections, you’ll meet people in other organizations and learn other ways of doing similar jobs. The search will reinvigorate you and, ironically, make you a better employee in your current job. You’ll then have options, and that’s what matters — in any economy.
Dear J.T. & Dale: My boyfriend just got a great job at a startup in town. They are hiring a lot of people. I want to apply, but he is against it and says working together would be bad. I disagree. What do you think? — Corine
Dale: I’m sure you’re hoping we’ll encourage you to “go for it,” and I’m leaning toward doing so. After all, being part of a thriving new company can be a thrilling ride, and one you two could enjoy together ... unless he resents your being there. That means you have to consider how applying, much less getting the job, might affect the relationship. To defy your boyfriend’s opinion on something this important could be the beginning of the end. Plus, he might decide to undercut your application. So you’re going to have to bring him around. Let’s hope J.T. can give you some good points to win him over.
J.T.: Sorry to disappoint you, but what I see are the numerous disadvantages of working together: First, you likely will talk about work outside of work. And, if one of you performs well and moves forward while the other doesn’t, it will be awkward to discuss, and could feel competitive. Finally, if your relationship doesn’t work out, how do you feel about working with your ex? I’d think it through before you make this decision. If you can’t set some ground rules allowing you to move forward, and if this relationship means a lot to you and you want it to last, I’d consider finding another employer.
Dale: I hope, Corine, that you can get him to agree; otherwise you’re going to resent any success he might have, and his talking about work will always be tinged with your “might have been.” Instead, I’m hoping for this: He’ll agree and you apply, and then you get a better offer elsewhere before starting. Jeanine “J.T.” Tanner O’Donnell is a professional development specialist and the founder of the consulting firm jtodonnell. Dale Dauten resolves employment and other business disputes as a mediator with AgreementHouse.com. Please visit them at jtanddale. com, where you can send questions via email, or write to them in care of King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th St., 15th Floor, New York, NY 10019.