My Current Gig - Dislikes

Before I start searching for my next job, I need to figure out exactly what I want. In order to do that, I'm going to explore what I like and dislike about my current position.

Dislikes:
1. I'm overqualified. My current job requires only a high school diploma or GED, I have a Bachelor's degree.

2. I'm not interested in this field. My position falls in the "administrative professional" category, while my office is in the legal/law enforcement field. Neither have ever been on my list of interests.

3. I don't use my skills or talents. My job does require the ability to work well with people, and I do believe this is something I do very well. However, the skills and talents going to waste are the ones I worked on in college - writing, editing, research, graphic design, photography, and art. I miss being creative. And I miss learning.

4. My work consists mostly of tedious tasks. Making photocopies, distributing the mail, sending faxes, stuffing envelopes, answering the phone. Some days I can actually feel my brain turning slowly to mush.

5. The pay. The very low pay. My position is entry-level, requires no education or previous training, and the pay very much reflects that.

6. No room for growth. In my small office, there are no opportunities for upward movement. I would only be able to move into a higher position if someone else retired, and if I also completed the required training for such a position. There's nothing to work towards.

7. My job is too public. I'm the face of my office, the first person to answer the phone or greet anyone who comes to the door. The introvert inside me finds this part of the job stressful and at times, tiring. I have to be "on" at all times. I have no privacy and no personal space. I can't pull an office door closed when I need some quiet time.

8. I'm missing actual work. I have things to do each day, but I feel like I'm lacking work. I want a project to tackle! I miss being in college and going from assignment to assignment.

9. A stressful environment. Day to day my office is not a bad place to be, but there are some high-stress days. I also deal with angry people on a regular basis and sometimes the negativity has an affect on me.

Up next ... Likes

~E