Motivation, or lack of? Waste of a career?
Discussion
If you are in a large organisation then let your manager know you want to do something different. Look at the newsletter or wherever internal jobs get advertised and apply for things even if you arent 100% sure.
Last year I went from being a planning manager in transport to IT Service delivery manager - in the same company - massive leap, huge learning curve but got me out of a job that I could do with my eyes closed and had lost motivation for into something new.
If you are in a small organisation - get your CV sorted and start applying.
Last year I went from being a planning manager in transport to IT Service delivery manager - in the same company - massive leap, huge learning curve but got me out of a job that I could do with my eyes closed and had lost motivation for into something new.
If you are in a small organisation - get your CV sorted and start applying.
gaz1234 said:
jonah35 said:
Most people are lazy that's why most earn average wages. Some people are motivated that's why they tend to earn more.
You are normal so don't worry.
EditYou are normal so don't worry.
On the other hand, if you do aspire to more, then no reason not to chance it, whether the expected reward is more money, different experience, greater responsibility, greater social capital, or whatever. I just don't think such aspirations should be held up as a good example. It's not a bad one, it's not a good one, it's just... something some people want. And some people don't. It takes all sorts.
Well more fool me, I still haven't done too much about it.
Recent operation aside, I struggle to do anything off my own back. I have realised it doesn't limit itself to learning, its pretty much most things....
I've applied for jobs closer to home, hopefully someone will take me on, perhaps it'll give me a kick to do something, especially if;
1) I feel valued
2) Aren't set up to fail like I am currently
3) Get some actual training from my company as well as doing it myself.
Let's see eh.
Recent operation aside, I struggle to do anything off my own back. I have realised it doesn't limit itself to learning, its pretty much most things....
I've applied for jobs closer to home, hopefully someone will take me on, perhaps it'll give me a kick to do something, especially if;
1) I feel valued
2) Aren't set up to fail like I am currently
3) Get some actual training from my company as well as doing it myself.
Let's see eh.
I think we are peas in a pod...
I too work s
ts - I too look after servers (as with other IT services)
I too feel like I am going no where.
I lack the motivation to move on. There are courses that can done at work but Ironically the IT equiptment we have as shift workers can not access these courses. You can't use your own Laptop either. And I have asked about an alternative but not really pushed, because like you I lack motivation.
I have spells where its quiet and I could do these courses.
But I don't know what I want to do, I have a family a home that needs plenty of time, a house that needs plenty of DIY, the cash flow in life is pretty low so leaving is tough as to move internally (assuming I could find something) would mean the loss of a 35% shift allowance. Stuggling to find a job outside that I could both do and earn similar money.
PM if you want to chat - I think we are on the same page!
I too work s
ts - I too look after servers (as with other IT services)I too feel like I am going no where.
I lack the motivation to move on. There are courses that can done at work but Ironically the IT equiptment we have as shift workers can not access these courses. You can't use your own Laptop either. And I have asked about an alternative but not really pushed, because like you I lack motivation.
I have spells where its quiet and I could do these courses.
But I don't know what I want to do, I have a family a home that needs plenty of time, a house that needs plenty of DIY, the cash flow in life is pretty low so leaving is tough as to move internally (assuming I could find something) would mean the loss of a 35% shift allowance. Stuggling to find a job outside that I could both do and earn similar money.
PM if you want to chat - I think we are on the same page!
It may sound odd, but are you certain that you want to move up the career ladder? It often feels like we are supposed to strive for a higher paid more senior job, but there is nothing wrong with finding the level at which you are happy and staying there. If you genuinely, deep down wanted to move up, you probably would have found the motivation by now.
Like you I qualified in 1997 and got stuck in a rut developing software. Like most things, doing the same thing time and time again sapped motivation. I don't know what the opportunities are like at your work but I started to volunteer to work on projects outside of IT.
Our company ran a change management program so I went on that and got to do more people orientated stuff (which I prefer over coding.) I also went on a lean 6 sigma yellow belt course and went on to project manage a customer services project.
I was still coding but found myself enjoying working on other things and found I had quite a flair for getting the most out of people. That gave me the jump start I needed in IT and went into management and now a business analyst role colaborating with people in a region and not just the UK. Had my company not opened up these opportunities I dare say I'd still be in a rut coding away. It's worth maybe chatting to your boss and asking if there's scope to spend a bit of time helping out on other projects.
Our company ran a change management program so I went on that and got to do more people orientated stuff (which I prefer over coding.) I also went on a lean 6 sigma yellow belt course and went on to project manage a customer services project.
I was still coding but found myself enjoying working on other things and found I had quite a flair for getting the most out of people. That gave me the jump start I needed in IT and went into management and now a business analyst role colaborating with people in a region and not just the UK. Had my company not opened up these opportunities I dare say I'd still be in a rut coding away. It's worth maybe chatting to your boss and asking if there's scope to spend a bit of time helping out on other projects.
Foliage said:
TheAngryDog said:
That has hit a nerve (in a good way). I don't like that summation and it annoys me that I will be that guy. I don't want to be that guy.
Good, glad it was taken as intended. Now let that nerve/annoyance motivate you to do something.(Simply the best, Tina Turner).
Jonathan27 said:
It may sound odd, but are you certain that you want to move up the career ladder? It often feels like we are supposed to strive for a higher paid more senior job, but there is nothing wrong with finding the level at which you are happy and staying there. If you genuinely, deep down wanted to move up, you probably would have found the motivation by now.
Spot on!I've done both and realised that there is some sense in doing either.
I suppose the problem for the OP is that he fells that he has never experienced the climb up the greasy pole so cannot compare experiences.
DervVW said:
I think we are peas in a pod...
I too work sts - I too look after servers (as with other IT services)
I too feel like I am going no where.
I lack the motivation to move on. There are courses that can done at work but Ironically the IT equiptment we have as shift workers can not access these courses. You can't use your own Laptop either. And I have asked about an alternative but not really pushed, because like you I lack motivation.
I have spells where its quiet and I could do these courses.
But I don't know what I want to do, I have a family a home that needs plenty of time, a house that needs plenty of DIY, the cash flow in life is pretty low so leaving is tough as to move internally (assuming I could find something) would mean the loss of a 35% shift allowance. Stuggling to find a job outside that I could both do and earn similar money.
PM if you want to chat - I think we are on the same page!
The bonus for me is that our desktops will let you do online courses, but we tend to be so busy that we dont get the chance to do it, so we have to do it in our own time, and I arent motivated enough and have other things I need to do as well at home. Its a no win situation for me.I too work s
ts - I too look after servers (as with other IT services)I too feel like I am going no where.
I lack the motivation to move on. There are courses that can done at work but Ironically the IT equiptment we have as shift workers can not access these courses. You can't use your own Laptop either. And I have asked about an alternative but not really pushed, because like you I lack motivation.
I have spells where its quiet and I could do these courses.
But I don't know what I want to do, I have a family a home that needs plenty of time, a house that needs plenty of DIY, the cash flow in life is pretty low so leaving is tough as to move internally (assuming I could find something) would mean the loss of a 35% shift allowance. Stuggling to find a job outside that I could both do and earn similar money.
PM if you want to chat - I think we are on the same page!
We are allowed to take in / use our own laptops at weekends / nights, but see above.
Wow, 35% Shift allowance! I dont even get a shift allowance! Well not officially on my pay slip anyway.
I know what you mean, it is hard moving and finding something else when you're not trained etc. Plus losing that money would be a lot! I wouldn't lost mine (the only benefit of not being on shift allowance). If I was I'd have taken a pay cut when I moved internally for this role.
Jonathan27 said:
It may sound odd, but are you certain that you want to move up the career ladder? It often feels like we are supposed to strive for a higher paid more senior job, but there is nothing wrong with finding the level at which you are happy and staying there. If you genuinely, deep down wanted to move up, you probably would have found the motivation by now.
I have done management before and I enjoyed it. I was quite happy with peoples issues, supporting them in their development, giving them help with their work etc. I found aspects of it challenging, but rewarding. My colleagues who I managed seemed to enjoy my management as well as I didnt micro manage them. Ironically as I was the only one who didnt micro manage, when there was a company reshuffle I got moved out of management, as did the other male manager, so we had an all female management team. I guess my style wasnt what management wanted.toon10 said:
Like you I qualified in 1997 and got stuck in a rut developing software. Like most things, doing the same thing time and time again sapped motivation. I don't know what the opportunities are like at your work but I started to volunteer to work on projects outside of IT.
Our company ran a change management program so I went on that and got to do more people orientated stuff (which I prefer over coding.) I also went on a lean 6 sigma yellow belt course and went on to project manage a customer services project.
I was still coding but found myself enjoying working on other things and found I had quite a flair for getting the most out of people. That gave me the jump start I needed in IT and went into management and now a business analyst role colaborating with people in a region and not just the UK. Had my company not opened up these opportunities I dare say I'd still be in a rut coding away. It's worth maybe chatting to your boss and asking if there's scope to spend a bit of time helping out on other projects.
Nice, sounds like you found the motivation to make a change. Sadly in my company there is nothing else I can do. The main company is based in Ireland, we are a small satellite office. My only progression is to a day based role which I cant do as it means being in the office 5 days a week rather than 4 on 4 off, and I have no intention of being away from home more than I am now (though I am working from home at the moment while I recover from my op). There are no management roles and I cannot move over to the professional team as I lack the qualifications, experience, training etc. Plus they do not take people on in that team often, and it would be day based, and I'd have to travel all over the country.Our company ran a change management program so I went on that and got to do more people orientated stuff (which I prefer over coding.) I also went on a lean 6 sigma yellow belt course and went on to project manage a customer services project.
I was still coding but found myself enjoying working on other things and found I had quite a flair for getting the most out of people. That gave me the jump start I needed in IT and went into management and now a business analyst role colaborating with people in a region and not just the UK. Had my company not opened up these opportunities I dare say I'd still be in a rut coding away. It's worth maybe chatting to your boss and asking if there's scope to spend a bit of time helping out on other projects.
Sharted said:
Spot on!
I've done both and realised that there is some sense in doing either.
I suppose the problem for the OP is that he fells that he has never experienced the climb up the greasy pole so cannot compare experiences.
I have been upto management and enjoyed it. I just want to do more than I am now. I dont want to be doing the same thing in 20 years time.I've done both and realised that there is some sense in doing either.
I suppose the problem for the OP is that he fells that he has never experienced the climb up the greasy pole so cannot compare experiences.
DervVW said:
I think we are peas in a pod...
I too work sts - I too look after servers (as with other IT services)
I too feel like I am going no where.
I lack the motivation to move on. There are courses that can done at work but Ironically the IT equiptment we have as shift workers can not access these courses. You can't use your own Laptop either. And I have asked about an alternative but not really pushed, because like you I lack motivation.
I have spells where its quiet and I could do these courses.
But I don't know what I want to do, I have a family a home that needs plenty of time, a house that needs plenty of DIY, the cash flow in life is pretty low so leaving is tough as to move internally (assuming I could find something) would mean the loss of a 35% shift allowance. Stuggling to find a job outside that I could both do and earn similar money.
PM if you want to chat - I think we are on the same page!
Sent you a mail btw I too work s
ts - I too look after servers (as with other IT services)I too feel like I am going no where.
I lack the motivation to move on. There are courses that can done at work but Ironically the IT equiptment we have as shift workers can not access these courses. You can't use your own Laptop either. And I have asked about an alternative but not really pushed, because like you I lack motivation.
I have spells where its quiet and I could do these courses.
But I don't know what I want to do, I have a family a home that needs plenty of time, a house that needs plenty of DIY, the cash flow in life is pretty low so leaving is tough as to move internally (assuming I could find something) would mean the loss of a 35% shift allowance. Stuggling to find a job outside that I could both do and earn similar money.
PM if you want to chat - I think we are on the same page!
The way I got off the ground was by messing about with open source in spare time (including lunchtime and downtime at work), got me experienced enough that when side-jobs came up at work I was able to get involved in them because I had a clue what they were on about. Try to approach it in terms of putting yourself out there, get involved in things. Don't necessarily do it for money or career progression but if you take an interest and find something you're good at then opportunities for both will happen naturally.
Also decide if you aren't motivated because IT doesn't interest you, I've always loved hacking about with computers so great for me but many I've worked with would have been far happier with another career choice. At that point either change career or put up with it on account of it paying for your out-of-work life but don't expect to ever get satisfaction from it.
Also decide if you aren't motivated because IT doesn't interest you, I've always loved hacking about with computers so great for me but many I've worked with would have been far happier with another career choice. At that point either change career or put up with it on account of it paying for your out-of-work life but don't expect to ever get satisfaction from it.
I am in a similar position - albeit in a different sector. I am not sure if I should complete a masters in something unrelated in my evenings / weekends for a few years with the off chance that it will help to change the direction of my career. Anyone else had the same dilemma? Has it worked / not worked?
I started as an eng apprentice in my company an I have been here 7.5 years now.
Put myself through night university and have gone from, eng app / engineer / Team leader / specialist / manager within 4.5 years of finishing my apprenticeship, I have literally gone from an app wage to over 6 figures!
I obviously do not have the experience of the older guys, but the manager who gave me my chance from Eng - TL told me it was because of my willingness to improve myself outside of work and again I've taken an international move from Specialist - Manager who said this showed my own motivation and drive.
My point is that irrelevant of whether I do have the self drive my CV now reflects that I do, its all well and good doing online courses but you really need to take the plunge and complete a formal Degree / Masters.
There are just so many options and avenues open to expand your education that not doing so within such an available skilled workforce just isn't an option, irrelevant of whether you are employed / not employed etc.
I do not want to be harsh but if YOU want to do something more YOU need to take the action to do something about it, the rewards are worth it!!
Set yourself a goal, small steps - the way I looked at it was I'm young, do I want to be doing this for the next 40 years!
If you've been working 17 years that means you have the same again at least to go!!!!
Put myself through night university and have gone from, eng app / engineer / Team leader / specialist / manager within 4.5 years of finishing my apprenticeship, I have literally gone from an app wage to over 6 figures!
I obviously do not have the experience of the older guys, but the manager who gave me my chance from Eng - TL told me it was because of my willingness to improve myself outside of work and again I've taken an international move from Specialist - Manager who said this showed my own motivation and drive.
My point is that irrelevant of whether I do have the self drive my CV now reflects that I do, its all well and good doing online courses but you really need to take the plunge and complete a formal Degree / Masters.
There are just so many options and avenues open to expand your education that not doing so within such an available skilled workforce just isn't an option, irrelevant of whether you are employed / not employed etc.
I do not want to be harsh but if YOU want to do something more YOU need to take the action to do something about it, the rewards are worth it!!
Set yourself a goal, small steps - the way I looked at it was I'm young, do I want to be doing this for the next 40 years!
If you've been working 17 years that means you have the same again at least to go!!!!
I used to be like that. I started life in a career that bored me to tears but got lucky in that my outgoing personality meant that someone I came across in my personal life offered me a job in sales which then lead on to a supplier offering me an even better job (still in sales) which I start in a couple of weeks time.
I think motivation comes when you find something you enjoy doing. For me, it's meeting new people and seeing that reward is directly proportional to the effort you put in and instant i.e. commission and nicer things on a monthly basis.
Beforehand, I was salaried and got paid the same no matter what effort I put in or what hours I worked. Of course I would have progressed but it would have been a slow process and I'm the sort of person who wants more and wants it now.
Hope this makes sense.
I think motivation comes when you find something you enjoy doing. For me, it's meeting new people and seeing that reward is directly proportional to the effort you put in and instant i.e. commission and nicer things on a monthly basis.
Beforehand, I was salaried and got paid the same no matter what effort I put in or what hours I worked. Of course I would have progressed but it would have been a slow process and I'm the sort of person who wants more and wants it now.
Hope this makes sense.
Trexthedinosaur said:
I started as an eng apprentice in my company an I have been here 7.5 years now.
Put myself through night university and have gone from, eng app / engineer / Team leader / specialist / manager within 4.5 years of finishing my apprenticeship, I have literally gone from an app wage to over 6 figures!
I obviously do not have the experience of the older guys, but the manager who gave me my chance from Eng - TL told me it was because of my willingness to improve myself outside of work and again I've taken an international move from Specialist - Manager who said this showed my own motivation and drive.
My point is that irrelevant of whether I do have the self drive my CV now reflects that I do, its all well and good doing online courses but you really need to take the plunge and complete a formal Degree / Masters.
There are just so many options and avenues open to expand your education that not doing so within such an available skilled workforce just isn't an option, irrelevant of whether you are employed / not employed etc.
I do not want to be harsh but if YOU want to do something more YOU need to take the action to do something about it, the rewards are worth it!!
Set yourself a goal, small steps - the way I looked at it was I'm young, do I want to be doing this for the next 40 years!
If you've been working 17 years that means you have the same again at least to go!!!!
Hi - thanks for the reply, exactly the sort of thing I am interested in.Put myself through night university and have gone from, eng app / engineer / Team leader / specialist / manager within 4.5 years of finishing my apprenticeship, I have literally gone from an app wage to over 6 figures!
I obviously do not have the experience of the older guys, but the manager who gave me my chance from Eng - TL told me it was because of my willingness to improve myself outside of work and again I've taken an international move from Specialist - Manager who said this showed my own motivation and drive.
My point is that irrelevant of whether I do have the self drive my CV now reflects that I do, its all well and good doing online courses but you really need to take the plunge and complete a formal Degree / Masters.
There are just so many options and avenues open to expand your education that not doing so within such an available skilled workforce just isn't an option, irrelevant of whether you are employed / not employed etc.
I do not want to be harsh but if YOU want to do something more YOU need to take the action to do something about it, the rewards are worth it!!
Set yourself a goal, small steps - the way I looked at it was I'm young, do I want to be doing this for the next 40 years!
If you've been working 17 years that means you have the same again at least to go!!!!
To add some info the my dilemma. I have been working for around 8years. I took some steps back by moving to a better company which is difficult to get into but hopefully long term, offers more opportunities. I have a science hons degree but not engineering, which I feel is holding me back from a technical standpoint. However, if I pay the £7000-8000 for masters, it would eat a lot of time and no guarantee I would get anywhere. Still, better to try than not bother, right?
I recently played some sport with a chap who did something very similar and he did very well out of it. However, the timing is not great for this just now, that’s not to say it won’t change in the future…
Making a personal investment: time/cost would make an impact on my current out of work social life as I would be studying / doing coursework….
Just about to start my masters too, if it works out great, if not I have a nice certificate.
Important though, try and find a masters that comes with professional certification, mine is certified by CIPS.
O I don't have an engineering degree either so don't let that put you off an engineering discipline, I moved out of Engineering!!
All about making the personnel sacrifice to change your life, a the end of the day you only live once and no point hating it!
Important though, try and find a masters that comes with professional certification, mine is certified by CIPS.
O I don't have an engineering degree either so don't let that put you off an engineering discipline, I moved out of Engineering!!
All about making the personnel sacrifice to change your life, a the end of the day you only live once and no point hating it!
Know where you're coming from OP. I graduated in 2010, walked into a decent job without really thinking it through (intern to temp to perm) but not in the field of my degree (which is fine). Nearing a 6 figure salary 5 years later and yet there's something missing (first world problems and all that, I know...). I have no qualifications to do my role so moving to something else similar is likely to be a problem (I can continue to do what I do because I have the experience of it). I'm also not sure I want to spend the rest of my life in London and my job only really exists in London. I think the answer is to take a gamble and start my own business, I just don't really know what I want to be doing right now...
AyBee said:
Know where you're coming from OP. I graduated in 2010, walked into a decent job without really thinking it through (intern to temp to perm) but not in the field of my degree (which is fine). Nearing a 6 figure salary 5 years later and yet there's something missing (first world problems and all that, I know...). I have no qualifications to do my role so moving to something else similar is likely to be a problem (I can continue to do what I do because I have the experience of it). I'm also not sure I want to spend the rest of my life in London and my job only really exists in London. I think the answer is to take a gamble and start my own business, I just don't really know what I want to be doing right now...
What sort of work do you do now? I am in a similar boat now and when I was contracting I earned similar amounts (student loan paid off very quickly!)Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff