How to a Excel at an Uninspiring Job

How to a Excel at an Uninspiring Job 

I have been a graduate for roughly about three years,in that time i have worked in two different places (presently in my second appointment) , I spent a little over a year “learning the ropes” in an entry-level position at a quiet TV station in my state capital. 

It was a struggle to feel like the engineer i had dreamt about becoming when i graduate from the university.The job, though technical to a certain degree was monotonous and uninspiring and the environment was a little slow for a fresh graduate,and an able bodied young man.I was looking for challenges. 

In other words, it wasn't my dream job. But, sticking it out paid off when I was offered a position I might not have landed without the experiences I gained in that first job. So, I’m here to tell you: If you’re stuck in an uninspiring job, don’t let it go to waste! Use the ideas below to get the most out of your position now—and launch yourself into your dream job. 

1. Treat Yourself Like a Professional 

When you don’t love your job, it can be easy to get a little lax with professionalism. What does it matter if you show up a few minutes late or if you don’t dress quite as nicely as those above you? It’s not like you’re presenting at an all-staff meeting or having lunch with the CEO, right? 

Not exactly. No matter how low your position is, it’s still important to show up early, wear something sharp, and avoid Facebook like the plague. I’ll admit, in my former position I was guilty of getting distracted at work, showing up a late, or throwing on a wrinkled t-shirt from time to time, especially on days I was feeling uninspired. But I discovered that when I acted like a professional, I suddenly felt like my work was a lot more valuable. “Looking the part” boosted my confidence, helped me begin to see myself as a highly capable contributor to the team—and ultimately led the rest of my team to see me in the same light. 

2. Find Opportunity in the Little Things 

Once in a while at a boring job, a task that is pretty exciting relative to your usual day-to-day responsibilities comes along. My own personal examples included selecting a new software program for the engineering department, working on the transmitter or generator. 

OK, you might say whatever—but for me, these tasks were an opportunity to let my talents shine. The point is: When you get a task that’s even moderately related to what you really want to be doing, let your geek flag fly and wear a giddy smile on your face as you throw yourself into it. By doing a good job on these little tasks, your boss will slowly start to trust you with more substantial responsibilities. 

3. Volunteer Your Talents 

Feeling like you have an outlet for your talents, even if it’s not part of your actual job description, is essential to your job satisfaction. The reality is, when you join a new team, colleagues can be so engrained in their routines that they don’t think to ask for your help or expertise—they may not even be aware of certain abilities or interests you have. 

if you see a team you’d love to be on or a project you could lend a hand to, don’t be afraid to let co-workers know how you could contribute. Remind them. Remind them again. Finding opportunities to help in ways you’re excited about will make this job feel more relevant to your future, and it may even get you noticed by someone who doesn’t see your work day-to-day.

4. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize 

While you want to be a rock star at your current uninspiring gig, don’t lose sight of why you’re doing it in the first place: to gain experience, skills, and networks that will put you in reach of that next, more fulfilling job. Read about people who are in positions you admire—I pay special attention to the bio of a professional whose job I want, for example. Ask your colleagues to refer you to contacts with experience in your field of interest and try to meet them for informational interviews. Figure out what types of professional development will position you for your dream job, and make time outside of your 9-to-5 to do it. At check-ins, remind your boss what you’re interested in and how you’re hoping to grow.

No, the leap to your ideal job will not happen immediately. But taking even small steps to move toward it can help you feel empowered about your future. 

While nobody wants to work an uninspiring job, there is a silver lining. No matter what you're doing, you’re growing every day—refining your understanding of what you would and would not want in your next job, expanding your network, and deepening your industry knowledge. Even the very tasks you dread are probably building a foundation of important skill sets for your career, like organization, prioritization, and effective communication. And you'll more than likely be thankful for them later, once you have that fast-paced, high-responsibility job you’ve always dreamed of.