Should I worry that I don't have enough work to do on new job?

Question

I took a new job at higher salary and much more responsibilities were outlined in the job description and interview. I have been there several months and basically have nothing to do. Another person in similar role insists on doing everything and puts in 30hrs overtime to do it. I have spoken to managers and they say they are happy with me and aware other person doesn't want to let go of tasks and basically told me not to worry. Sounds nice to get paid for nothing but it gets very boring and depressing day after day. I even invent things to do and redo. Any suggestions.

Answer 1

I was exactly in your position several years ago. The company was undergoing a lot of changes (a new CEO replacing a guy who retired after 30 years with the company). The other person with my role, who had been doing this a long time (I was new to it) was told to give me some of her work, but always had an excuse not to. I think she was afraid there were going to be layoffs and this was her way of ensuring she wouldn't be let go--she was doing everything.

Our boss had a lot of other responsibilities himself and was uninterested in doing anything to fix the situation. I had about 5-6 hours of real work a week to do. After three months I got a good review--and a raise. But shortly after that I realized nothing would change and I left for a new job. The good news is that I wouldn't have gotten that job without the job title in the do-nothing position. I told HR the story when I left, and they looked embarrassed and admitted they screwed up.

Frankly, if your managers wanted to fix this, they would've. For whatever reason, they have no problem with the current setup. For political or psychological reasons, your colleague isn't going to share work. I'm afraid you should look for another position. If you complain about the situation, they may give you more work, but more likely, in the current bad economy, they'll say, "Gee--you don't have any work. I guess we don't need you here."

At any rate, good luck.

Answer 2

You will impress your boss by going back and stating your position.

"Do you want to use my talents to the fullest capacity, or do you want me to become a drain on the company, or leave and go to some company who will appreciate my drive and initiative."

Answer 3

just stay on your toes maybe you could take this opportunity to learn new things maybe you could sit with your manager and hey you never know what you might learn...if they haven't said anything to you i'm sure everything is fine this other person might feel intimidated by you or jelous b/c they didn't get the position