To job hunt, or not to job hunt...?

Question

I have been at my current job for about a year now.

Prior to this, I worked as a litigation paralegal/legal assistant, and did many different types of work, plaintiff's, defendant's, med mal, litigation, etc. I was a paralegal for 5-ish years.

Now I work at a legal insurance company, and I am so bored it hurts.

There is very seldom enough work each day to even keep me busy for an hour or two. Time just drags. My old career field was more engaging and interesting to me.

However, I have a good job. Good pay, good benefits, like my boss, etc.

My question is - is it worth it to begin a job search to get back into litigation? Or should I just accept that life isn't always exciting and interesting, and stay where it's comfortable and stable?

For the record, I have no children depending on me. My fiance works, and I would not starve if things didn't work out immediately.

Also, I've only been here for about a year. I don't want to look like a job hopper.

I'm 25.

Answer 1

Can you do things during your downtime like read books or surf the net?

You should always be job hunting, even if you like your job.  You may come across something that you would enjoy AND pays well.  If you have about 5 years of paralegal experience, find a law firm that will pay you more than the last one did.

You won't be considered a job hopper if you tell the law firm that is interviewing you that you found law much more interesting than insurance claims.  May even win bonus points.

Answer 2

Relax and enjoy your free time......save money and job hunt when you can't stand this job anymore.

Answer 3

You should do what makes you happy.  Don't worry too much about the consequences... if your happy, life will fall into place.

Answer 4

why not take this opportunity to go back to school and further your education is your carrer?  sounds like a perfect time to do so, with as little stress as possible.

Answer 5

It's said that when people look back over thier lives, they regret the things that they didn't do - rather than the things they did (at age 55, I agree). An interesting, engaging, stimulating job will give you much more personal satisfaction than being well paid for being bored.

  Why not speak to your boss about it? Ask if there's a special project that you can take over, or if you can take over some of the tasks of co-worker.  He/she should be very impressed if an employee is eager enough to ASK for more work!  But, if there's nothing more your boss can offer for you to do, then perhaps it's time to move on and use your skills and efficiency on a more stimulating job.

  Best of luck!

Answer 6

It never hurts to research other possibilities on your downtime.

Answer 7

This really depends on what is most important to you in life. I wouldn't want to give up the comfort of the good pay and work relationships in this economy, but I also believe that some things (like happiness) are more important than money. A year is not that short for someone your age, and the rest of your job history is pretty steady as well, so don't worry about looking like a job hopper if you decide to move on. Going back to school is a good idea. It also wouldn't hurt to just look at what else is out there while you keep this job. Spend some time in self reflection to think about what you really want in life and out of a career. Thirty sneaks up on you quick. Good luck.

Answer 8

Take it from a girl who's been in your shoes -- it's easy to fall into the trap of staying in a job you don't love.  But if you're not using your talents, you won't thrive.  I know it sounds cliche, but if you figure out what you love to do and do it, you'll never work a day in your life, right? And if you're doing something you don't enjoy, work is a chore. Life's too short for that.  You're in school now. What's your goal?  Does this job help you reach that goal?  If it does, look for new ways to make it challenging. Look for projects or new responsibilities you could take on and go to your boss and talk about them.   If this job isn't a step on your career path, if it's not taking you one step closer to the place where you want to be (for instance, if you're going to school to work in a different industry) start huntin'!  You've got freedom in your life right now that you may not have in a couple of years.  The time to look is now.  What brings you joy?  Sit down and make a list and then start looking for a job where you can do those things.  It's out there!

Answer 9

There are some options, now first,  nothing wrong with looking for a job, but only do it as a pass time sort of , dont make it a serious search.    Now the other thing is this,   can you take other classes, where you can do school work while you are there, to get a further degree,   If there is not enough to keep you busy then try to find other ways.

Boredom is horrible , yes and it will make you unhappy,   If you have addressed the problem at work and there is nothing to fill up your time,  if you have ask for more work but they dont have it,  Then you have to do what you have to do.   Give them the good days work for a good days pay,   start another class, ( do the homework and reading at work) and then sort of put out some feelers.  See if you get some offers or not?  

GOOD LUCK