Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull 20

[AeroNucDef]

Hi all,

Is there any easy way to tell your manager that you find the design project you are working on extremely mind numbingly boring and you want off the project asap.

I started a new project two weeks ago and the task I have been given has sucked most of my creativity out of me. All my enthusiasm has gone for this project, and I feel very tired and drained all day. And it's giving me migraines.
Most of the time I very upbeat and positive, enjoy going to work, love engineering, and can't wait to solve a problem. But this project, which is scheduled to last about two years has me worried that it will have a lasting negative effect on me, for instance it will probably make me leave engineering.

Because the project is only two weeks old, I'm hoping that my manager won't be to angry if I ask for reassignment.

Sorry for moaning about my work.

Yours

AeroNucDef

 

[hanabie]

Hello,

I can understand how you feel now. You should not request your manager for a new project if you are newly hired.
That shows your incompetency especially you are fresh grad. I would say try to get as much as you could. Discuss it during meeting, and let your seniors judging your work.
From there, you will start liking the project. You will see that you need a lot to learn.

However, if the project is too easy for you, then everything is simple.
Get it done asap and move to the next more challenging project. That will keep your days busy better than nothing to do at work.

Good luck

 

[MiketheEngineer]

You got a job - many don't... keep it or find a new one.

You can ask for a transfer but I am guessing your boss either wants you on it for a good reason or he knows it will bore you to death and hopes you leave... Think about it.

 

[boottmills]

We all end up working on a project that is not interesting at some point...someone has to do it. The thing to keep in mind is that it is that you are up this time around and if you do a great job on it then you will get a better project the next time around...look at it as a learning experience!

I don't recommend requesting a transfer as it will lead your boss to think that you are not willing to be a part of the team and willing take your licks like everyone else, or that you can't handle it.

 

[AeroNucDef]

Hi Hanabie,

I'm not actually a new hire, It's just a new project. Graduated about 17 years ago. Unfortunately there is nothing to learn, that's one of the main issues. I am used to working on quite advanced engineering projects, mainly SC jobs, but this new one is truly dull.

Hi Mike,

I know the reason I'm on the job, it's because I've used a certain software before, and none of my colleagues have.

 

[boottmills]

"Unfortunately there is nothing to learn"

There's ALWAYS something to learn.....

Boottmills

 

[AeroNucDef]

Hi Boottmills,

I think I'll ask for a transfer. I usually don't work in teams, I find that designing by committee slows the project down, and stifles creativity. My employer prefers people to have their own projects, so that they get the most out of each designer.

 

[hanabie]

hello,

if that is the case, get it done asap and move to a bigger challenge project.
agreed with bootmills.. there is always something to learn. None of the products are perfect and will last forever. There is always a room for improvements.

 

[TheTick]

So... Nothing to learn?

Sounds like you still need to learn how to work with a team.

Paralyzed because your "creativity is stifled"? A failure to be motivated by things that aren't sparkly and bedazzling sounds like a lack of maturity.

 

[IRstuff]

"I find that designing by committee slows the project down, and stifles creativity. My employer prefers people to have their own projects, so that they get the most out of each designer."

I think that says everything... You seem to need an attitude adjustment. You can certainly request a transfer, but with your mindset, you always be requesting transfers from anything similar. Then, one day, your management may realize that there are others who work fine in both situations, and they start looking for ways to make their entire team that way. I've been working for more than 35 yrs and there's still plenty to learn. (and relearn ;-)

TTFN
faq731-376

 

[TheTick]

"Engineers like to solve problems. If there are no problems handily available, they will create their own problems."

 

[Maui]

Be glad it isn't a ticking timebomb instead. I've had to handle at least one of those at each of the last three companies I've worked for. They usually dump them on you early in your tenure there, before you realize what they are actually doing to you. These projects are often abandoned by someone else who knows too well what they represent, and wants nothing more to do with them.

Boring? At those times I would greatly aspire to have a boring project. Consider yourself fortunate.

Maui

http://www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com

 

[KENAT]

"Is there any easy way to tell your manager that you find the design project you are working on extremely mind numbingly boring and you want off the project asap. "

A letter of resignation typically does the job.

Maybe I'm missing something - especially as you're relatively experienced to be asking this kind of question but really, what is so special about you that you can only work on 'fun' jobs?

It's called work, not happy fun play time, for a reason.

If you can't explain your reasoning well to us, how are you going to explain it to you manager in a way that doesn't give him a negative impression?

Posting guidelines faq731-376

http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

(probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: faq1088-1484​

 

[berkshire]

""
I know the reason I'm on the job, it's because I've used a certain software before, and none of my colleagues have.""
Teach your team mates to use the software, then ask to be transferred out.
B.E.

The good engineer does not need to memorize every formula; he just needs to know where he can find them when he needs them. Old professor

 

[GregLocock]

I think your attitude sucks, but if we are being sneaky Berk and Maui are on the right track. Point out that the particular project is beneath your dignity or whatever, but that it would make a GREAT learning experience for a young 'un. Then mentor said young 'un while you get on with whatever plum assignment they've given you.

I must admit if a job seems easy I try and automate it. That usually absorbs 110% of the time available.


Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376

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[CheckerHater]

Don’t worry!

It’s only first 40 years that feel like it.

 

[urgross]

A project drained the life out of you, gives you migraines, makes you want to change jobs, ends all your joy, and you want to leave. Let me guess, you've never had teenage children.

 

[TenPenny]

Apparently, it's not only Gen Y'ers all think they're special and deserve some sort of magic recognition of their innate uniqueness.

 

[pennpiper]

AeroNucDef (Aerospace)

We do not know what your project is so it is hard to relate. But it sounds like you need an "Attitude Adjustment"

Since you are (or appear to be) in Aerospace try this.
- Assume that your life, the life of one of your children or the life of one of your siblings will be effected by this product.

Form a very clear picture, now what do you think about your current project?

 

[debodine]

I too detest the dull projects. I have been in this business for 38 years, and I still get the occasional dull project. Normally it is dressed up with statements like, "Your experience and judgement make you properly suited to make this work for us" and I suppose that is often true. But the bottom line is, as long as I need to work, the dull projects pay as well as the exciting ones. I do everything I reasonably can do to avoid the dull ones, short of offending my boss, and my boss often will go along with me and shield me if he has someone else who can get it done. But if he really needs me on the dull project and in the end he assigns it to me, I just do the best I can.

But often once I get deep into the dull project, I discover that I am going to be forced to learn things that I didn't realize at first I was going to need to know. And since one of my greatest joys is to learn something new, very often the dull projects turn out to be a blessing. I cannot promise this will work for you, but it often happens for me. I hope your dull project turns into a winner for both you and your company.