Should I tell my boss I am burned out? I have been unhappy at my job for quite a long time.?

Question

I didn't join the company to handle claims...I am a an auto claims rep.. I wanted to get into underwriting. However, I have not been able to ascertain a position in that area. I am seriously too smart for the job (graduated from college with a 3.81) IQ of over 130. I can't really fake like I care anymore. I have no desire to be here.
It is emotionally draining. I had busted my butt AND performed at a high level for a long time, but now I think it's pointless to do so. My motivation is gone..I do the same thing over and over again. I am not challenged. I am gifted with ADHD..repititon kills me I just want to quit and take some time off and find something I like.. I can move back in with one of my parents temporarily. I know that is lame, but I am one step from the booby hatch.

Possibly if I talk to my boss I may be able to get into another department..Anyone have any experiences?

I really wish I could just get fired. That would make this easier .That way I could collect unemployment:(

I have been trying to look for another job outside the company, but I am so burned out, it is hard to get motivated. I am kind of in a general malaise I think people can see that when I interview I am not my usual self. I have lost my spark

I have tried to do other things to keep my mind off of it. Working out has helped slightly but now that is not helping. I had applied for a couple of jobs in underwriting and didn't get them, one relatively recently. I made the final cut but didn't get the job and was devestated. I have come to see my time here as pointless

I made them aware when I took the job I did not want to handle auto claims for long. They still hired me.

I am not letting my job have too much power over me. I have sucked it up for a long time. I have been here almost 4 years and have been unhappy for about two so it's not like I am being premature in my unhappiness. It has been something that has taken a long time to come to a head

Answer 1

yes, talk to your boss. This may be the incentive he needs to move you to a position you are happy with. If not, as you said, you do have other options.

Answer 2

You are giving your job too much power over you. Step back and take a breath.
First off, what do your performance reports say? You only hurt yourself by the "getting fired" mantra and those performance feedbacks are your tools for the next level. Are they working against you?
It is really frustrating to not get promoted within the company. Especially if no one feels comfortable itemizing why you didn't get the position you wanted.
You have a small chip on your shoulder growing. The question is how many of your superiors see it when you don't. They will not promote anyone they believe will fester resentment and does not believe in the company goals.
If you were hired as an auto claims rep, you signed up for this. You are expected to perform at a high level, it's what you get paid for. Everyone, everywhere is hired to do their job, and do it well.
If you were "promised" potential promotions, remember that the hiring person is rarely the final one deciding who gets promoted. (i.e. making promises he can't keep). You may have been hired because you are smart and thus the potential lies within. Or you may have been more willing than the other candidates.
Regroup, rethink, reevaluate and make a decision you can stick with it about your job.

Answer 3

It sounds to me that you have nothing to lose in talking to your boss. Actually this is something that should come up at your annual review. Where you tell him where your career goals are etc.

Assuming that he is a good guy, tell him about your career goals and ask how you can put a plan in place to make it happen.

If that doesn't go well, I would reccomend getting my resume out on the street and looking for another job. If possible do not quit until you have something lined up. If you are as good as you say you are, that shouldn't take all that long. Try and do as good of a job as you can as long as you are at your job. It is a small world and you don't want to burn any bridges.

Good Luck

Answer 4

No idea what exactly to do about your job.

Would you follow an advice what to do to get rid of ADHD (or at least most symptoms) and gain self-confidence?

If yes, go for a manual one-time treatment called Atlasprofilax. The effect on the self-healing power of the body and mind is simply amazing - own experience. :-)

At present, the treatment is available in California and Europe, costing about 200 Dollars. It's really worth travelling far. Good luck!

Answer 5

Talk to him... if they value your hard work they will want to keep you and make you happy...it costs companies money to hire and train a new person. If they say they cant help you then I would DEFINITELY leave and move in with a parent. Do what you have to do to be successful and happy no matter what short term sacrifices you must make.
I just went through a similar situation and am now MUCH happier and on a MUCH better career track for all my sacrifices.
IT's worth it!!!!
Good luck to you and keep your chin up.
Remember.... YOU ARE IMPORTANT!

Answer 6

Talk to your boss. Make yourself known to the people in underwriting.

Your job is only 8 hours of your day, so try and do things that stimulate you and that you find fulfilling outside of work.

I know that is hard to do when you are depressed from being burned out, but it will help change your general outlook.

Being burned out will seep through in interviews, so anything you can do in your personal life to counter that will be helpful.

Answer 7

just talk to him and if he doesnt want to let you change then what is the worst that could happen, you quit your job. it sounds like you are already planning that anyway so you have nothing to lose. you will regret not trying.

Answer 8

why not just take a break, relax yourself a little in the meantime find an other job.

Answer 9

Ask your boss for a position that interests you. If he can't or won't accommodate you move on.