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Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull
20

Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

(OP)
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

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

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

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

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.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

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.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

(OP)
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.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

"Unfortunately there is nothing to learn"

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

Boottmills

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

(OP)
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.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

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.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

4
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.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

"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 winky smile

TTFN
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RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Quote (Douglas Adams)

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

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

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

www.EngineeringMetallurgy.com

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

2
"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: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm? (probably not aimed specifically at you)
What is Engineering anyway: FAQ1088-1484: In layman terms, what is "engineering"?

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

""
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

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

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: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Don’t worry!

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

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

2
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.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

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

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

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?

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

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.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

If the project is easy and the process is boring, make a better process with the free time from the easy project.

I rigged a setup to stupid proof our material takeoffs, estimates, and quotes (sales driven contract work, lots of quotes. Luckily what we provide is pretty standard on paper)... allowed me a lot more time to work on stuff that I like doing and the company likes billing for, all at the cost of a computer literate high school-graduate to fill out a form, pop some data into an excel spreadsheet and write a few sentences.

My goal has always been to engineer myself out of a job one day.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

THETICK

I liked that quote so much I looked it up. It appears to have come from Scott Adams instead of Douglas Adams.

AeroNucDef
We can't really answer the question without knowing you or your boss or your company. It really all depends on those personalities. The best advice is to train someone else on the software or hire a contractor that enjoys that kind of work. Present it in the companies terms. Which project would you provide the most value to them on? You are right that it is better to talk to you boss now instead of latter. However, don't ignore the cynics.

There is no reason to let one assignment ruin your life, especially when you can change employers. Isn't there more to you life than work?

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

To get to the gist of the matter, this feeling seems to be what causes people to divorce / have affairs so often. This is boring, I'm not feeling special any more, I want something different. I am special, my mother always told me that I was. It's all about me, and my needs!

"You want excitement? Here you go, try making mortgage payments without a job. That should be interesting and challenging. Have a nice day!"

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

HDS: humbly and gratefully corrected, I am.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

6
You wanted a direct, honest answer didn't you? If not, stop right here.
I've been an engineer for over 35 years. I've had ALL kinds of jobs. Too many different types to try to list here. Some were fun, some were stressful, some were rushed, some were slow, some were high tech, some were VERY old school, some were complex, some were gut-level simple, some were beyond my ability, some were repetitive, some were in a quiet environment, some weren't, some involved travel, some didn't. But one thing that NONE of them were was boring. None of them. Zip. Nada. Wonder why? You think it was the characteristics of the job itself? I doubt it. In fact, the only common thread among all of them was my attitude. If a job is simple enough, or not demanding enough, that it leaves me free time to learn other stuff, I learn other stuff. That's how I learned to write computer programs that have saved me countless hours over the years. That's how I learned to create my own custom AutoCAD commands. That's how I learned the advanced features of Excel, Word, MS Project, Solidworks, and many others. All of which made me the "go-to" guy for all those questions wherever I worked. That's how I eventually got my PE license.

If you are bored, its not your boss's fault. Its not his job to keep you focused, or entertained, or challenged. It's your fault. If they didn't need the job done, they wouldn't need you. Your job is not to just "complete the task". You job is to do it in such a way that you add value to the whole process. Find a way to do it better, faster, with more reliable results, with less need to do it again in the future, or some other improvement over the minumum essential effort. If you dif deep enough you will fimd something down there to get fascinated about. Something that will consume your mind on the drive home. Something you will think about as you go to sleep. Some problem is down there waiting to be solved. Dig for it, find it, and solve it.

And no offense meant - but after 17 years, I would have expected a more mature attitude. Maybe that might be the reason you are assigned the menial tasks. I've known people like that, but that's a whole different topic.

All this is given with the intent to help, not insult or offend. Please take it that way.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Bravo to Jboogs

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

One thing I've learned over the years - if aren't prepared for an honest answer, don't ask the question.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Good job, JBoggs.

Re-reading the OP, I can't help but toss in two quotes from former bosses of mine when I was young:


Upon hearing me beef about a boring, repetitive, nuisance-type project:
"If work was enjoyable, I wouldn't have to pay you."


Upon hearing me beef about a really complex project with a short time frame and no help:
"If it were easy, I'd hire little kids to do it."

Those two messages have stuck with me my whole career. If it's boring, I dig in and learn from it. If it's too challenging, I dig in and do my best. It's a rare day that I complain about a paying gig (but it still happens occasionally).

Good on ya,

Goober Dave

Haven't see the forum policies? Do so now: Forum Policies

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Well stated JBoggs, I really didn't have anything to say to the thread but I had to give you a star and props after that. Attitude is everything!

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

All great comments and suggestions. If you learn anything from this thread, you are capable of learning from the project.

Chris
SolidWorks 11
ctopher's home
SolidWorks Legion

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

You could always start your own engineering company where all the jobs you ever do are fantastically interesting and pay well.

:)

Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

AeroNucDef,

I am compassionate with respect to your plight. I, too, have had the occasional "Awww, crap, really?" type of assignment thrown my way. In my case, it's often when they need someone to actually run a project (something I am good at but I despise doing).

You mentioned that you are used to doing engaging, interesting assignments:

"I am used to working on quite advanced engineering projects, mainly SC jobs,..."

Maybe this is simply a matter of, this time, you drew a bad hand. So now, in poker terms, you can play and bluff, or fold and wait for the next hand. The guys (and ladies) who can do both, when required, invariably win more poker tournaments.

In your case, I would take a different approach: I would ask for a second, hopefully more interesting assignment *in addition* to the first one. Then, inevitably, you would find yourself (or convince them that you have found yourself) stretched too thin, forcing them to give you an assistant. Then bring the assistant up to speed to offload you from direct involvement on the dull assignment while you attend to the interesting one. Then, people see you as taking on more challenges, they see you doing an effective job mentoring less experienced staff, you do well in the assignment of your choosing, your assistant develops under your mentorship, and everyone wins.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

I didn't see anyone mention this specifically although SNORGY hinted at it:

Find or ask for a second project to work on in addition to the first. Even on the most interesting projects I can get stuck in a bit of a rut if I work on it nonstop. If I go work on something else for a bit I feel refreshed and ready to tackle the first project again. This works especially well for "dull" projects. I don't know the details so maybe you don't have time for a second project or the logistics don't work for you to have a second project but find something else to take your mind off the dull project. If it's going to last for 2 years, you will need it anyways.

Also, ask your boss for some advice on how to handle the project. Make some hints that it's not what you expected, how would they handle it, tips, etc. Take responsibility for the project but at the same time let them know what's going on. Don't be disrespectful or confrontational when dealing with it.

Or find a new job.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

So I am curious how this turned out. He said he was going to go ahead and ask for a different project or transfer or whatever and we haven't heard the result... perhaps packing and looking for a new employer? :P hope it worked out well for you though with whichever path you took.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

If you are very curious about it, you could probably replicate the same situation with your wife. I'd recommend wearing a cup as you will probably not get a Klondike bar as a reward.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Quote (beej67 (Civil/Environmental))


27 Jun 12 7:49
You could always start your own engineering company where all the jobs you ever do are fantastically interesting and pay well.

Nope. He'll end up leaving engineering. Stick with the regular paying day job.

Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Sarcasm is so hard to express on a computer screen.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Sorry to have to say this but i think this thread demonstrates why a lot of people consider engineers to be butt holes.

A little more human would be nice.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

2dye4 - I'm confused. Is it the OP's complaint or the responses that you think are less human?

And what exactly does "A little more human would be nice." mean, anyway?

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

TGS4

I am in sympathy with the OP.

Does anyone notice the hostility directed toward the way the OP 'feels' about his job in 'some' of the replies??

This is redirected self hatred or emotional immaturity.

My message to the OP.

Your employer may likely not understand or appreciate your need for more interesting work, and you risk your relationship with them by bringing it up directly.

I would let them know in subtle ways that it is not an interesting assignment for you but that you are dedicated to doing what is asked and then decide to either tough it out or start looking elsewhere.



RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Quote:

This is redirected self hatred or emotional immaturity.

OMG! Thanks! I am enlightened now. I love myself. I love you. I LOVE EVERYONE!!!!!

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

The Tick,
Can you spread a bit of that love over here?bigcheeks
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

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

"Self hatred"? Wow! Didn't know psychologists trolled the engineering forums.

"Emotional immaturity"?? Really? OK, some of the guys have been having some fun. But anybody that posts the original complaint surely had to expect that, especially after having been in industry as long as he has.

Frankly, I think the original post reflected "emotional immaturity" a lot more than the replies have. I say grow a pair, be thankful for the job you have. Making it interesting is not in your boss' job description. That part is up to you. And you can do it if you want to bad enough. Do the job better and quicker than anyone else has. Find an innovation to make it easier for the next guy to do it. You do that well enough and you will be noticed. And if you aren't noticed, and you don't feel there is a chance you will be, put your feet to work instead of your mouth and find other opportunities.

Don't forget - the purpose of ALL jobs (at least those in private enterprise) is to create a profit for the owners. It isn't to provide for your entertainment, or to put a roof over your head, or to enhance your self-image, or anything else. Without a profit, none of that other stuff is even possible. That is all a by-product of the profit.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

2
I s'pose my response could categorize me as a butthole. Perhaps I am a butthole. Perhaps I noted some things and saw a bit of humor. For some, it may be sarcasm. For me, it was irony and I found it entertaining.

As a person in business, the work is not always fantastically interesting. Days go by with no activity at all. It's quite boring. He considers leaving engineering, after 17 years, because he has a project that's boring but he does have something to do, which is better than nothing to do.

So far on my own, the pay has been abysmal as I've got 99% negative cash flow. If he cannot take the hardships of a dull project, how will he take the hardships of no pay? It is continual work to maintain a good attitude in the face of such circumstances.

He considers leaving engineering because of a dull project. I considered leaving engineering after 16 years and a load of crap that would have buried a lot of people. I've seen grown men cry under less pressure than I've had. I was completely listless for 1.5 months after I made a decision to resign and possibly leave engineering. I struggled for months prior to that point. After I resigned, I didn't do much of anything but sit in front of the TV and not think. There was no joy and no interest beyond what I saw on TV and I cannot remember one thing I watched.

Consequently, I find his situation a bit humorous. There was no ill intent behind my post. I'm sorry anyone would have taken it as such.

Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

A knuckle sandwich oughta do the trick?

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

lacajun,

For what it is worth...

You are my favorite butthole in all of engineering.

smile

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Thta's Mr. Butthole to you.

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

lacajun (Pamela) is a Mr. Butt Hole? Have you been to the surgeon and forgot to tell us? clown

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

So what happened, did you get a new project? What is this one, hope its more fun!

I did the same thing, didnt want to work on a project. By boss just had me sit around for two weeks till another project came in that I wanted to do. I was able to come and go as I please too. Gonna try it again soon!

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

I had a difficult customer that called me a butthole the first time we met. I reminded him that the title is "Mr. Butthole".

The same honorific should also be provided for architects. As one architect friend commented, "I must have a really nice butt, because every time I walk out of a meeting, everybody says 'What an azzhole'".

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

Don't get me started on how pharmacies jack me around on my testosterone shots! winky smile

That is a joke, too. Some will read that and think, "Oh no! She's gone the way of Chaz Bono!" I enjoy being a female and have no problems being one or remaining one. smile Why would I want to be a man and limit myself? big smile

SNORGY, thank you very much for the endorsement. Backatcha', Brother! smile

I'm curious about what he did, too. He must have gotten more interesting work...

Pamela K. Quillin, P.E.
Quillin Engineering, LLC

RE: Advice Please: New design project thats painfully dull

AeroNucDef,

Sorry I'm late on this thread but, I've been there and I'm sure a lot others have too. A few years back our team had to write the specifications for a huge project. It took over a year. No design work, no innovative new ideas, just write, write, write. At first, like you I felt, "oh my career is dead." Every day I'd put on the clerk hat and say to myself, "OK, by 10am I'll have the next section on corrosion (or whatever) finished, then I'll start the section on material requirements. A week would go by, then a month, then it was 2005 and we were done. I left and went to a new company and started right away on a design project. They were impressed that I helped plan that project. I never lost my design skills and exceeded the new bosses expectations. I did learn a lot about professional spec writing which comes in handy every now and then. Don't want to do it again, but I would.

In short, you will not loose your skills. Don't worry. Do it for a year and you'll be a better man.

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