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 | Patricia Mish | Photo by Getty Images/iStockphoto/Ridofranz

This New Job Isn’t What I Signed on for

I recently landed a new job. I noticed the job description was a little vague but figured my role and responsibilities would become clear once I started. This has not happened. l have some ideas about how I can contribute. Should I tell my boss? If so, how can I go about it?

Many of us have been there. Clearly, you made a good impression: Your employer hired you based on your skills, experience and other qualities. There is good reason to believe your boss will not only be open to your suggestions but grateful for your initiative. Here are some tips for moving forward:

Pray: Bring your concerns to the Lord. Ask for guidance and inspiration as you confront this challenge. Whether it’s waking a few minutes early or taking a meditative walk during lunch, contemplation can energize you and spark fresh ideas.

Stay positive: Think about why you said “yes” to the job offer and let your boss know you are excited about contributing more to the company and tackling new challenges.

Brainstorm: This is the fun part. Think creatively about how you can revise your job description to better match your skills and the demands of the job. Write them down and bring them to your meeting.

Whether you are in an entry-level position or upper management, a tradesperson or an office worker, your work can and should have purpose. Yes, mundane tasks will always be part of the equation, but rest assured most bosses will welcome an employee who wants to color outside the lines of a limiting or dated job description — employers appreciate workers who are willing and able to adapt to changing needs and demands.

As Pope Francis reminds us, “We were created with a vocation to work ... Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfilment.” (Laudato Sí, 128)


Patricia Mish is a managing editor at FAITH Catholic.