First real job and he's bored !

maggiesoup1

Son managed to secure a "runner" job (basically office junior) with a big company. Most of the staff are young and he really likes them but one month into the job he says it's driving him crazy as there's so little to do. Maybe they've had "slow" runners previously as he seems to get through his work by lunchtime each day. I've advised him to speak to his line manager, maybe if they are aware he could do more they will give him more to do but can anyone suggest anything else? It's in an industry he doesn't really want to be in (gaming) but they are a world known name and feels it would look good on his CV. I know he's aware that I would be hacked off if he packs it in so soon but should I have the opinion that life's too short to be unhappy/bored or encourage him to stick with them for at least 6 months to get some experience on his CV despite being bored. He's trying to get into the film industry (has been trying to get work for the last 2 years to no avail) so it's not going to be easy getting another job. He's more than capable of running his own life, but just looking for opinions from parents out there. Thanks!

Mojisola

maggiesoup1 wrote: »

Son managed to secure a "runner" job (basically office junior) with a big company. Most of the staff are young and he really likes them but one month into the job he says it's driving him crazy as there's so little to do. Maybe they've had "slow" runners previously as he seems to get through his work by lunchtime each day. I've advised him to speak to his line manager, maybe if they are aware he could do more they will give him more to do but can anyone suggest anything else?

Definitely this ^

Otherwise, I'd advise him to put up with it for at least a couple more months while looking for another job. Much better to go from one job to another than walk out of a job to nothing.

pinkshoes

Of course he should stick it out!

Lots of first jobs are boring as you have to do the basics and mundane stuff!

If he quits, then it is unlikely anyone else will want to employ him as he will come across as arrogant for thinking things like that are beneath him...

sangie595

He's a big lad now. And if he is really stupid enough to think it is ok to pack in the job without one to go to, and either live off you or the rest of us, he needs a wake up call. You can't just jack in a job because you are bored. Paying your own way in life is one of those little foibles about being a grown up, not a child. Aspiring to the film industry is a great dream - it's also nigh on impossible to get into. Does he intend to spend his life on the dole until his big break comes? So he needs to get his feet on the ground, deal with having a job that isn't his idea of perfect, and if he is lucky he might work his way there - if he isn't he works his way somewhere up and/or somewhere else. Not quit at the first sign of him having to act like a grown up. If he's bored, tell his manager. I'm sure they have work for him.

IAmWales

He needs to stick at it. If he quits tell him you'll still expect board money from him.

The film industry is notoriously difficult to get into if you don't know people, even in the most junior roles. Suggest he looks at other areas that might interest him. What is it that appeals about that industry?

theoretica

If he is doing all his work and they don't have more for him, can he see things to suggest that would be useful to them? Or perhaps he could be allowed and helped to fill his time with learning and training. Some aspects of gaming can have parallels with the film industry so would be particularly good to explore.

maggiesoup1

IAmWales wrote: »

He needs to stick at it. If he quits tell him you'll still expect board money from him.

The film industry is notoriously difficult to get into if you don't know people, even in the most junior roles. Suggest he looks at other areas that might interest him. What is it that appeals about that industry?

He's had a bit of work experience over the last two years, the odd couple of weeks paid and some unpaid but just loves it. He worked for two weeks on a film unit in London (for free!) but it was 12 hour days and he just thrived on it. I'm caught between letting him pursue his dream or being pragmatic and saying he should stick to it for at least 6 months or he's going to look like he's a quitter but I see how despondent he looked every night when he gets home

maggiesoup1

Sounds like a plan. I''ll suggest that to him, thanks for the insight. That's one of the best reasons forusing this website, so many people can suggest thinking outside of the box .

jamesperrett

Has he thought about joining BECTU (now part of Prospect)? Their Twitter feed is full of information about events aimed at people wanting to get into the film and TV business.

ThemeOne

I would add that not all managers welcome staff coming to them saying they don't have enough to do, because it gives them the additional job of thinking of other work to give the person.

I'm not saying don't speak to the manager, but tread carefully, as it doesn't always get a positive response.

If it seems that's the way it's going, he might need to learn the art of "looking busy" - an art that comes a lot more easily to some than others.

andygb

I stayed in my "first job" for ten years, progressing from office junior, to accounts clerk, to supervisor.
Then I went to the private sector, working in small business accountacy, moved on to specialising in VAT accounts.
You have to do the time and gain experience.
There is no short cut to earning a decent wage - unless you can sing better than Tom Jones and go on X Factor.