Doing More Than My Job Description: Smart or Submissive?
Job-seeker Query: I am very happy with my job, save one serious problem that is forcing me to think of leaving my current job. Apart from performing my usual duties I am constantly assigned to do other things – things that are not part of my job description. Although I do not have any problem doing the additional work, however I think that it is inappropriate of my employer to ask me to perform tasks that my job description does not entail. For some time I contemplated refusing to do so but failed to muster up the courage. Now, I am considering either asking the company to pay me extra money for the extra duties or resigning from the job and looking up for another one. Please help!
Career Post Team Response: This is a very common problem and complaints are always coming in with regards to it. However you should consider several aspects before deciding either way.
Firstly, try to understand the nature of the tasks that you are assigned to do. For example, are they strictly personal things like taking the boss’s car to be cleaned or picking up dry cleaning? In that case you definitely are facing an unfair situation. In such a case, the best thing to do is politely refuse if it gets over bearing. You are not hired to do personal chores beyond a certain limit therefore refusing politely might give your boss the hint.
Now, in another situation, if your boss is assigning things to you that he/she feels that other co-workers are unable to do then this might actually work in your favor in the long run. This means that your boss trusts and counts on your capabilities and therefore you are on a better footing to demand a raise or more benefits when the time is right.
Asking the company to pay you for your efforts is fair, but make sure you don’t make out of place demands or don’t move too quickly to give the impression that all you care for is money. It is a very delicate balance that you must know how to maintain. You don’t want to jeopardize your career and job standing for a few extra bucks.
Considering all the pros and cons, if you still feel you are unhappy at your job, it would be smart to find a job before you leave this one.
Best of luck!
Career Post Team
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