Need some opinions

[BKScripto]

So I've recently been through a lot of changes in the workplace. I work for a large bank that will go un-named :) I started out with the bank as a Software Engineer and working on some cutting edge technology. About the time my contract was coming to an end I got invited for an interview by another department within the bank. This group had worked with me some and knew what I was capable of. So, I was hired as a full-time employee as a Senior Desktop Engineer. Things were great, I was the only engineer on a team of about 15 Analysts.

My company got bought out by a larger bank and my manager got fired and my whole team got shuffled into a desktop support role. This was fine and great for all the analysts on the team because it basically meant they were going to keep doing what they've been doing. But for me, it was a serious backwards step.
I don't want to sound like I have a big head in any way, but think I have some very useful talents and so do my previous employers. It's been 6 months and I feel like I'm wasting away with work that is not at all a challenge for me.

I have had talks with my boss about doing something more technical but it falls on deaf ears. It's just the way he is, unfortunately.

I feel like I was done wrong by moving me from an Engineering position to a "Technician" type position. On the other hand, should I just shut up and be thankful I have a job (which I am) and just do work. I'm just becoming so stagnant without any challenges or work that's interesting to me.


Any comments would be awesome. I just want to get other professionals opinions. Thanks!

[ahos77]

Hi BKScripto,

Welcome to the forums!

It's great you have a job and a paycheck--but mental stimulation is important as well. :)

Have you spoken to HR about changing positions, or about potentially moving to another part of the company where you could regain an engineering position? If you come to them with the attitude of "Here's how I can better help the company" instead of "I'd really prefer an engineering position," you'll be more likely to get a more positive response from them. If there are open positions you're interested in, ask to be considered.

If you don't get the response you're hoping for, I'd consider moving to another company. Even if you may have to take a minor pay cut, you'll likely find the stimulation worth it.

[BKScripto]

Hi BKScripto,

Welcome to the forums!

It's great you have a job and a paycheck--but mental stimulation is important as well. :)

Have you spoken to HR about changing positions, or about potentially moving to another part of the company where you could regain an engineering position? If you come to them with the attitude of "Here's how I can better help the company" instead of "I'd really prefer an engineering position," you'll be more likely to get a more positive response from them. If there are open positions you're interested in, ask to be considered.

If you don't get the response you're hoping for, I'd consider moving to another company. Even if you may have to take a minor pay cut, you'll likely find the stimulation worth it.


Thanks for the tip. I've thought about talking to HR about this but I have never really talked with HR besides getting thru the hiring process a couple years back. I guess I've never really looked at HR as being there to help with this sort of thing. I'll give it a shot and see what happens.