When it comes to job descriptions, this is something you get when you first enter the company. Every contract gives you a job description that you need to follow. However, some companies don’t give you a job description which can be quite dubious. After all, this can make room for a lot of abuse especially if you’re someone with a wide skillset.
So before you offer your other skills that are beyond your original job description, ask yourself these questions first:
Can you handle it?
Handling it can mean a lot of things. Handling it can also include adding it to your workload and getting the desired results. Handling may also mean overseeing it and giving up your old job description. But remember, not all new additions are a good thing. Sometimes, you may just increase the stress on yourself. It doesn’t help and at the end of the day, the company won’t pay for the damage done to yourself. You took it upon yourself to do it, therefore, the only one who will end up paying for the consequences is you.
Is there anyone else who can do it in the office?
In a workforce, there will always be skilled workers and experts in their craft. Even if you do have knowledge in it, you don’t necessarily have to take it upon yourself to do it. You can offer your suggestions and opinions. But don’t forget that the experts hired for that job would most likely know more than you about that task.
Do you have enough power?
When we say “power”, it’s about getting things approved. It’s also about getting access to anything you need for that task. For example, being a rank-in-file employee means you don’t have access to executive files. This may make your work harder especially if you volunteer to handle the work of someone who needs executive office access.
What is it supposed to achieve in the long run?
Doing something beyond your job description may hamper your original job. This is why you have to ask yourself, “why exactly am I doing this?” If it’s just to get brownie points then, it may not be the best motivation at all. What may happen is that the thing you did may even end up as a total waste because someone else more skilled was hired for that job. But if you’re doing it because you want to help someone then, that might be a good motivation to help yourself continue working.
Am I being paid enough?
You can’t neglect the financial portion of the job. After all, motivation, compassion, and kindness don’t feed your stomach. Money does as it allows you to procure money. Ask yourself if you’re being paid enough for your original job. If you feel that you’re being overpaid then, it’s alright to offer your services. But if you’re feeling underpaid then, don’t bother. That will only cause more negative emotions towards the company to build up because as a volunteer, you won’t even be paid for that work. You’ll just be paid based on what is written in your contract.
Check if your superiors might abuse it.
By offering your other skills, you’re doing a favor for the company by cutting down their expenses. They won’t need to pay another person to do that job for them. If they find out you’re just as good as anyone out there, they’ll have you do it instead alongside your original job description. Some superiors don’t abuse it and instead have that as a last resort. But remember, companies always want to make a profit otherwise it wouldn’t be a business worth getting into. So, make sure you know your boss well enough to see if he/she will abuse your talents or not.
It’s okay however to offer. But it’s not okay when you know you can’t handle it.
There’s an old adage that goes, “Don’t go off biting more than you can chew.” It holds true for food (because nobody likes choking) but it also holds true for work. While it’s okay to offer help if you see someone struggling. But also make sure that you won’t end up struggling too!