To hate having nothing to do at work?

[SparePart2015]

Have name changed for obvious reasons.

I recently got promoted. Brilliant. However, I have nothing to do and haven't for six weeks.

My boss has actually stated that he doesn't like managing people. I've asked him for work (ignored or avoided), offered to help other people etc, nothing. I've had to arrange all my own equipment, tried to sign myself up to training courses (can't without boss's approval) and I'm lost. I'm dam good at what I do, hate being bored and I'm running out of ways to 'look busy'.

Another person was taken on after me (same role) and they've received training, induction, the lot.

I'm worried that this is basically making me look crap.

What the hell do I do?

Complain. Is there an HR department or a more senior manager you could speak to?

There is, but I'm worried that this will be turned back on me. Though I have tons of sent 'can I help?' emails. It's so bloody frustrating - it was my boss who hired me for this in the first place! Argh!

I wish it could share some of my workload with you! I have an impossible amount to do at work and am forever chasing my tail

"they've received training, induction, the lot."

Who arranged it for them? Is it someone you could speak to?

I'm considering doing that, but it will instantly make my manager look a bit crap and I'm not sure I want to antagonize him (managers have a lot of power over employees at this company). Tbh, think I may already have done that by ordering my own equipment. Urgh.

Why hire someone and then ignore them...

Spend the time browsing the recruitment websites just in case.

Not what I wanted to hear... But you may have a point.

I have been in jobs where I was extremely busy in a stressful way....but it was far worse being in a job with nothing to do, it's very draining trying to look busy, pushing paper about. I couldn't sleep well due to the lack of mental stimulation and my self esteem and confidence took a nose dive.

It's a tricky situation as you don't want to make yourself redundant or annoy anyone but ideally you need to make yourself heard to HR as they are in the wrong here, to be training someone and giving them plenty of work and not giving you enough.

Thanks Sylvanians. I'm also used to being very busy - I thrive on it. Think some gentle hints to higher management may be in order.

Oh you have my sympathy!! This is just as stressful as being overworked. You feel worthless, your skills decay, you have no conversation at the end of the day etc. I had to endure this for 6 months! Depending on what sector you are in, I would advise..documenting every request you make for work and your line managers response. When you draw a blank escalate ..with evidence to either their line manager or HR. Ask openly about what you are allowed to do in this time eg gardening leave, go on the Internet ( I wasn't allowed to do either!!) This not only shows that you have nothing to do but also makes your managers acknowledge it so you can't be blamed for doing x or y in the future. Sadly the only way out for me was out, but I wish you better luck!