I started a new job about 2.5 months ago and I'm really disappointed that I don't have very much to do. It was a difficult interview process, and I was so happy and excited to start. But it's really disappointing. I have a direct 'line manager' who I'll call Jill and she just doesn't seem to want to delegate much to me. I have a manager above her again, who I'll call Karen who seemed better, and she said to me early on, not to wait until Jill tells me to do something, but to be pro-active. But whenever I try and take on a task, Jill says 'no no I'll do that'. I offer to do things for her, but she always says no. She gives me quite babyish things to do, which I do really quickly and am back up to her again asking for more work. I don't like to keep nagging her either though, as she keeps telling me she is very stressed out. Managing me and one other colleague who is part-time, is only 30% of her job, the other 70% she manages about 6 other people. I've said it to Karen, that I don't have anything to do, and she gives me some vague directions, but when I try to take ownership, Jill shoots me down and says 'no no I'll look after that'. I'm literally twiddling my thumbs today. I've been up to her once, and she said she would be down to me if she has time. Karen said they were delighted to get me as I have so much experience, and they need me, but I don't know why yet. I seem superfluous to requirement! ANy advice.