How to tell work constructively that I am bored!

[chocoholicmom]

Has anyone had to tell their boss that they are essentially bored and need more to do at work? I am in this position but obvs can't say it quite as directly as that!

I am in a timesheet based professional services role so it's very obvious that I have very few billable hours and I'd like to deal with it proactively before it's raised as a problem. I am doing CPD reading in the spare time so not wasting it, but still need more challenge and billable work! I have done all the usual things like following up old loose ends and going through my client list for potential work.

Can you simply print out your timesheets, take them to your next 1:1 meeting and ask your boss' advice about how best to increase your billable hours?
You could suggest you have the capacity to do more.

Is there a project you could propose yourself?
It shows initiative from their point of view and means you to get work on something you enjoy?

I've been so bored at work. I worked in a training environment and sometimes there were no students in a run of 13 weeks. I revised and rewrote policies, assisted other departments and generally got up to mischief!

If projects aren't readily available you could start by asking if there is any BD work that you could get involved in, which could lead to client work if they make the sale. Or at least look better at review time.

At my last appraisal I told my boss quite frankly that I was bored. I am definitely not short of work now, but the new roles I have are more challenging too.