Work Performance issues

[gentmach]

Hello,

I have been at my dream job for about 2 years now. I work in a machine shop that is clean, organized and well run. The problem is I have to get my job times down. I have isolated every variable and the problem is me. I went to a psychiatrist and a therapist, got some meds and some stress relieving exercises. I also realized that it up to me to push myself to do better.

The problem is I still have not improved. In fact, I seems to be getting worse. The harder I try to focus on my job, the more I make mistakes. Do you guys have any suggestions on how to speed up?

The other problem is it feels like my brain reset itself. I am asking questions on how to do jobs that I have done before. It feel like I did when I first started. That anxiety and worry that comes whenever you start a new job.

I just feel frustrated because I am trying to be responsible but it just feels like the harder I try, the more it slips away.

[Dave1442397]

When you say the problem is you, what do you mean by that?

It doesn't sound like a lack of knowledge, so why does it take longer than expected for you to complete a task?

Is it the kind of task that can be broken down into steps? If so, can you isolate the steps that are taking too long?

Is is a task where you could be doing different things at the same time, like having a CNC machine run while you set up the next part of the job?

I would focus more on doing it right than doing it faster. Speaking from 25 years in the software business, I would rather have something done right a day late than done wrong a day early. The stuff that's wrong eventually has to be fixed, and then nobody cares that it was done early.

If you don't have any luck figuring out what's not working for you, maybe you could ask someone more experienced, or who does things faster, to take some time to watch you work for a while, and maybe they can tell you what they do differently.

[yakamashii]

You've identified performance as the problem, so I recommend reading The Mental Game of Baseball by H A Dorfman. Pro ballplayers deal with failure, setbacks and missed chances in spades, and have to turn the page and clear the mental slate on a day-to-day, and even pitch-to-pitch basis. Seems  like you're in a bit of a slump, and might need to regain confidence in your skills to perform at the level you're capable of performing at.

[Christof]

You are at the same job for two years, you ask stupid questions and you haven't been fired yet. That doesn't sound like your employer views your performance as bad as you do.

[MsPeacock]

It sounds like you are anxious, and the anxiety interferes with your concentration, work speed, and confidence. You mentioned seeing a therapist. I would encourage you to resume therapy, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy. Also check out either of these books:

1.  Feeling Good, the new mood therapy. By Burns. Burns also has some specific anxiety books, but the one I recommend I think covers the CBT ground extremely well.

2. The Anxiety and phobia workbook. By Bourne.

This medication: 

https://www.drugs.com/propranolol.html

Can be helpful for specific performance related anxiety. You may want to consult with a psychiatrist to see if it would be an option for you.

[gentmach]

When you say the problem is you, what do you mean by that?

It doesn't sound like a lack of knowledge, so why does it take longer than expected for you to complete a task?

Is it the kind of task that can be broken down into steps? If so, can you isolate the steps that are taking too long?

Is is a task where you could be doing different things at the same time, like having a CNC machine run while you set up the next part of the job?

I would focus more on doing it right than doing it faster. Speaking from 25 years in the software business, I would rather have something done right a day late than done wrong a day early. The stuff that's wrong eventually has to be fixed, and then nobody cares that it was done early.

If you don't have any luck figuring out what's not working for you, maybe you could ask someone more experienced, or who does things faster, to take some time to watch you work for a while, and maybe they can tell you what they do differently.

I always made excuses previously. Whether it was disorganization or mismanagement, it wasn't my fault. But now I work in a place that is well run and I can't keep up.

I was once told I have no "hustle." I just mosey along instead of trying to get things done. It will get done eventually but it will take longer than other people would take.

The problem is they have the average time a job should take. I consistently miss that time. And our customers want us to lower our prices so we have do better on our times as a whole.

[DoubleDown]

Any chance you're being too much of a perfectionist with the work rather than focusing on just getting it done well enough? My daughter used to do this with her homework. She would take 2 hours to complete an assignment that should take 20 minutes because she wanted it to be perfect, and would stress out over it. Or if there was an extra credit question that stumped her, she'd spend an hour or two trying to work it out instead of just putting it to rest and asking the teacher the next day. I had to work with her a few times to just let go of the need to make it perfect. She did get over it and now she has a very healthy balance between doing a good job but not killing herself over it, and she gets excellent grades. Meaning, it turns out her killing herself over it was unnecessary, she does a great job without having to make it "perfect." If you think this might be the issue, then I'm sure there are some ways to overcome that.

[Johnez]

How sure are you the expectations being asked of you are even reasonable? How sure are you that your performance is even truly an issue?

I ask this as a perfectionist who was given expectations on performance and speed, yet was never able to square the two. As it turns out, many guys did half ass jobs and cut corners everywhere. I did my job day in and day out, pissed I couldn't meet goals and eventually transferred departments when the reality was clear. Management was simply clueless. Now I'm in a place where numbers are clear cut, and time demands are realistic. Perhaps a transfer is in order

[FIRE me]

Any chance you're being too much of a perfectionist with the work rather than focusing on just getting it done well enough?

Good call on that one. Especially in a machine shop where accuracy is very important. A very conscientious person could get trapped into making everything perfect.

Second, I would ask the OP, how is his focus? Does he daydream, talk to coworkers, or get on his cell phone? All of those are job performance killers.

[FIRE me]

Hello,

I have been at my dream job for about 2 years now. I work in a machine shop that is clean, organized and well run. The problem is I have to get my job times down. I have isolated every variable and the problem is me.

If you're taking longer, you're something different than your co-workers. What is it?

[gentmach]

Any chance you're being too much of a perfectionist with the work rather than focusing on just getting it done well enough?

Good call on that one. Especially in a machine shop where accuracy is very important. A very conscientious person could get trapped into making everything perfect.

Second, I would ask the OP, how is his focus? Does he daydream, talk to coworkers, or get on his cell phone? All of those are job performance killers.

I am a perfectionist. I feel like I got really lucky and I need to make the most of this opportunity.

Our shop requires cellphones to be left on our work benches. (There are only 5 of us.) I don't talk to my co workers for very long because I figure we need to focus on the job at hand.

I do daydream but I have been trying to push that stuff aside and retrain my brain.

The crew we have, one guy has 8 years experience, the other two have 25+.

So it is probably unrealistic expectations but I still feel like I should be further along.

[FIRE me]

I agree that expecting you to perform like you have 25 years experience (or even 8) is not reasonable. With only two years experience, you are probably still at the “need to carefully think about it” stage as you perform your work. As opposed to knowing by rote, in all circumstances, exactly the best way to do it and be able to do it quick and error free.

Can the more experienced guys see you working from their workstations? You might ask them what you can do to be a better machinist. Some enjoy sharing knowledge and will be glad to help, others may have no intention of giving away the benefit of their hard won experience.

You should consider seeking out a machinist's internet forum. Just as MMM the forum helps people to FIRE, you are sure to find experienced people on the internet who want to share machinist's tips and technique.

If you keep trying to improve, you will improve.

[ncornilsen]

I agree that expecting you to perform like you have 25 years experience (or even 8) is not reasonable. With only two years experience, you are probably still at the “need to carefully think about it” stage as you perform your work. As opposed to knowing by rote, in all circumstances, exactly the best way to do it and be able to do it quick and error free.

Can the more experienced guys see you working from their workstations? You might ask them what you can do to be a better machinist. Some enjoy sharing knowledge and will be glad to help, others may have no intention of giving away the benefit of their hard won experience.

You should consider seeking out a machinist's internet forum. Just as MMM the forum helps people to FIRE, you are sure to find experienced people on the internet who want to share machinist's tips and technique.

If you keep trying to improve, you will improve.

Practical Machinist is one such forum. Just avoid the "manufacturing in North america" subforum unless you like reading the comments at the bottom of political news articles.

As for reducing perfectionism and just getting the job done, look at how much tolerance the job has, and maybe it's form/function. If you've got +/-.010" maybe setting/resetting the vice 4 times to make sure the jaw didn't lift isn't worth it... That's probably not helpful, but tolerance is there to accommodate machine error, but also to save money on manufacturing cost.

Any way to know the scrap/rework rates of your fellows? It really only matters how many GOOD parts are made per unit time. If they make 10/day, and 7 end up in the scrap bin, maybe the 8 you made that all passed QC isn't so bad?

[gentmach]

I work with a good crew. They understand that I can't make those times though I am improving. I just feel like I need to at least carry my own weight, you know?

Thank you all for the responses. I think last week was just terrible and I freaked out more than I should have. I got some stuff done that was bothering me.

[SofiaBourbon]

Hi!
Here are a few tips:

1) Keep a journal - you mentioned some of the tasks, you had previously done. Every day after work, write (or record on your computer) what you learned and the task you accomplished

2) Turn it into a game (it helps keep anxiety away) - say you walk into work with a goal - yesterday you successfully and quickly completed 1 task, today try two, tomorrow try 3, if you fail, that's OK. Find out why? If it was due to the lack of knowledge write down where the gap was, go home and read about it. If it's due to anxiety, write down what you were feeling at the time and what you decided to do instead of working ( once you learn your own pattern, you can identify when anxiety is being triggered). Try to repeat the same scenario by coming to work early and slowly working through it.
3) Find a teacher - a coach - have lunch with him/her, someone you can ask questions related to work during lunch. Someone who likes what they do and loves to talk about it. Avoid people that talk about others or will likely go to your boss to tell them about your questions.

4) Read this article - http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/02/17/how-to-build-confidence-and-destroy-fear/

5) Reassess - see if this is something you are really interested in?
Or in reality, you are not that enthusiastic about it. It's OK if this is not something you will like to be doing long term. If so, start planning an exit plan.

I hope this helps! Good luck.