When I first started working, I remember wondering why there were some coworkers who would always say no when asked to do anything extra.  They would exclaim, “ That isn’t part of my description.”

I’ve now been working for over 20 years, and I still hear people who say that. What I’m here to say to you is to never say that. If you have already started to, then I’m telling you to stop.

Before getting into technical writing, I was working as a Help Desk Representative and System Administrator. I didn’t even know that technical writing existed until I became acquainted with a few people who were working in that field. One of the guys started asking me if I wanted to help with some of the documents. I could have said “no thanks,” and who knows what I would be doing now. Instead, I said “Yes!”

When I was asked to start working on business analysis, I could have said “No, I’m a Technical Writer.” Instead, I said “Sure, why not.”

On the project I’m currently on, when my client and manager started asking me to help with other tasks, such as revamping the SharePoint sites, assisting users with their issues, and training on various modules, I was happy to do so. I have quickly gained the reputation of being someone dependable who is always willing to lend a hand. The client loves me, and has recently asked me to be the lead Content Manager for the SharePoint sites I helped revamped.

These tidbits I’ve shared from my professional life are to show you to never say no to an opportunity. You might think that you want to work in one area, but you never know where your other passions might lie if you don’t take a chance.  Unless you are being asked to do something that is demeaning, then strip “no” from your vocabulary.

Tags: dont say no at work, not part of job description, say yes at work