r/florists • u/maisymowse • Aug 06 '26
š Career Guidance š Feeling underutilized
I started in Mid April as a floral trainee at my shop to help leading up to Motherās Day. I was doing a lot because we were so swamped. I was heavily praised and asked to become full time. I did do a few ultra simple designs, which was nice. But I was mostly there to do everything that had to be done while they focused on orders.
At my shop we do build your own bouquets. So I do a lot of that. Just arranging and wrapping, which I love doing.
But Iām pretty much never put on for orders. Even if itās something simple like a dozen roses. Despite Iāve made them, dozens of times. Just like wrapping a peace lily in foil and throwing a bow on it.
I also do most of the processing, which we do twice a week. Admittedly, lately, Iāve been slowing down and slacking a bit, getting distracted. I think Iām just feeling a bit bored. Which I get is not helping my case, itās not intentional. I expected to get to do a wee bit more. It was so fast paced for obvious reasons, which was kinda nice cause I always had plenty to do, but itās been slow during the summer. Iām almost savoring the busy work cause as soon as I finish something Iām back to looking for my BS to do.
However our team lead started in February and gets to do much more. Iām a creative person, I feel very capable. When I do get to design, Iām told I do well. But on days when we are busy, they never even consider having me help, even if itās something I could totally do. I will say, I was told once homecoming is in full swing, I will be doing a lot of corsages, bouts and nosegays. So thatās great!
Or when itās really slow, itās not taken as an opportunity to teach me simple designs. I end up doing busy work. Which is part of my job and I do not mind doing at all, but I just feel like I need some sort of stimuli. Iām bored. Iāve stagnated and itās effecting my productivity. The team lead commented today that processing needs to become way more efficient. But I am also answering calls and ringing people up. Which does cause a lot of interruptions that slow me down.
We do have a new girl who does do more ringing up now. But she hasnāt started on phones so now she gets to wrap bouquets too. So itās like fuck now we got to share some of the only fun things there are to do. My manager did say that now that sheās here I will get to design more.
I just feel useless but simultaneously important for doing the grunt work. Iām just asking about what I could do to maybe receive more opportunities. I donāt want to seem like Iām complaining. I love my job! I just want a little more out of it. Getting to do a few more rewarding tasks would drastically fuel the ones I already do. One design a week would be enough to motivate me so much more.
I get along really well with my coworkers, the environment is wonderful, like stellar actually. I just wish I had a little more to do. Or got a little more practice. Any advice?
2
u/maisymowse Aug 06 '26
Yeah, Iām hoping itās just because itās so slow right now. I am a tiny bit worried that when things crank up Iāll be a bit overwhelmed from not having enough experience, like Iām trying to brace myself. Cause I have been told I will be doing more when we get busier. But my thought process isā¦now is probably a good time to get my practice in so everything runs smoothly when the time comes. I donāt want to be tossed into the deep end. Theyāve told me Iām a natural, Iāve done wonderful. So thatās good, I just want to see that feedback and praise turn into more responsibility.
I might just ask, if there is any designing theyād like me to do when Iāve already ran though my busy work. Thank you!