If your boss asks you to take on an extra task that isn’t part of your job description, you can view it in one of two ways: as an opportunity to learn a new skill and gain valuable practical experience, or with exasperation that you are now taking on extra work.

Unfortunately there are many people who take the later approach - they may not express it openly but it is evident in the way they complete tasks or their attitude at work.

Instead why not embrace the opportunity and see it as your chance to add not only extra skills but valuable experience to your CV?

Usually when people want to learn a new skill to advance their career they take a formal course. Certainly courses are important, but many additional skills can be gained on-the-job. This has the added benefit of complementing your learning with practical experience, which after all is what employers look for when they recruit – a proven performer.

So if your boss asks you to do more, it can be a great opportunity to learn a new skill and gain valuable practical experience to aid your future career growth.

But if the additional tasks you are being asked to perform are not related to your current role or future career progression, you could ask your boss for a meeting to openly and honestly discuss the expectations of your role. Make it clear during this meeting that you are willing to take on extra duties relevant to your profession, but that you do not want to develop your career in the direction of the tasks being assigned to you.

You could also consider having a fall-back position. If your employer keeps throwing unrelated tasks your way, is it time you looked for your next role? 

This article appeared in the Classified Post print edition as No pain, no gain.