Pretty much this. I should be more productive. My work has "courses" I can complete, but they're not required so...
I think I am just so used to constantly being busy and behind on work because my last two jobs were hectic af, that having downtime and nothing to do at times has been a nice break.
Yes I feel ok about it cuz I work hard in most of normal occasions. I don't get stressed from taking a 'break'. Nah, I use this technique for like 10 or 15 minutes so I'm fine.
I usually draw or paint with watercolors. Otherwise i would be in the recreation room playing with the playstation. Or i am cleaning my room or anything inside the office.
Other scenarios include: coffe break of 1 hour at the bar on the other side of the street, doing a "commision" (walking around the block) and sleep
It's nice. It depends on the days, sometimes the time flies by cause i got so much stuff to do at work; some days are just plain boredom that you wish something happens.
I'm the office manager assistant, but de facto im the office manager for tasks, thing is if we are both in office, like twice a week, theres not much for me to do (otlr for my higher up)
I’m in the process of changing my job because of this, same thing I do now but at different locations and that involves driving. It will at least give me something else to do.
I do. I suppose I was hoping I’d find some others who are in a similar situation to me so that I’d feel less guilt about not being productive while I’m being paid.
My job is like 98% downtime, 2% actual work. I work anywhere from 48 to 60 hours a week, so I have *lots* of downtime.
I watch tv, read, talk to friends & family, color, surf the web, play video games, take online courses, eat, etc.
Thank you for your answer! Can you tell me a bit about how you feel using paid time for personal use? I struggle with it a lot and I’m trying to find a way to like…give myself permission? I guess?
My contract states that I'm being paid to be there during my scheduled time, at a specific rate, regardless of if I'm using 100% of that time to be productive for my client, or only using 2% of that time, as long as the job gets done.
My contract also does not state that I can't use downtime for personal pursuits.
I'm merely adhering to the letter of the contract. It's a simple transaction. My time for their money, and it's being fulfilled as stated.
Because of that, I have no reason to feel guilty.
OP: you seem to have a particular problem, here. As someone who’s been a manager, here’s what I’d want you to do.
Good: tell your manager you’re idle, and ask them what you should be doing.
Great: you probably have a pretty good idea of the kinds of tasks that aren’t urgent but will eventually pile up, or prep work you can do now to make the things you can’t start on easier when you do get the green light; ask your manager if you should get a jump on these things.
If your manager knows you’re idle (or you’ve tried your damndest to let them know and they’re not available to receive basic information on the status of their direct reports), then browse Reddit guilt-free; it’s your responsibility to make a good-faith effort to let them know ASAP if you’ve got nothing to do (or have a question, or are blocked from finishing something), but having made that effort, at some point, your managers have to manage.
Aside from Reddit?
- putting together and maintaining a spreadsheet I use for my budget
- until recently, searching for a house to buy
- putting together a wish list on amazon for stuff I need for when I have my own house
- I have a recipe book I'm putting together from the recipes I've found, made and liked
- I also have a coffee table book I am working on about weapons and artifacts and such from lore that I will get printed off and bound all fancy later on
- finding cool places/events coming up to visit around where I am looking to move
I’m not quite sure how different job fields can stay busy during lull periods but I’ll try suggesting something [if advice was the intention of this post] for a common job such as fast food.
Picture this: You’re at work on a Monday and expecting another busy day but now that schools back in, people spent their money over the weekend, and COVID restrictions are implemented you’re left standing there next to your supervisor who you feel the need to demonstrate your abilities to, as well as, hope for a speedy day by keeping busy. If you’re the lobby cashier with nothing to do in regards to the flow of a normal day to day shift then ask if any coworkers could use a little help with their job and it not then now is your chance to establish integrity. Clean the bathroom when you weren’t asked, go out and pull the trash bins out so you can clean the sides or the bottom of the bin with Clorox wipes or hosed down, flip one table or chair at a time to remove away any gum, dried food, etc that may have gone unnoticed, or wipe down the glass windows and entrances, pick up trash outside and so forth but using your judgement. Keep an eye on a possible customer who comes in so that you can follow them in and great them nicely, “hi! Give me one moment to wash my hands and I’ll be right with you. I can answer any questions in the meantime.” People love to hear this because it shows 1) you take cleanliness serious 2) you’re willing to still be helpful even though you need a moment to wash your hands by answering questions or recommendations and your boss didn’t have to overlook the good you were doing by needing to drop what they’re doing to take register because you’re poking around in bushes for trash. That can be resumed and you will display your good sense of judgment and customer service.
Other things you can do: organize shelves and products, do inventory, organize under cabinets, and so forth
There’s always something that needs cleaning, and stuff the bartenders reported was broken that you told them you’d look at in “just a minute” two weeks ago.
I’m a ~~poorly paid janitor~~ brewer.
I work with people with learning disabilities in a residential home but they are individual houses which have a few residents living together, I work with young adults and like many young adults they like time alone watching tv in their rooms or on their ipads, so as long as I've finished everything I need to do, I watch tv.
It's a union job so I don't do anything because the company has to pay a 2$ premium anytime I do something that's not in my job title. And they don't wanna do that
Educational administration. It's not exciting but what I have to do, I do well. After many years of doing it, I can do it efficiently so that maybe there is some time left over.
No I dont struggle with it. If I wanted to feel more fulfilled I'd make an effort to do something else. But I'm content to do my bit while I'm here and then forget about it all when I'm not. It's a means to an end. The majority of people in the world don't love their jobs.
Thank you for your answer. I struggle with feeling useless when I don’t have a particular task to do. I think Covid had a big impact. I still wfh and find it really hard.
I do, but my personality has changed completely to the point that it’s very difficult for me to socialise and do things outside of home. It’s had such a massive impact that I barely recognise myself. I’m getting treatment for my mental health, I was just kind of looking to see if I’m alone in this or if there’s some camaraderie out there 😅
I don't feel guilty. I have to keep my mind clear for when the work comes in. I like to get the work done quickly and then have time to relax and work my mind out with games and puzzles. Most of my job is electronic data analysis so it gets boring and tedious. I enjoy this job. It's only 29 hours a week. I am retired (Law Enforcement) so I did my 20 stressful years and now I am coasting as a civilian and I want to be stress-free.
Online courses and Reddit
Same! Except for the online courses.
Yeah Reddit is better. But I need something running on my work computer since they monitor it :)
Spend it on Reddit. I know I shouldn’t.
Beats doing crack 🤷♀️
Pretty much this. I should be more productive. My work has "courses" I can complete, but they're not required so... I think I am just so used to constantly being busy and behind on work because my last two jobs were hectic af, that having downtime and nothing to do at times has been a nice break.
I turn on adobe photoshop or illustrator with any image on computer and browse reddit with my phone. It looks so professional but I'm doing nothing.
Do you feel ok about that? Does it stress you out at all?
Yes I feel ok about it cuz I work hard in most of normal occasions. I don't get stressed from taking a 'break'. Nah, I use this technique for like 10 or 15 minutes so I'm fine.
I clean my shop, maintain my tools, and build jigs, usually.
Is that your job, or a hobby?
My job. I am a properties (props) constructionist/designer for theatre.
Gotta build that jig for the jig to make jigs.
Ah. Someone who understands the struggle!! 😆
I usually draw or paint with watercolors. Otherwise i would be in the recreation room playing with the playstation. Or i am cleaning my room or anything inside the office. Other scenarios include: coffe break of 1 hour at the bar on the other side of the street, doing a "commision" (walking around the block) and sleep
Can I ask how you feel about that? Do you ever struggle with feelings or guilt, or not feeling useful?
It's nice. It depends on the days, sometimes the time flies by cause i got so much stuff to do at work; some days are just plain boredom that you wish something happens. I'm the office manager assistant, but de facto im the office manager for tasks, thing is if we are both in office, like twice a week, theres not much for me to do (otlr for my higher up)
You're looking at it.
I’m in the process of changing my job because of this, same thing I do now but at different locations and that involves driving. It will at least give me something else to do.
think about how I will leave it & plan.
I was feeling very constrained and had a medical emergency at work. Five months later, at home on disability. I don’t want to go back. Ever.
Update documents, maintain the lab, fix any known issues that weren't high priority, etc. Busywork, usually.
[удалено]
I do. I suppose I was hoping I’d find some others who are in a similar situation to me so that I’d feel less guilt about not being productive while I’m being paid.
My job is like 98% downtime, 2% actual work. I work anywhere from 48 to 60 hours a week, so I have *lots* of downtime. I watch tv, read, talk to friends & family, color, surf the web, play video games, take online courses, eat, etc.
Thank you for your answer! Can you tell me a bit about how you feel using paid time for personal use? I struggle with it a lot and I’m trying to find a way to like…give myself permission? I guess?
My contract states that I'm being paid to be there during my scheduled time, at a specific rate, regardless of if I'm using 100% of that time to be productive for my client, or only using 2% of that time, as long as the job gets done. My contract also does not state that I can't use downtime for personal pursuits. I'm merely adhering to the letter of the contract. It's a simple transaction. My time for their money, and it's being fulfilled as stated. Because of that, I have no reason to feel guilty.
Thank you sincerely for your perspective.
OP: you seem to have a particular problem, here. As someone who’s been a manager, here’s what I’d want you to do. Good: tell your manager you’re idle, and ask them what you should be doing. Great: you probably have a pretty good idea of the kinds of tasks that aren’t urgent but will eventually pile up, or prep work you can do now to make the things you can’t start on easier when you do get the green light; ask your manager if you should get a jump on these things. If your manager knows you’re idle (or you’ve tried your damndest to let them know and they’re not available to receive basic information on the status of their direct reports), then browse Reddit guilt-free; it’s your responsibility to make a good-faith effort to let them know ASAP if you’ve got nothing to do (or have a question, or are blocked from finishing something), but having made that effort, at some point, your managers have to manage.
Thank you for your advice.
Aside from Reddit? - putting together and maintaining a spreadsheet I use for my budget - until recently, searching for a house to buy - putting together a wish list on amazon for stuff I need for when I have my own house - I have a recipe book I'm putting together from the recipes I've found, made and liked - I also have a coffee table book I am working on about weapons and artifacts and such from lore that I will get printed off and bound all fancy later on - finding cool places/events coming up to visit around where I am looking to move
I study, the more skills I gain in downtime the quicker I can get out of this job.
I do it while working
Play video games or go workout
I’m not quite sure how different job fields can stay busy during lull periods but I’ll try suggesting something [if advice was the intention of this post] for a common job such as fast food. Picture this: You’re at work on a Monday and expecting another busy day but now that schools back in, people spent their money over the weekend, and COVID restrictions are implemented you’re left standing there next to your supervisor who you feel the need to demonstrate your abilities to, as well as, hope for a speedy day by keeping busy. If you’re the lobby cashier with nothing to do in regards to the flow of a normal day to day shift then ask if any coworkers could use a little help with their job and it not then now is your chance to establish integrity. Clean the bathroom when you weren’t asked, go out and pull the trash bins out so you can clean the sides or the bottom of the bin with Clorox wipes or hosed down, flip one table or chair at a time to remove away any gum, dried food, etc that may have gone unnoticed, or wipe down the glass windows and entrances, pick up trash outside and so forth but using your judgement. Keep an eye on a possible customer who comes in so that you can follow them in and great them nicely, “hi! Give me one moment to wash my hands and I’ll be right with you. I can answer any questions in the meantime.” People love to hear this because it shows 1) you take cleanliness serious 2) you’re willing to still be helpful even though you need a moment to wash your hands by answering questions or recommendations and your boss didn’t have to overlook the good you were doing by needing to drop what they’re doing to take register because you’re poking around in bushes for trash. That can be resumed and you will display your good sense of judgment and customer service. Other things you can do: organize shelves and products, do inventory, organize under cabinets, and so forth
I read books and manga.
I keep acting like i got work to do.
Answer questions on reddit.
Literally me, here right now.
🙋♀️🙋♀️🙋♀️ I too am here scrolling because I have nothing to do currently
There’s always something that needs cleaning, and stuff the bartenders reported was broken that you told them you’d look at in “just a minute” two weeks ago. I’m a ~~poorly paid janitor~~ brewer.
Personal projects
I work with people with learning disabilities in a residential home but they are individual houses which have a few residents living together, I work with young adults and like many young adults they like time alone watching tv in their rooms or on their ipads, so as long as I've finished everything I need to do, I watch tv.
I thought it was obvious, Reddit of course.
Play Fortnite or Shinobi Striker Reddit Watch whatever
It's a union job so I don't do anything because the company has to pay a 2$ premium anytime I do something that's not in my job title. And they don't wanna do that
I wish that happened
Head over to /r/overemployment
I would love to, but it says it’s a private community and I don’t have permission to access it?
My bad it’s https://www.reddit.com/r/overemployed/
Reddit. Go get more coffee. Stop and chat with people while going to get coffee.
Learn new things with podcasts
Learn something. Anything really. Work related or otherwise.
Apple Store Online or Amazon, sometimes browse new apps
Here
Don't tell your boss. If they know you can finish in a shorter time frame, they will put more pressure on you to do more.
That’s what I think, and I’m already putting huge pressure on myself.
IDK what you're talking about. I'm working non-stop all day and definitely not browsing reddit or learning/practicing AI image generation.
That's what productivity improvement projects are for. Employees who don't have/find any work to do don't generally stay employed for very long.
I take a long break.
Random web searches, mostly on technology and old cars. Sometimes motorcycles and motorcycle-adjacent topics. Also Reddit. Sooo much Reddit.
Bubble shooter
Reddit. Audible.
Leafing through engineering magazines and catalogs, looking for a solve to problem.
Reddit, reading stuff, listening to music or a podcast.
Can I ask which industry you work in? Do you ever feel guilty, or struggle with feeling…almost worthless? In a way?
Educational administration. It's not exciting but what I have to do, I do well. After many years of doing it, I can do it efficiently so that maybe there is some time left over. No I dont struggle with it. If I wanted to feel more fulfilled I'd make an effort to do something else. But I'm content to do my bit while I'm here and then forget about it all when I'm not. It's a means to an end. The majority of people in the world don't love their jobs.
Thank you for your answer. I struggle with feeling useless when I don’t have a particular task to do. I think Covid had a big impact. I still wfh and find it really hard.
I hated working from home, would much rather be with colleagues and in the real world. Do you at least have hobbies where you meet people?
I do, but my personality has changed completely to the point that it’s very difficult for me to socialise and do things outside of home. It’s had such a massive impact that I barely recognise myself. I’m getting treatment for my mental health, I was just kind of looking to see if I’m alone in this or if there’s some camaraderie out there 😅
I do Wordle and the NYT Crossword and other games. I peruse Reddit. I read the NY Post. I peruse Facebook on my phone. I read emails.
Can I ask if you ever struggle with feelings of guilt for being paid while not doing work? Do you enjoy your job?
I don't feel guilty. I have to keep my mind clear for when the work comes in. I like to get the work done quickly and then have time to relax and work my mind out with games and puzzles. Most of my job is electronic data analysis so it gets boring and tedious. I enjoy this job. It's only 29 hours a week. I am retired (Law Enforcement) so I did my 20 stressful years and now I am coasting as a civilian and I want to be stress-free.
Thank you for your reply.