All these people saying "just find a job you like" sound very much like "just don't be poor" takes. Sometimes you are where you are, and that's what OP is asking about.
Because they're not paying you enough to care; if you're not worth a living wage to them, then there is no reason for you to do more than the bare minimum.
Just didn't get caught not being the dutiful, terrified, cowed, pliable, wage slave that your local gestapoclass traitors mid-mgmt expects you to be...
Why not be a good little worker, making barely enough to survive while the big wigs at your company are living the new Gilded Age? I think I'll hold out for something better.
I guess y'all had an implied detail that the employer is not paying you a salary you can survive on. I didn't realize that because I live in a developed country. My mistake. 🙋♂️
I'm retired and trying to get everything straightened up. Not just finances, but family obligations. Hopefully I'll be away early in '26. Thanks for the attitude though. Seriously.
I've downloaded books (novels) in pdf format, emailed them to myself or uploaded them in a public folder, and then printed them (double sided, two pages on one sheet, just like an actual book) in chunks of 20 pages (so 80 pages of the actual book). Stapled the whole thing in one corner, sat down at my desk, pen in hand, scribbling on the pages here and there.
I'm in tech but not a dev, but i enjoy coding as a hobby. I code at work on my personal projects, it's perfect :)
Oh also for a a couple years I had Civilization V on a separate PC. Great for looking busy and focused :) Ofc you need a desk in such a way that nobody can sneak from behind. I was managing managers at the time so that wasn't a problem. "Ooh boss looks busy" - hell fucking yeah I'm about to pound Gandhi in Deity boss is busy godahmit
I listen to podcasts while working. Earbuds in under my earmuffs (I work in the cooler of a slaughterhouse). I still do all my normal work, but at least I'm not bored to tears and having my anxiety attack my brain whenever it feels like it.
I enjoy the work I do, but there’s often a lot of downtime. And I’m definitely not going to advertise that fact and ask for more work. I just feel like my time-killing options are limited, because I can’t use my actual computer to research and write, so I’m stuck scrolling on my phone.
Work on some professional development. Find a class or course to go through (preferably on the company dime) during the downtime. See if your company will pay for or reimburse some additional training.
That’s a good idea! I like making wikis Obsidian, so it might be fun to build a wiki out of professional development webinars. It could actually turn into a helpful resource
I personally have never understood that attitude. Dont get me wrong im not judging you. In my mind i just rather do something productive than idle on my phone, more so if there is even small change it will lead in to something better in the future and so far it has been paying off.
And from the employer side, if the shit hits the fan and there is layoffs, they will rather keep the dude that is effective and knows how to do things outside their job description, than the dude whose job has lots of downtime and they show bo enthuastism to doing other things.
Yes, but there’s only so much that can be done before a project needs funding or other people’s involvement to move forward. And in my workplace, there is a culture of “stay in your lane and don’t rock the boat”. So I have to choose carefully when and where I try to expand the boundaries of my role.
This culture thing seems to be the issue. The same job description at a different company with better a culture may or may not exist, but it's worth researching to find out.
I keep my eye out for positions that open up near me. Nothing interesting enough for me to endure the hassle of the hiring process to pursue, at least lately
Use the tools you were provided for the purposes you provide.
Excel: Make your own calculations. You know, stuff like how long would it take to walk from Shire to Mordor? How rainy was last year compared to the ones before? Learn VBA and get creative with the macros. Generate art with conditional formatting. Make a macro that actively interferes with everything you write and slowly drives you mad. Ask Matt Parker for ideas on what kinds of fun things you can do with spreadsheets.
Word: Write your own fan fiction. Alternatively, you can paste an entire ebook in word and start reading. Abuse the formatting tools to produce modern art.
Power point: Abuse transitions and animations. See if you can recreate old school flash animations.
PowerShell: The sky is the limit. Get a web browser that runs in the terminal, and chill out on Lemmy.
If your profession has a professional society or industry has a trade association, look into webinars, certification classes, or other events they might have to learn more about your field and build skills. They often have opportunities to get involved with the organization as well, which could look good on paper to management when promotion opportunities arise...or new job applications if there are no promotions
Not the answer OP expected but the correct one. Doing strictly nonwork things at work can get you noticed in a bad way. I've had good and bad IT jobs and it's really amazing how a bad job can drive bad behaviors and a good job do the opposite.
I just listen to podcasts and music, and daydream as I work. I can't relax if I'm not working cos it's not worth the hassle, but I don't have to give the system my whole mind.
If you want to use a personal computer at work without raising suspicion, use a KVM switch to connect it to your work monitor and keyboard. Not only can you switch back to work quickly if needed, but it also looks more natural than having a separate laptop or whatever sitting out on your desk.
Smart, maybe a foot pedal to hot swap between them.
Make your second computer something small and powerful like a nuc, but off brand so it doesn't look cooler or more fancy than a piece of networking gear
Find something you enjoy that you can spin as work-related. I learned about sqlite as a potential way to store the lexicon for one of my constructed languages and it ended up becoming relevant at work.
I've had similar luck with playing with raspberry pis and generic Linux stuff. I'm not just setting up a self hosted forum, I'm learning about reverse proxies.
I dabble in Python, and I’ve made a few scripts that are really helpful and speed up my work a lot. I’m trying to figure out how I can develop that further, right now I’m thinking about learning VBA to make scripts to automate file sorting from my Outlook
But seriously now. Looks to me that you are looking for the combination of thing you enjoy and thing that brings you money. That can be a challenge but also very fulfilling. I know it - I lead a nonprofit organization that I profoundly believe in - it or both hard and easy.
You may look some YouTube videos about "life purpose". I have a good experience with Actualized.org.
take the george costanza advice: look annoyed and unapproachable.
i usually open that one task i actually want to work on, and just spread it over the day. when the bossman gets in vision range i just continue doing my task.
IT doesn't know shit, i'm IT... i just use a different browser for slacking so i don't have to worry about cleaning my history.
other things: if your job requires it you can also look busy while scrolling lemmy. don't try to hide it, that's suspicious.
pro tips: become a smoker (don't)
but in essence: always look focused and grumpy. - good luck. 3 years of doing the bare minimum and wasting 40hrs of my life every week for effectively 5hrs of work sucked out all the joy and purpose i had in life. i just exists and hope i get caught lacking so something changes...
68 Comments
sin_free_for_00_days@sopuli.xyz · 29 pts · 247d
All these people saying "just find a job you like" sound very much like "just don't be poor" takes. Sometimes you are where you are, and that's what OP is asking about.
victorz@lemmy.world · -4 pts · 247d
But if you are where you are, why not do a good job?
stringere@sh.itjust.works · 7 pts · 246d
Because they're not paying you enough to care; if you're not worth a living wage to them, then there is no reason for you to do more than the bare minimum.
otter@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 246d
Just didn't get caught not being the dutiful, terrified, cowed, pliable, wage slave that your local
gestapoclass traitorsmid-mgmt expects you to be...victorz@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 246d
But if you are paid a living wage?
Ah wait, this is probably America we're talking about. Never mind. 👍
stringere@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 246d
Yeah, if you're making a livong wage you're already in a better position because you don't live in the USA.
sin_free_for_00_days@sopuli.xyz · 3 pts · 246d
Why not be a good little worker, making barely enough to survive while the big wigs at your company are living the new Gilded Age? I think I'll hold out for something better.
victorz@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 246d
I guess y'all had an implied detail that the employer is not paying you a salary you can survive on. I didn't realize that because I live in a developed country. My mistake. 🙋♂️
sin_free_for_00_days@sopuli.xyz · 2 pts · 246d
Haha, yeah. Rub it in! I lived in the developed world for a decade before moving back to the US. Worst mistake of my life.
victorz@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 246d
Sh—, you're welcome back to hang for another decade yo, come on over if you still can, lessgoo
sin_free_for_00_days@sopuli.xyz · 2 pts · 246d
I'm retired and trying to get everything straightened up. Not just finances, but family obligations. Hopefully I'll be away early in '26. Thanks for the attitude though. Seriously.
victorz@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 245d
Love ya. Good luck with everything!
viking@infosec.pub · 25 pts · 248d
I've downloaded books (novels) in pdf format, emailed them to myself or uploaded them in a public folder, and then printed them (double sided, two pages on one sheet, just like an actual book) in chunks of 20 pages (so 80 pages of the actual book). Stapled the whole thing in one corner, sat down at my desk, pen in hand, scribbling on the pages here and there.
hereiamagain@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 247d
Brilliant
slazer2au@lemmy.world · 20 pts · 248d
I work in IT so I can always bludge while looking like I am working by reading documents
dontsayaword@piefed.social · 24 pts · 248d
🤔
MajorMajormajormajor@lemmy.ca · 3 pts · 248d
"Gator's bitches better be using jimmies!” - slazer2au
northernlights@lemmy.today · 19 pts · 248d
I'm in tech but not a dev, but i enjoy coding as a hobby. I code at work on my personal projects, it's perfect :)
Oh also for a a couple years I had Civilization V on a separate PC. Great for looking busy and focused :) Ofc you need a desk in such a way that nobody can sneak from behind. I was managing managers at the time so that wasn't a problem. "Ooh boss looks busy" - hell fucking yeah I'm about to pound Gandhi in Deity boss is busy godahmit
MrFinnbean@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 247d
As a warning for people who live in countries that have poor worker rights:
Depending of your local laws, contract and field, personal projects done during work hours and/or on work hardware might be seen as companys property.
WhyJiffie@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 246d
I agree this is poor worker rights, but isn't most places like that?
noxypaws@pawb.social · 18 pts · 248d
-George Costanza
Ryanmiller70@lemmy.zip · 12 pts · 248d
I listen to podcasts while working. Earbuds in under my earmuffs (I work in the cooler of a slaughterhouse). I still do all my normal work, but at least I'm not bored to tears and having my anxiety attack my brain whenever it feels like it.
compostgoblin@piefed.blahaj.zone · 2 pts · 247d
I’m big on podcasts too, I’d be bored to absolute tears without them
neidu3@sh.itjust.works · 12 pts · 248d
Working on my personal projects in a terminal.
Zwuzelmaus@feddit.org · 10 pts · 248d
The ultimate best is to enjoy your work, obviously.
compostgoblin@piefed.blahaj.zone · 13 pts · 248d
I enjoy the work I do, but there’s often a lot of downtime. And I’m definitely not going to advertise that fact and ask for more work. I just feel like my time-killing options are limited, because I can’t use my actual computer to research and write, so I’m stuck scrolling on my phone.
wirelesswire@lemmy.zip · 4 pts · 248d
Work on some professional development. Find a class or course to go through (preferably on the company dime) during the downtime. See if your company will pay for or reimburse some additional training.
compostgoblin@piefed.blahaj.zone · 2 pts · 247d
That’s a good idea! I like making wikis Obsidian, so it might be fun to build a wiki out of professional development webinars. It could actually turn into a helpful resource
MrFinnbean@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 247d
I personally have never understood that attitude. Dont get me wrong im not judging you. In my mind i just rather do something productive than idle on my phone, more so if there is even small change it will lead in to something better in the future and so far it has been paying off.
And from the employer side, if the shit hits the fan and there is layoffs, they will rather keep the dude that is effective and knows how to do things outside their job description, than the dude whose job has lots of downtime and they show bo enthuastism to doing other things.
Breezy@lemmy.world · 0 pts · 248d
If you like the work that you do, wouldnt you then find things to do while on the clock that you enjoy while also being productive.
compostgoblin@piefed.blahaj.zone · 7 pts · 248d
Yes, but there’s only so much that can be done before a project needs funding or other people’s involvement to move forward. And in my workplace, there is a culture of “stay in your lane and don’t rock the boat”. So I have to choose carefully when and where I try to expand the boundaries of my role.
Usernameblankface@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 247d
This culture thing seems to be the issue. The same job description at a different company with better a culture may or may not exist, but it's worth researching to find out.
compostgoblin@piefed.blahaj.zone · 2 pts · 247d
I keep my eye out for positions that open up near me. Nothing interesting enough for me to endure the hassle of the hiring process to pursue, at least lately
TubularTittyFrog@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 248d
Goldholz@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 1 pts · 248d
One thing at a time. Dont start multiple things at once
chaosCruiser@futurology.today · 9 pts · 248d
Use the tools you were provided for the purposes you provide.
Excel: Make your own calculations. You know, stuff like how long would it take to walk from Shire to Mordor? How rainy was last year compared to the ones before? Learn VBA and get creative with the macros. Generate art with conditional formatting. Make a macro that actively interferes with everything you write and slowly drives you mad. Ask Matt Parker for ideas on what kinds of fun things you can do with spreadsheets.
Word: Write your own fan fiction. Alternatively, you can paste an entire ebook in word and start reading. Abuse the formatting tools to produce modern art.
Power point: Abuse transitions and animations. See if you can recreate old school flash animations.
PowerShell: The sky is the limit. Get a web browser that runs in the terminal, and chill out on Lemmy.
Goldholz@lemmy.blahaj.zone · 9 pts · 248d
I cant because one can see right on my screens. So i am just on my phone and if they ever question it, i have some open pages ready
cymbal_king@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 248d
If your profession has a professional society or industry has a trade association, look into webinars, certification classes, or other events they might have to learn more about your field and build skills. They often have opportunities to get involved with the organization as well, which could look good on paper to management when promotion opportunities arise...or new job applications if there are no promotions
Nemo@slrpnk.net · 7 pts · 248d
The best way is to find a job you actually enjoy doing, and also that pays you more the busier you are.
BrianTheeBiscuiteer@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 248d
Not the answer OP expected but the correct one. Doing strictly nonwork things at work can get you noticed in a bad way. I've had good and bad IT jobs and it's really amazing how a bad job can drive bad behaviors and a good job do the opposite.
Nosavingthrow@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 247d
I have a spreadsheet that I've set up to design dungeons and dragons maps.
otter@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 246d
Talk about full circle. 🤓🤌🏼
yaroto98@lemmy.world · 7 pts · 248d
Work from home!
venusaur@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 248d
hackertyper.net
nostrauxendar@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 248d
I just listen to podcasts and music, and daydream as I work. I can't relax if I'm not working cos it's not worth the hassle, but I don't have to give the system my whole mind.
DickFiasco@sh.itjust.works · 5 pts · 248d
If you want to use a personal computer at work without raising suspicion, use a KVM switch to connect it to your work monitor and keyboard. Not only can you switch back to work quickly if needed, but it also looks more natural than having a separate laptop or whatever sitting out on your desk.
hereiamagain@sh.itjust.works · 2 pts · 247d
Smart, maybe a foot pedal to hot swap between them. Make your second computer something small and powerful like a nuc, but off brand so it doesn't look cooler or more fancy than a piece of networking gear
otter@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 2 pts · 246d
You can always just put it in a Vogoncore case 🤷🏼♂️🤪
sturmblast@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 246d
I just find something to clean.. no one complains about someone taking the initiative
early_riser@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 248d
Find something you enjoy that you can spin as work-related. I learned about sqlite as a potential way to store the lexicon for one of my constructed languages and it ended up becoming relevant at work.
I've had similar luck with playing with raspberry pis and generic Linux stuff. I'm not just setting up a self hosted forum, I'm learning about reverse proxies.
compostgoblin@piefed.blahaj.zone · 1 pts · 247d
I dabble in Python, and I’ve made a few scripts that are really helpful and speed up my work a lot. I’m trying to figure out how I can develop that further, right now I’m thinking about learning VBA to make scripts to automate file sorting from my Outlook
kubofhromoslav@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 248d
Just enjoying the job 😎
kubofhromoslav@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 248d
But seriously now. Looks to me that you are looking for the combination of thing you enjoy and thing that brings you money. That can be a challenge but also very fulfilling. I know it - I lead a nonprofit organization that I profoundly believe in - it or both hard and easy.
You may look some YouTube videos about "life purpose". I have a good experience with Actualized.org.
victorz@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 247d
I don't find what I do to give me "life purpose", but I still enjoy it. Web developer.
Twongo@lemmy.ml · 2 pts · 247d
take the george costanza advice: look annoyed and unapproachable.
i usually open that one task i actually want to work on, and just spread it over the day. when the bossman gets in vision range i just continue doing my task.
IT doesn't know shit, i'm IT... i just use a different browser for slacking so i don't have to worry about cleaning my history.
other things: if your job requires it you can also look busy while scrolling lemmy. don't try to hide it, that's suspicious.
pro tips: become a smoker (don't)
but in essence: always look focused and grumpy. - good luck. 3 years of doing the bare minimum and wasting 40hrs of my life every week for effectively 5hrs of work sucked out all the joy and purpose i had in life. i just exists and hope i get caught lacking so something changes...
Usernameblankface@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 248d
I enjoy the work.
_haha_oh_wow_@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 248d
Find a job you actually like!
TubularTittyFrog@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 248d
SpaceNoodle@lemmy.world · 0 pts · 248d
Getting a job you enjoy
notsosure@sh.itjust.works · -1 pts · 248d
I love my job, so I pretend to be doing my job, at the same time enjoying myself.
Rhoeri@lemmy.world · -4 pts · 248d
Why not just do your job?? Maybe you’ll find something about it you enjoy doing?
compostgoblin@piefed.blahaj.zone · 11 pts · 248d
I do my job! The work-to-“hours I’m required to be there” ratio is just not in favor of keeping me occupied all the time
Crozekiel@lemmy.zip · 9 pts · 248d
What are you, HR?
Rhoeri@lemmy.world · -6 pts · 248d
Naaah… just a responsible adult.
Nosavingthrow@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 247d
Do you make your boss pull out, or do you let him finish inside?
Rhoeri@lemmy.world · -3 pts · 247d
Awww! Such a lemmy thing to say! Enjoy the animal crackers and the juice box. I’m headed back to the adult table now.
Nosavingthrow@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 247d
Declarations of adulthood: the most adult thing possible.
Rhoeri@lemmy.world · -2 pts · 247d
I don’t see many children claiming to be adults, so….. a spade remains a spade.
Nosavingthrow@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 247d
Of course, buddy. You're all grown up. Very big.