Ask HN: Corporate lackeys-How much of the time are you actively working? | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: Corporate lackeys-How much of the time are you actively working?

2 pointsretroafroman7 comments

I'm a recent college grad and new hire at a multinational corporation in the automation business. So far it seems like I've been able to do the tasks given to me pretty well. However, I'm only actively working on those tasks around 50% of the time it seems like. The rest of the time, I'm either just goofing off, because I know I have time before I need to be finished, or waiting for something before I can actually do that tasks I'm given.

In the mean time, I surf as much as the corporate filter allows, mostly looking at technology and computer related news. Sometimes I practice a little programming, or read up on Linux internals or something. Or just surf Hackernews and read the interesting links. (Dreaming/planning to do a start up someday.)

What are your thoughts? Should I be asking my manager for more work? Coast as much as possible? How much do YOU work in your corporate job?

In a former life, I spent approximately 1 hour per day actually working (probably 2 if you count meetings). But that may be extreme - it was in the government contracting/aerospace industry.

Thanks for being willing to admit that. Was it the culture of the company, or just the way it was for you? Here, people seem to act pretty slammed with work, then take a 10 min smoke break once an hour or so. And I don't see anyone else screwing off.

It was just the characteristics of the organization. Lots of government, unions, and huge tasks. It was tough to make yourself useful at all times. Keep in mind I was a contractor at a government facility (a NASA project) with government employees as managers and zero profit incentive outside of keeping the government guys happy with our company. We're talking about multi-billion dollar projects - it's easy for a junior engineer (like me) to get lost in that environment.

Needless to say, I work much more since I jumped to the world of startups and freelancing, and am much happier for it.

I'd say, in a given week, I only do about 15 minutes of real, actual work.

That is amazingly low. Do you feel adequately compensated for that amount of work?

Having been in a variety of companies and positions, I've observed that it varies quite significantly -- more between roles than between firms. Some of what I've observed has been quite disgusting, and frustrating when the slackers get in your way.

You'll have to decide your own career path through this, weighing the situations you actually encounter. I'd recommend using spare capacity to educate and train yourself further -- in things that interest you and appear to have a future, not necessarily their crufty, anti-pattern systems. If your employer ends up actually using your talents, they win (and hopefully you do, too -- but beware). If they don't, you're in a better position to move onto something better.

P.S. While you're there, be open to learning about what other people do. And when you encounter someone you really do respect, cultivate a good working relationship with them. This shouldn't be forced nor manipulative; you'll actually enjoy working with them, and if you have genuine interest and some ability, they'll probably enjoy working with you as well.

You may have just found a mentor.

These days, it can be increasingly hard to make a ("Big Co.") career out of such -- the layoffs and inanities are just too great. But maybe, and maybe it will lead to work that's genuinely interesting. And when you're in a bind, you'll have some resources to reach out to and some people who have an interest in watching your back.

Countless times, I've been able to get "the impossible" done because I can pick up a phone or send an email to the effective (sometimes regardless of formal management) point of control. They already know me and that I know my shit and don't BS. Maybe also I've done them some favors, in the past. So, if they can do what I'm asking, it's done.

(Regarding the last part, sometimes its helpful -- necessary -- to know when to keep your mouth shut, afterward.)

Thanks for the comment. I can see what you're saying. I'm trying to keep my mind open and use the down time to learn interesting and useful things.

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