I habitually leave early from my job even though i get work done

50% Normal
3 Comments

I have a Masters degree in Engineering and only make about $40-something grand a year. I've only gotten a cumulative raise of about 10% in the last 4 years I've been there since I graduated. Despite trying very hard, I've not been successful at landing a better job although I've gotten more and more interviews recently.

When I first started working at my company, I regularly put in 12+ hours a day and sometimes even came in on the weekends. I got a lot done and learned a ton of new skills but I only got very meager raises. Eventually, I figured out how to get more work done in less time and I gradually reduced my work hours. I now work only about 7 hours a day by leaving early (even despite my manager's objections) although I only do maybe 3 hours of real work each day. The company hasn't been doing very well financially and they've laid off the vast majority of the workers but I still remain.

I'm also working on a side business right now and I spend at least 40 hours a week on it, far more than the 35 I spend at my job. And unlike my job where I only get 15 hours of "real" work done every week, I get the equivalent of 35-40 hours a week done at my business. I plan to quit asap once this business starts making profits and devote all of my former "job" hours to it.

Is there anything wrong with my work ethic?

Voting Results
50% Normal
Based on 24 votes (12 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 3 )
  • green_boogers
    9 years ago

    Your work ethic is OK, but you are projecting a bad image. I had a job like yours for a while and I would spend the last hour of each day finding ways to do my work faster by automating the 20% of it that took 80% of the effort. Gradually, I got all my work done in 4 hours and spent the other 4 hours finding ways to automate the entire department out of existence. Surprisingly, the entire department did get laid off.

    It is important to spend that extra time reading the newest technical books the minute they hit the shelves. Write your own software prototypes using the latest technology so you can put it on your resume. Don't hang around too long on a sinking ship.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    2
    2
  • disthing
    9 years ago

    I think the situation isn't ideal for you or your employer.

    You're stuck in a job you don't want to be stuck in, working for a business that can't afford to give you the raise you'd like, and your employer probably can't afford to fire you for your disregard for working the hours expected because they've already laid the majority of people off.

    You're on a sinking ship, telling the captain to go fuck himself, looking for a functioning boat to sail away in.

    The main problem with this is if you want a decent reference from your employer when you move to your next job, you're unlikely to get it if you're 'taking liberties' so to speak. Of course, if your side business takes off, then this doesn't really matter.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
  • WhiteStallion
    9 years ago

    How viable is this side business? Its good you are looking for alternatives because the company is running at losses however you need to be confident that when you go out on your own it will be more profitable than your current job. If not you need to put in more hours and stick with it. You could also apply overseas.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0