Is it normal to have nothing to do at work?

I'm an intern working a programming job for half a year. I'm a few months into my internship and I find myself with nothing to do! I did all the work that I was asked to do and now I find myself spending most of my work hours messing around on a computer! Is it normal to go to work with nothing to do? I imagined that it would be this intense work experience where I would always be busy, not idling the time away waiting to recieve more orders

Voting Results
65% Normal
Based on 52 votes (34 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 15 )
  • TerryVie

    did you TELL your superiors your work is done? Did they tell you to just sit around and waste time?

    You are new, they have no way to evaluate how fast you can do your work.
    If you are done and did not report you are finished, thats your own fault for having nothing to do. It's normal in that respect, but i wouldn't recommend that in a regular job...

    If you reported it and they didn't give you anything else to do, i want to work wherever you got that internship...

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Mmmpfh

      Ya I reported it and was told to work on bug fixes for the program I had developed. That was 2 weeks ago...
      Doesn't help that the guy actually in charge of me is on holiday for a while.

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Captain_Kegstand

    Where do you think I am sitting right now? In fact, almost every single minute I have ever spent on IIN was while sitting in my office at work!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • lizieralizard

    well im certainly not at home right now.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • kittylitter101

    Overachiever. Ask for something else to do.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • thebeki

    Yesterday i did do NOTHING in my hole time of work.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • ForMyPeaceOfMind

    Let the bigwigs know you need stuff to do...I'm sure they'll be more than accommodating!

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Sleazoid

    Go take a shit. Cuz nothing is better than getting paid to take a shit.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • curiousd

    It's normal for an internship but that doesn't mean it's right. You should take initiative and ask for more responsibility.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • Mmmpfh

      Yup. I asked. He said he'd give me some more work but I never recieved it. I've asked several people too. Quite strange...

      Comment Hidden ( show )
        -
      • lizieralizard

        i used to ask ppl for stuff to do bcuz i felt strange just sitting there, like they wanted me to work, but i found that they are actually much happier if i sit on my comp and mess around allowing them to do the same.

        Comment Hidden ( show )
      • curiousd

        I would start looking for a new job if I were you...

        Comment Hidden ( show )
          -
        • Mmmpfh

          I've only got a month and a half left here anyway (temporary position) and any prior contract termination needs a months advance so right now its just easy, but boring money.
          Wish they would give me something to do though...

          Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Cheshir3cat

    Sure its normal, although from past experiences, its good to find something else to do when you've got nothing else - it shows that you are enthusiastic and efficient... Once your superiors give you extra work, stretch your time out a bit and enjoy the free wifi :)

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • jucedaguy

    Sounds like your boss is transgendered. Sorry for you, I know, bit much to take in isn't it. You will find it easier now you know the secret. But just don't dwell on it too much. He can be cured by receiving a series of electric shocks.

    Comment Hidden ( show )