Ask HN: Corporate lackeys-How much of the time are you actively working?
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?
7 comments
[ 2.5 ms ] story [ 21.1 ms ] threadNeedless to say, I work much more since I jumped to the world of startups and freelancing, and am much happier for it.
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.)