Is there a reason to work beyond "just enough not to get fired?"

[slackerinabox]

Had this discussion last night.. I pretty much always work, at my day job, at 10% of my potential and ability. I get the job done but am no longer the bright star that I once was - mostly because 2 years of being the office bad ass hasn't gotten me a promotion or a raise or even recognition. I understand that it's the economy, that no one is getting raises at my company... It also completely pissed that the company I work for doesn't promote within the company - they constantly hire new people for new positions (it's not limited to me). I'm guessing their attitude is that new faces help grow a company, but where's our incentive to work your way up??

Besides the fear of getting fired, I feel completely unmotivated and am honestly pretty bored as well... I constantly see kids out of college try so hard to be the rock star of the office, stomping down the hall way with purpose and having this attitude of being able to take on the world, but I just don't care anymore.. Am I doomed, or is this just life?

 

[SunnyD]

No, not really.

You've learned what the rest of the US workforce has learned - companies don't give a shit about you.

 

[Brainonska511]

Hey, just so you know, we switched to a new system, where you need to have the cover on your TPS reports. I'll get you that memo again right away.

 

[Linflas]

Personal pride?

 

[sourceninja]

I do my job to the best of my ability because I actually like what I do for a living.

 

[surfsatwerk]

I enjoy my job and I enjoy not being a lazy slob.

 

[slackerinabox]

Hey, just so you know, we switched to a new system, where you need to have the cover on your TPS reports. I'll get you that memo again right away.

I completely hate that my life is turning into a movie by the guy behind the beavis and butthead movies..

 

[slackerinabox]

I do my job to the best of my ability because I actually like what I do for a living.

I envy you

 

[SunSamurai]

When there is overtime Id work 14 hour shifts 6 days a week. Tripple OT is nice.

 

[NikolaeVarius]

I get paid more

 

[Pantlegz]

I hope my new job requires me to do next to nothing. I'm going to be doing IT for a govt research facility. They seem pretty laid back, during my interview the guy thats going to be my boss said it takes them forever to get anything done and don't really care if the people get mad about it... I think I'm going to like my first post grad job.

 

[rudder]

I found out at my work that skills, knowledge, and a go get 'em attitude will get you nowhere. The key is to speak to management about non-existant problems and the solution that you have come up with to fix them, cause a problem by being a slacker then fix the problem then report to management about how quickly you fixed the issue, read some journals and throw some technical new buzzwords at them, get noticed, get promoted.

 

[Patranus]

If you want to improve your skills, take on more responsibility, and climb the corporate ladder....

yes.

 

[Pantlegz]

I found out at my work that skills, knowledge, and a go get 'em attitude will get you nowhere. The key is to speak to management about non-existant problems and the solution that you have come up with to fix them, cause a problem by being a slacker then fix the problem the report to management about how quickly you fixed the issue, read some journals and throw some technical new buzzwords at them, get noticed, get promoted.

that or being friends with management, go get drunk with them every weekend. Worst case you can fuck up at work all day long and your buddy wont care. Typically they'll get you promoted tho.

 

[DrunkenSano]

Welcome to the workforce where you work just to have a job, not for enjoyment. I hate my job as well and am hovering between acceptable and unacceptable. Hell, I don't even care if they fire me right now since I hate my job that much and it'll force me to look for something new. This place has pretty much beaten the spirit out of me. I also envy the people who enjoy or find enjoyment at their workplace.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Because work is fun! For me at least.

 

[krylon]

I masturbate on or around my subordinates several times through a work year. I'm already on top so who cares?

 

[SunnyD]

I found out at my work that skills, knowledge, and a go get 'em attitude will get you nowhere. The key is to speak to management about non-existant problems and the solution that you have come up with to fix them, cause a problem by being a slacker then fix the problem then report to management about how quickly you fixed the issue, read some journals and throw some technical new buzzwords at them, get noticed, get promoted.

You've been reading far too much Dilbert.

 

[dualsmp]

 

[Red Dawn]

I masturbate in the coffee pot every morning

D:

 

[Kalmah]

I'd give free handjobs if someone would ever hire me. :'(

 

[lxskllr]

I don't bust ass at work. All that does is burn you out, and it becomes expected with no compensation. I do my job correctly, and at my own pace. I refuse to kill myself for any company.

 

[SlitheryDee]

Frankly, no. Do a good job for your own self-respect, but "just enough not to get fired" should be a good job anyway. The best way to get by in any job with a minimum of fuss is to complete your assigned tasks on time and with little fanfare. Drag-assing to the point that you're being hounded by the higher ups only makes your job more stressful and therefore harder anyway. I wouldn't volunteer anything beyond that unless I was sure there would be ample compensation.

Edit: Working for yourself is a different story entirely. Getting out of a job exactly what you put into it is a great motivator.

 

[slackerinabox]

If you want to improve your skills, take on more responsibility, and climb the corporate ladder....

yes.

I have yet to see anyone here get a merit based promotion... When the executive of the database team left did they promote anyone? Nah, they hired someone new. When we needed a new senior web manager did they promote anyone? Nope.. New person.. Marketing manager left - yep, new hire...

 

[FoBoT]

Am I doomed, or is this just life?

it happens
you aren't doomed