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Original poster

DH seems to have no work to do - should I worry

34 replies

chocolatepenny89 · 07/03/2023 20:38

DH recently started a new job and has been there 4 weeks. During that time he has been given almost no work to do. He has tried to be proactive and seek out opportunities but it seems to be leading nowhere.

He’s never had any issues at work before and only left his previous job because this one came with a significant payrise. But I know he’s now wondering if he’s made a mistake. I’ve tried to make suggestions about what he could do but I don’t know his industry so it’s hard to help.

I’ve no idea what’s going on and trying to be reassuring. But honestly, I’m worried they’re just waiting until his probation period is up and then they’re going to get rid of him. Does this happen often? Any idea what might be going on? I just can’t even work out why they’ve recruited him. I work as well but we would struggle financially without his salary, plus it would really knock his confidence if this move doesn’t work out.

OP posts:

FlowerArranger · 07/03/2023 21:42

Is he being proactive in familiarizing himself with the company, it's structure, how projects are run, suppliers, contractors, past projects etc? Is he able to sit in on meetings for projects that are currently ongoing? Is he networking within the company, sounding out colleagues and generally learning how things are done?

Is he completely up to date with the project he is waiting for, i.e. the proposal and its implications, anticipated responsibilities, who else will be involved, its budget etc?

Original poster

chocolatepenny89 · 07/03/2023 21:45

FlowerArranger · 07/03/2023 21:42

Is he completely up to date with the project he is waiting for, i.e. the proposal and its implications, anticipated responsibilities, who else will be involved, its budget etc?

Basically, yes (as far as I can tell…obviously I’m not there shadowing him).

I can’t see that he’s done anything “wrong” they just don’t seem to have given him any actual work.

OP posts:

newforest1 · 07/03/2023 21:52

How weird

Womencanlift · 07/03/2023 22:20

More than normal in project based work. Recruiting and onboarding someone can take months and timelines do not often perfectly align.

So there will likely be a pipeline of signed off projects but they have to wait for people to finish existing projects, wait for new joiners to come in where they may start at different times due to notice periods in existing jobs, wait for an existing project to finish as the business teams and/or stakeholders cannot commit to more than one project at once

Also it is tax year end so budgets are maybe empty and they need to wait until April to get funding

Multiple different reasons and I am surprised that your DH is not used to this unless it’s his first project/consulting job

Plenty of time to get established with the company, make connections, do business development etc. He will make a much better first impression if he is pro active with non project activities rather than just waiting for work

NomadicSpirit · 07/03/2023 22:27

If it helps, I joined my comment at the same time as a friend in another department. She had almost no work to do for six months. They actually apologised to her, but they were doing restructuring and had to complete that and then get work through the pipeline. She passed her probation with flying colours and spent those six months doing training for herself which they commended her for.

OP if they were going to get rid of him, they'd have done it sooner rather than waiting for the end of his probation as they can end his probation at any time. It would be very odd to drag it out as it's just costing them money.

thatheavyperson · 07/03/2023 23:03

WeWereInParis · 07/03/2023 21:20

I had a job like this once. It was pre covid so I was in the office full time so basically just had to sit at my desk doing nothing for 7.5 hours a day. I left after a few months because it was mind-numbingly awful.

I have also had a job like this but tbh I loved it 😬 it turns out I can be quite happy getting lost in my thoughts for quite some time!

Ikeameatballs · 07/03/2023 23:09

DP started a new job in June 2021…he’s about to start another new job next month because he’s had very little work to do. He works remotely and feels trapped in the house with little to occupy him. No concerns from his current employers, they are happy to pay his salary but he didn’t get a bonus as not enough billable hours.

By contrast I also work in the NHS so struggle to relate….

ToiletsRUp · 07/03/2023 23:09

Does his company run its financial year April to April? If so it's likely that project money has dried up for the end of the year, April will see new funding and projects will kick off.

MeinKraft · 07/03/2023 23:15

I think they're probably just giving him time to get settled in. Maybe you should leave him to it as well, it's not really helpful to suggest he might get fired when you don't work there and don't know the situation at all.

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