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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Overpaid but hardly any work to do!

75 replies

Amibeingdaft81 · 14/05/2019 10:44

Single mother to two primary children

My current job I’ve had for 6months. It’s largely home based.

Based on my experience and qualifications, I secured a salary that is London level and so around 25% minimum higher than local for same role.

Part time.

However there is hardly any work to do! My boss is very very relaxed (her business). What I do, I do very well and she seems happy but there’s so little to do that I’m able to do gym, housework, personal admin, friends for coffee.

Seems ideal BUT I can’t shake feeling guilty.

Would you stick at it because I’m many respects - it’s perfect. Or would you feel too guilty?

OP posts:

balancingfigure · 14/05/2019 13:07

If you’re sure your employer is happy I wouldn’t worry. As an employer myself it can be really hard to find people with the right skills and I can imagine that in a similar situation I may be so relieved to find someone doing the job well that I would be happy paying you!

Asta19 · 14/05/2019 13:14

I'm in a similar position but I'm not the only one doing this job, so if I ask for more work I make the others look like slackers! Also, I know there isn't really any additional work to do. I don't feel guilty. I worked for the same organisation in an office based role and ended up doing a lot of unpaid overtime because we were so short staffed. So, in my view, they kind of owe me! I'm always available to my manager and if something needs doing I get right on it. I do a good job on the work I do get. I'm someone who is quite happy pottering around at home so I don't get bored. I say enjoy it while it lasts!

OrdinarySnowflake · 14/05/2019 13:15

You are in a risky position if the economy does take a nose dive. (Which pretty much everyone thinks will happen in different levels of painfulness post Brexit.) Definately don't be the person who is overpaid and under worked and the 'obvious' person to let go first.

Speak to your boss, see if you can get some additional responsibility. Failing that, use the time to do additional courses to make yourself as employable as possible if that does happen.

PinkOboe · 14/05/2019 13:24

I had a job like this for 10 years, it actually became a bit soul destroying and more importantly now i'm looking for a new one i realise how much it has harmed my prospects. i have limited examples to draw on to demonstrate my knowledge and experience. it's really deskilled me

Bestfootforward1 · 14/05/2019 13:24

Wait, while I get the world's smallest violin.....

MallySally · 14/05/2019 13:48

Poor you. My heart absolutely bleeds.

PamelaX · 14/05/2019 14:28

I was wondering how long before the jealous and petty idiots would turn up with their "violins"

For posters who can be on MN at this time, you don't seem that overworked either, so

MallySally · 14/05/2019 14:37

No, just disabled.

CanadianJohn · 14/05/2019 14:41

I retired 16 years ago, but before that I "worked" at a very well-paid job in a large factory. Some days, there was nothing at all to do for our department - we called those days "no hitters" (a baseball term).

People adapted - this was pre-internet - and reading was popular. Some people developed a huge capacity for chatting and drinking coffee. I used to read, mostly, or go for walks around the factory. We used to joke that we were like firefighters... if all the firemen are sitting around in the fire station with nothing to do ... that's good.

I was very pleased when I was offered early retirement.

SmellNO · 14/05/2019 14:42

Guilt is bad for the soul.

I have no soul.

See where I'm going with this....

Purpleartichoke · 14/05/2019 14:58

Use the spare time for training. There is always something you could be learning that could help both you and the business in the future.

WhoKnewBeefStew · 14/05/2019 15:01

I was you (actually I still am), but I’m working my notice as I got bored. It was fab for about 3 years. All my customers, my boss and colleagues think I do a really good job, but I can’t help feeling I’m swinging the lead. As it happens I’ve been offered another job on about 20% more salary, so I guess I wasn’t being over paid. I’m going to have to start working for a living tho.

TheGoogleMum · 14/05/2019 15:04

Can I work there too please?

se22mother · 14/05/2019 15:10

I've been in this position. I agree with those saying it is soul destroying. It saps your energy and creativity. Please start looking at other options.

I too am a single mother but I didn't think I was doing much as s role model for my daughter whilst watching paint dry

tldr · 14/05/2019 15:11

I’m in the same position, have been for 5 years.

Obviously it has its upside (like, duh) but I have hated the feeling of insecurity that comes with it, and the presenteeism I feel obliged to do. I’m never not available. Because I feel like since I do so little, I should do it on whatever timetable suits my boss. Case in point, I was at the doctors this morning, on my day off, and was sitting in the waiting room emailing profuse apologies that I couldn’t look something up there and then.

ethelfleda · 14/05/2019 15:12

Get some savings (if she hasn’t already) and income protection. Problem solved

Antonin · 14/05/2019 15:28

How would your if you resigned and your employer advertised your job and someone else benefitted from the great conditions ?
Might as well be you. Maybe your employer needs someone like you at the ready when needed and maybe an advantage tax wise you aren’t aware of

MRex · 14/05/2019 15:30

I've not come across a business try that has nothing else that needs doing. Research and document information on potential new clients, plan out a marketing call-out that you could do, improve documentation for clients, research newer technologies and provide a briefing for your boss etc. Ask for more work and if none is provided take the initiative and help the business. You can also take up studies that will help in your role. That will all improve your career, help your employer and no guilt.

I'd never feel guilty about the amount your paid though, that's a negotiation. If you're good and efficient then you're worth more, simple.

MRex · 14/05/2019 15:31

*You're paid

BrewdogMillionaire · 14/05/2019 15:54

I'm in the same position as you, and have been for the past year. I'm in a country with few prospects for non-exploitative jobs for my skillset so I'll have to stick with my current employer. However, I'm filling my time by doing a PostGrad degree in something related to my field of work (and interest), which will enable me to gain my job of choice when I return to the UK.

I agree that it can be soul-destroying and it's really knocked my confidence as I feel like I'm progressing so slowly through my career and not being exposed to enough learning opportunities through my employment alone.

I'd suggest you use your spare time training, set yourself an exit plan (i.e. how many years/months you'd like to stay in this position just for the money/time to spend on external training), and then commit to leaving after a set time.

If you've already broached the fact that you are underworked to your boss then there is little else you can do.

OliviaCat · 14/05/2019 20:44

I'm in this position too - work in statutory sector. TBH my main job is done by another team and I'm only really needed for crises. But I'm getting quite down - it sounds great but you are always hovering at your laptop trying to be extra helpful. But are not really valued or appreciated. The problem is that I can't do it for another twenty years, and I'm rapidly deskilling. I want to retrain but I'm so lacking energy and focus that I can't be arsed. It's hard to motivate.

I'm basically making the most of it at the moment - I'll get through the summer holidays and then try to come up with a plan.

WalkingDownMadison · 14/05/2019 21:18

I think it's partly because we are just used to thinking work has to be intensive with no let up (from factory days.). Traditional work tended to have LAX and busy times. I hated working in an office where the work was so intense you felt guilty for breathing or looking out the window.

You have time to think and plan, and time and space helpful when you are a parent.

Agree with whoever said fortune is smiling on you. Make hay whilst the sun shines!

ethelfleda · 15/05/2019 07:10

I think it's partly because we are just used to thinking work has to be intensive with no let up (from factory days.)

This is a good point!
Also, the attitude that you only get paid for your time rather than your knowledge. Maybe you’re so good OP that’s it’s worth keeping you around

Lllot5 · 15/05/2019 16:16

What’s the problem?
Are there any vacancies?

PuppyMonkey · 15/05/2019 16:27

I wouldn’t like this either. I would feel guilty and also worried that somewhere along the line, boss will find out and tell me she expected me to be more proactive about finding things to do - perhaps be more of a self starter.

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