To let summer placement do all my work

[Bellavida99]

We have a (paid) summer student who is working with me until September. We’ve just lost a big project as it’s been delayed for a few years and so aren’t as busy as normal. Student is very keen and capable so I’m basically having a morning call with him to talk through some work for the day, then having a call at 4pm to look through what they’ve done. Everyone is happy but apart from doing a few reports or invoices I’ve not really got anything to do now. Some days I might have a few meetings (all remote) but generally I could be free from 10 til 4 apart from the odd question from intern. By September the student will be gone and I’ll have more new projects. AIBU to spend my summer in the hot tub ?

YANBU - it will be winter and you will be busy and stressed soon enough. So long as you're available when needed and there won't be any negative repercussions enjoy it. Make hay while the sun shines as they say.

Why not? Maybe if you’re feeling slightly guilty, you use the time to do some
CPD or something that benefits you/and work?

Nah, the problem with placement type roles is when people use them for the crap jobs no one else wants to do but also don't offer any good experience or development for the placement. If they're keen and the work is giving them hands on experience that helps them on their way, take full advantage.

I get quiet periods in my role and sometimes it feels like I'm getting money for nothing but other times I'm juggling far too much and working longer hours. It all balances itself out. My job is outcome based, not task based so I have no guilt about the times I get to skive.

When I have students, I tend to actually teach them 🤷🏼‍♀️

Actually thanks that’s a good point I need to do another 20 hours CPD before November for my membership!

They’re learning so much. I spend about 1.5 hours a day on phone to them. I’ve shown them where all our files are which contain really invaluable pilot projects and work we’ve done which will help them loads in their degree. They’re learning every day how to pull info together correctly and how projects work. And they’re getting paid. We haven’t just brought them in to do menial tasks

I can genuinely say what they’re doing is varied and interesting and relevant to their degree. Yes my work sounds very similar to yours. Peaks and troughs but broadly outcome based so I have to be flexible. Thanks I feel better about a bit of an easy summer now

Don’t remind me it will be winter soon - we’re only on day 3 of summer! But thanks yes I’ll make hay while the sun shines

In that case, I think this sounds like a win for both you and for the student. They're getting some really good experience, with supervision and feedback, and are being paid. You are having the opportunity for some down time (or CPD or admin or whatever).

YANBU to let them do your work.

I'd say it'd be good to spend the time productively, and in some way you could justify to your boss if challenged. So for instances are there courses you could do (even free online ones) that'd help you in the long term?