To have pretty much automated 90% of my job and pretend I'm very busy?

[IroningBoardAgainstTheWall]

So, I run a database and predecessor didn't seem to actually understand databases and what they can do so was working 50+hrs and not achieving very much. We'll call him Phil.
I took over and was warned how much work Phil did, he was very busy and he was actually in a retainer in case I needed his help or had any queries over certain tasks. I work in education and there's weekly, half termly, termly and annual tasks, quite cyclic and not difficult.

Within a month I'd automated the daily, weekly and monthly reports, added more useful ones and sent them out. During my first academic year, I'd introduced new systems to automate tasks for others, developed new ways of capturing and reporting data, linked systems to the main MIS to automate account creation and syncing etc

So basically I have very little to do anymore. I do ask for stuff to do, but there's nothing much really. I look for stuff to do but again, there's not much.Occasionally I'll get feature requests or specific reports.

But honestly I do about 4-6 hours of work a week...max, and that includes stuff that isn't really my job, like fixing printers and laptops and stuff.

Should I confess?

Crack on then. If they haven’t noticed that’s their problem.

Don’t confess. No point doing more work than necessary especially when AI is gonna come for our jobs!

Sounds amazing

Could you teach me haha?! I’d love to have these kind of skills. Doing a data apprenticeship at the moment and finding it harrrrd work!

Also this. But minus the data apprenticeship.

Definitely don’t confess OP! It’s the dream. But to make it work more for you I would definitely request to WFH for a few days. Do your six hours work whilst in the office and then do what you like at home. Washing, house work, work out. You’d be mad to confess or leave.

Think I would keep quiet for the time being at least. You should benefit from your smarter way of working. If you confess they may let you go.

I think you should document what you have done and any potential fixes. That way if you do get bored they can still get benefit.

Personally, I wouldn’t be asking to WFH. Might draw attention that you don’t need to be onsite.

Also personally I would focus more on training. Don’t know when things may change. Also if you get pulled up on it at a later date much better to be doing training/personal development that say watching films etc.

I think you're brilliant. Keep doing what you're doing. Sounds like a great life.

Possibly, I'd have a hunt around and see if there were any processes I could streamline for anyone else. Then I'd whip one of those out the bag every year or so as "I just spent a bit of extra time coding/programming/whatever this..." And become seen as such a brilliant data person they never want to lose you.

There's a subreddit called r/overemployed.

There's lots of interesting stories about what people in your position get up to. Not saying you should do what they do of course.......

Well done! I wish you could come work for us. we could do with automating some processes. You’ve put down some really hard work there setting things up and have a flare for creating efficiencies. I wouldn’t totally fess up but I’d say that you have created some automations and freed up some time and see if you could help another department ect..

I think you should write a book and get it published.

As long as its not directly breaching your contract could you do another job alongside? Maybe SE?
I know a few IT Consultants who do it, one has 3 jobs but hes a nutter who never sleeps

There was someone on here last year doing three jobs and she was still part time.

OP you are brilliant 😁
I have to know what Phil's reaction was like?

Keep offering up your time for other tasks and don’t do something that could get you fired (such as a second job during the same hours) and enjoy an stress-free job!

Definitely don't leave!

maybe ask for two days a week at home as you say.

You do need to be a little bit careful. I automated a process in one place and one person wad disappointed - I think they were pretending they took all day to do that particular task. I didn't single them out, just said in a meeting that everybody could be more efficient if they did this task differently. Some were delighted - but one person very much wasn't.

Brilliant job on automating workflow and you could certainly get consultancy work just advising on that. May I ask - have you done this all using one program please?

God no, sounds ideal op! Keep schtum, especially whilst your child is young!

You've asked for more work so it's not like you're taking the piss.

Try and wfh and then you can do more interesting things with your time! 😁

I'd bring in another laptop from home and start running a side business from my desk!
I knew of an IT man who had so little to do he started up a private chauffeur/car hire business and controlled it from his desk at Shell Oil HQ!

Can you get a second job and keep them both running at the same time?

You beat the system! Stay until you retire as far as I'm concerned. They pay you to do a job which you've already excelled at and due to your skills you can just chill most of the time. Who cares how much time it takes? Just plan your exit if you ever have to train anyone to take over because then you might get rumbled!

Seems like a no brainer to me! You're on a cushy number there OP.

If you are in a school the done thing is to ask the Head if you can take on a second job. Just in case you are thinking of going down that route...

I’ve been in a very similar job. This is what the job is. You’re paid for your expertise and you’ve used it. You still need to be there in case something goes wrong or in case something needs to be changed or upgraded. I stayed because it paid well and fitted in with the rest of my life but I did try and learn new skills, did lots of training, documented everything for my successors and future proofed as much as possible.

Just get a second remote it job and earn twice as much

you would be insaine to confess!!!

request home working 2-3 days a week and use this time to further upskill/ retrain/consult - whatever!
also watch a ton of netflix

enjoy the fact you have literally made your life easier!!