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?

You can assume anything you want - makes no odds.

I do ask people and observe and there are just some depts that don't want to change. they're a "I keep it on my head" team and basically insinuate that you are saying they can't do their job. So I backed off and just help when directly asked by them (normally because they've entered data incorrectly/omitted information). Like they would ask why some student didn't get a letter - and it will be because they did something like didn't tick an "Include in this mailing list" box or not recorded an emails address or whatever

If you work in the public sector you should confess because it's tax payers' money.

If you work in the private sector, fuck it.

OP, you say you’ve documented the new processes but have you documented the improvements? I’d make sure I had a “project close” report for every new thing implemented, detailing the improvements it delivered, the other people impacted by the improvements, etc. Include lessons learnt and next steps for continuous improvement and an agreed review cycle. Then you can add to your tasks a regular “review” of the stuff you’ve set up - chat to the stakeholders, write it up. Then you have lots more documentation showing a) genuine improvements and what a badass you are and b) what they need to keep you on for (regular/scheduled updates, improvements, etc). Maybe when you review there aren’t any updates this time. Oh well, how sad.

If she works in the public sector then she’s doing exactly what she’s supposed to be doing, delivering an efficient, quality service. Cutting her hours then when something goes wrong or needs to be changed having to get someone else in who doesn’t understand the system and costs a lot more doesn’t make sense.

Yeah no. Keep it as it is. You'll just be given extra work or got rid of otherwise. "It runs itself, we don't need that role anymore!"

Def keep notes on the automations - in your private personal cloud or laptop!!!

I feel your pain on trying to help other depts who just don't want to know.

They'd make your role redundant without a second thought, never feel bad for getting the best out of an employer.

Been there. Stay quiet. I've done a few roles like this where people don't know how to automate DB or spreadsheets. I view it as I am being paid for my expertise not my time. Spend the time doing other courses etc and when you leave be clear on the actual requirements of the role e.g knowledge of DB programming otherwise they will be back to square one when any new process requires automation when you leave. My view is also that many people could teach themselves a lot of these things but do not!

Apologies, my misunderstanding.i thought you were void of work for 90% of your contracted hours & enquiring as to whether to confess to your boss?

I am in 9-5, but I probably only do 5-6hrs work a week, as the rest of the role I have automated.

Why would it make a difference?

If I'm employed to provide 100 items,and I'm given 40 hours a week to do that for £1000. Why does it cost the public sector any more/less, if I provide the 100 items in 6 hours instead of 40? Why shouldn't I get paid £1000? Why should I also have to provide 300 other items for the same wage?

OKAY. Is your boss aware?

No idea really, I don't really see him much. I haven't had a performance review since I got there 3 years ago (and ,yes, I've asked)

Because you’ve effectively made the role you were employed for redundant.
it’s really great that you’ve been able set up these systems and you deserve to be paid generously for that but you’re no longer needed.

Well I suggest you tell them?
That's what your original enquiry was.
I work in public service and work is never complete, always more to do, irrespective of how efficient one is.
Best of luck

I've decided, on reflection, not to.

I suppose so.

Perhaps you could contract yourself out per hour for the remaining time to teach us how to automate our jobs :-)

People talking about the role being redundant really have no idea. She leaves. The system breaks for some reason, eg the software needs upgrading or there’s a power cut or a requirement changes. Who fixes it?

Don't say a word.

Loads of professional organisations have committees - members are volunteers. It's a great way to build connections with other people in your industry (for when you do want a new role) and can be a lot of fun.

I sit on a committee and it probably only takes an hour a week, but the commitment is flexible.

My employer very happy for me to do this as representing the company and bringing all the latest updates ect back to our business.

I get to go to strategy days, conferences, events, training etc. Obviously also helping also organise these things.

Lots of different roles available, from say working in the events strand, being chair, secretary, newsletter strand, treasurer, website group ect.

I would stay but get some wfh days to do with as you like.

Rtd teacher here. Fab!

But organisations don’t need people sitting around for hours a week in case a system breaks or needs updating etc.
I totally get the concept of being paid for expertise rather than time but this isn’t a good use of the school/college’s money.
It’s mostly on them to make sure they are making effective use of their funds though.

It sounds like you are very talented.

Could you sell yourself on more money as a "streamlining" / management consultant?

School are mostly brassic at the moment, because governments haven't fully funded payrises. Dh school is talking about having to make redundancies.

They might bite your hand off

Wow, super efficient and now an easy ride! Sounds like you're needed and respected. May not be fulfilling you but depends what you want out of life? I would love your situation lol 😆

If you have time on the side, learn to invest in stocks and make loads of money. It's not a second job and is very exciting / especially for someone who is a whiz with data/analysis/trends etc. enjoy...

System maintenance OP and all those reports need to be QA checked don’t you know.