Colleague studying for qualification during work hours

[HurricaneBillie]

I’ve learnt one of my colleagues is using work time to study for a professional qualification (self funded). Unrelated to their current role/company and they’ve admitted it’s without our employers knowledge.

AIBU to feel they are a CF? I’m not aware of any issues with their performance, they are getting their job done, but rather than using any quieter periods to pick up other work tasks, they are studying. There are quite a few units with high study hours so they’ll be at this for months.

If I wanted to study, I would do this in my own time.

Stay out of it.

I am not suggesting I would do anything - was just interested in whether others agree it’s CF behaviour.

If their performance is considered good, I don't know if they should be criticised, plus it would depend on their role how proactive they should be about doing more. Some people do get their work done more quickly. Some others waste time whilst looking busy.

How did you find this out anyway?

Surely it’s an employer problem - why isn’t there enough work to keep her going?

I am sometimes very very quiet at work (as in, whole days with nothing to do!) so have thought about studying and wouldn’t feel bad about it!

Good for them. They spend their time bettering themselves rather than starting MN threads about things that don't affect them.

If they are completing the job they are being paid to do, then I don't think it's CF territory.

I've had many jobs where there wasn't enough work to fill the hours, I used to play computer games to pass the extra hours, so they sound very productive to me!

I can see where you’re coming from if you’re being left to do their work tasks.

If that’s not the case, I’d do the same as your colleague, to be honest. If there are quieter periods, good for them in doing the studying then and freeing up their evenings/weekends.

I know loads of people who WTF and use any quiet time to have a shower, do their housework etc for the same reason of freeing their evening for themselves.