So, I’m extraordinarily efficient at my job to the point where I have about half the day of doing nothing. The company wants the job done, not someone who puts in 8-straight.

7 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 1,2026 at 10:39AM UTC

   What are you looking to tell your boss? - that you want to take on more projects? Be careful what you ask for. This kind of "problem" can be a blessing if you view it differently. Be thankful you have the opportunity to pace yourself.

2. Barb HansenMay 2,2026 at 12:05PM UTC

   Your manager can assign work to you as long as it’s within or reasonably related to your role. That includes helping teammates or sharing knowledge, especially if it improves overall team performance.

   If you developed your efficiency while working in this role, it’s reasonable for the company to expect that you help raise the bar for the rest of the team. That might mean training others or sharing how you manage your workload.

   I get that it can feel unfair, you put in the effort to get good at your job, and now others benefit from it. But if you’re consistently finishing your work early, it’s hard to argue that helping the team isn’t a good use of your time.

   That said, I would start by having a conversation about compensation. If your responsibilities are expanding to include training and supporting others, it’s reasonable to ask for a raise or a bonus and/or an adjustment in your title to reflect that added value.

   From there, you can also shape how that support looks:

   ** Clarify expectations with your manager: “If I’m helping train others, how should I prioritize that alongside my regular workload?”

   ** Make sure the additional responsibility is documented, this helps with future compensation and promotion conversations.

   ** Set boundaries so you’re not constantly interrupted. For example, offer structured support like group sessions, “lunch and learns,” or set office hours instead of ad hoc help all day.

   You may not be able to opt out of helping the team, but you can make sure it’s recognized, compensated, and structured in a way that works for you.

   Side note: Union positions may have different rules around training, so if you are part of a union, check with your union rep before moving forward.

3. AnonymousMay 2,2026 at 2:13PM UTC

   It's possible that I am misunderstanding you, but to me, you seem arrogant. Maybe you are really good at your job, but you are supposed to work at work; that's why they call it work. Help others during your work hours if you are finished with your own tasks to benefit the company and ensure future job stability. If you are paid to work 8 to 4 but are only actually working 8 to noon and aren't willing to do other tasks, your boss could make your job part-time; if she only works for 4 hours, why are we paying her for 8? If you're enjoying a good salary and benefits, it's wise to comply with reasonable requests from your boss. Better yet, show initiative and do some positive things without being asked. If you are asked to work overtime or do something that is far from your job description, you could respectfully decline, but don't be a person who refuses to help others during work hours or who looks down on them.

4. QueenOfNumbersMay 2,2026 at 5:11PM UTC

   This sounds like a rage bait post. Or you are very vain.

5. AnonymousMay 3,2026 at 6:38PM UTC

   I’m glad I’m not your boss

   I shoot for team players.

6. AnonymousMay 3,2026 at 6:46PM UTC

   So. You punish effective employees by making them work harder?
   Why would you not raise expectations for the poorer performers?

7. Paulla Fetzek, MSEdMay 7,2026 at 1:24PM UTC

   You have a unique situation that unfortunately is pointing out a gap in the workplace. Those who are fast-doers and those that aren't. I don't see this as meaning you're any better than your coworkers. But I can see where it can create an issue on your end.

   If you'd like to fill the day... Why not take on extra work? But... tell your supervisor you expect extra pay for doing so. And whatever you take on shouldn't be expected to interfere with the work you need to complete.

   To me, your last sentence implied you feel you do your job better than others. Just because someone isn't as efficient as you doesn't mean they do a poor job. People can complete tasks quickly but not do the task well.

   If you don't want to be a team player - that's perfectly fine and companies need to stop forcing/assuming this mindset on everyone. However, if you're company supports this culture - and if you approach your supervisor with the same mind-set you approached this post - things may backfire on you.