I started a new job recently that included a big raise for me. However the job is not challenging and there is hardly any work to do. My team is very impressed with me so far, but I am working pretty much three hours a day. What would you do in this situation?

I had this exact issue. Working 1-2 hours per day. I did what I wanted for about a year and then interviewing was probably the least stressful ever because I only worked 2 hours a day so I could interview whenever without worrying about meetings or work getting in the way. Lost about 30lbs as well. It was great. Now working for a smaller company making a much bigger impact and working more hours but I love it. Chill for a year. It’s a nice break from the grind. Then come back and be ready! Try to pick up a new skill while there. Of course this was all during the pandemic and remote work so if you have to go in the office and work 2 hours a day this is all invalidated hahaha

I’ve found myself in this position twice now. Both times I tried to be grateful and relax and both times I ended up completely bored and unsatisfied. We NEED challenges in life. A lot of people (many of whom commented on this post lol) believe that the key to happiness is the absence of problems, obstacles, and challenges. In reality though, happiness comes from overcoming those challenges. (Pretty sure I read this in The Subtle Art of not Giving a F*%$”). It sounds like most of these commenters are on the far other end of the spectrum and are very overworked. There ARE companies though that respect work life balance. Tell your company your work load is too low. Tell them what you want to work on. Ask how you can help them. If they just don’t have the work, quit and find a company that does. If you quit and end up in a miserable job? Quit again. Keep learning and keep growing. Don’t become complacent and stuck in the name of being “grateful”.

I would thank my lucky stars, put my feet up for a year, rake in the cash, and if I’m still feeling this way 6 mos - 1 year from now reevaluate what I want.

Seriously, you found a unicorn. Not only do you have a big raise AND a very manageable workload, but your team sounds very positive and supportive. Have some gratitude!

I barely have time to breathe at work, enjoy the work and find side hobbies for enrichment

I understand how this is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, it is an easy life. On the other, it becomes easy to stagnate and feel unmotivated to try harder.

When I've faced similar situations in the past is that I've tried to "lean in" more. At one job, I researched and lead development of several major additions to the company's component library. At another, I joined several working groups looking for ways to improve the technology and processes at the company.

I would work on professional development or look at internal processes and see if there are ways to improve them.

Sit down, shut up, listen more. Trust us when we say the work is coming. In my experience the team takes time to ask for your help. Once they trust you there will be more work then you can handle.

I would absolutely use the time to take a breather, seek other activities you enjoy or get fulfillment from, spend time with your family or friends, explore hobbies, exercise, learn a new skill, etc.

There’s so much I’d love to do with that kind of free time.

Dang I wish I had this problem

I'm walking into the same type of change. I was running at full speed with full chaos 24/7, changed jobs into making the same pay, less work, lower expectations, and faster growth. But I'm looking forward to to learning how to work like everyone else, not like I'm on the brink of disaster every day. I have a strong feeling that I'll miss chaos soon, but recovery requires downtime.

I can relate to this. I'm considering a change due to this factor is well. There are days where I work on projects that are internal and not in client facing activity..

Downtime is not comforting.. should there be a restructure or layoffs, you'd feel vulnerable. I'm in a big company but a small team....I just don't feel safe when it's all busy work and everyone plays make belief

Enjoy it and get some fulfillment from other activities for a while at least.

When I’ve had times like this I study for a certification or do something else that will improve my skill set. Something that is verifiable in the event that you’re ever challenged about how you spend your time. In that same lane I’d document everything you do and where that work came from. So if they try to make the case that the lack of work somehow reflects badly on you, or your work ethic then you have the receipts.

I’m in a pretty similar situation. Instead of getting my fulfillment from work, I’ve been using the time to learn React. 2-3 hours of work a day, then React for 3 hrs. Guarantees I’ll never make less money than I do now, but enjoy the freedom while you have it!

I’m in the same boat! But I am absolutely thrilled to not be in a busy chaotic job anymore and thrilled to be able to work out on my lunch break, run errands if I need to… while still doing good work and making more money. Try to enjoy it!

Oh my god, which company is this ? Sounds great!

This is the job I want as I become more senior in my career and raise children ❤️

Like others are saying - take the time to figure out where you want to grow skills, explore it in your downtime. Embrace good pay and work life balance.

And if this feeling sticks for 6+ months, at least you can take some time for personal growth and search for new jobs at a more leisurely place. Doing the same here and I can say I’ve picked up a few skills, improved how I present & interview, and have plenty of time to think about my next move when the right opportunity comes up.

I understand this. Some days I finish work by 11am. They think our work load is impressive but really we’re under utilized.

I find it stressful to do nothing waiting until 3pm to see if I’m needed. Truthfully I picked up a second gig, the actual tower requires there gives me the satisfaction I need.

I am still wrestling with whether or not I want to leave my current position. I feel like I should keep riding it out.. especially since I believe raises are coming out this week… good luck hopefully you find a way to utilize your work hours

Use the extra time to increase your skills.