So Im in industry and have been working 9-6ish but non-stop, back to back meetings and trying to get deliverables done in between. Maybe 15 minute lunch break. So by 6 I’m exhausted. Past 2 weeks have been slower so I can’t say I truly was productive worked 9-6. I feel guilty about that, but is that normal? Are most people actually productive only a few hours in industry? Basically should I feel guilty or is this how it is supposed to be.

When I worked for the government, I did 30 minutes of true work per day. When I worked in industry, I did about 1-2 hours of true work per day. As a consultant, I do about 3-4 hours of true work per day. Our work days are far too long and just get filled up with pointless meetings, emails, and breaks. Don't feel guilty - everybody else is faking it too and trying to just pass the time any way possible.

Lol I work like maybe 5 hours a week

One week I’ll work like 50 true hours and the next I’ll work like 30 mins a week just moving my mouse. It’s called balance, ever heard of it?

Wow. So I don’t think everyone else is faking it. I have not taken real time off in over three years. I am always on and I know many people like me who are burnt out but still going.

This is why industry loves the butt in seat approach. Seeing people keep a seat warm justifies that they need the person. Perception is mostly what industry is.

That’s how it’s suppose to be. I came from the financial industry. You will have busy weeks but mostly you will have time to have 1-1/2 hour lunches. Most people in industry who don’t work but look like they are working all the time, we call them “seat warmers.” You are fine but you will be bored and have free time often. The key is just to keep up the appearances. You need to just look busy because people still are watching you and based on perception and work, that’s how your performance review is done. Basically like consulting in a way. You are welcome! I just told you what no one was willing to tell me when I was in the industry.

New jobs are exhausting - you’ll right size once you’re over the hump of everything being so new. In the event this has been going on longer: Drink plenty water all day Start taking a morning multivitamin Get plenty sleep - asleep by 11 latest

Honestly it’s part of the reason why I am getting out. Time to let someone else do it. No regrets, but I seem to gravitate towards that type of work. My next gig is not that.