Dear Dr. Mimi – Clock-Watcher

, , ,

Dear Dr. Mimi:
Is it illegal for me to clock in for work but not actually work? The last few days, I’ll clock in, but just sit at my desk. I play on my phone, check the clock periodically and clock out at my given time. I know it’s wrong, but I can’t bring myself to actually work!
—Clock-Watcher

Dear Clock-Watcher:
It is probably not unlawful to clock into work and just sit at your desk, but it is certainly grounds to get you fired. And, it would probably not be unlawful for your supervisor to fire you. The bigger question is “Why?” Do you hate what you do? Are you depressed? Is this new behavior? Has something changed at work that has demotivated you? Come up with answers, and if this is not the right job for you, start looking for another one. Remember, it is always easier to find a job when you have a job.
—Dr. Mimi

Written By

drmimi

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Backup

    Dear Dr. Mimi,My boss favors another employee and schedules them for more shifts. We are on the same skill level and have had the same training, but I am being treated like a “backup” for them. I am afraid to bring this up to my manager for fear that they will reprimand or even fire…

  • Dear Dr. Mimi – Overworked Student

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I am a working college student, and my company is supposed to be accommodating to students’ schedules. However, my boss keeps asking me to come into work at times she knows that I have classes or study groups. I have tried to make this issue known to her, but she keeps dismissing me.…

  • Dear Dr. Mimi — Frustrated

    Dear Dr. Mimi,I trained a new employee about a month ago, but they still don’t seem to be getting it. They mess up almost every task I give them. What can I do to fix this? Should I just fire them?—Frustrated Dear Frustrated,It can be tricky working with new employees. If you think they are…