At work, most people are not looking to go above and beyond their job descriptions without any incentives. We accomplish the necessary tasks, and if there is a chance for increased pay or a promotion, we might be motivated to to go the extra mile. But to conserve energy and keep ourselves from being rattled with stress, we accept that we cannot all be "employee of the year". There is a big difference, however, between being a good employee and doing the absolute bare minimum whenever you can get away with it. In honor of the world's laziest workers, the “Not My Job” subreddit was born.
With over 860k members, this community with the description “[Placeholder - Jim, put a good description]” shares the worst examples of people technically doing their jobs, but nothing more. We’ve gathered some of our favorite posts from the subreddit down below, so you can find some humor in these horribly executed jobs, and hopefully feel better about what a great employee you are in comparison. Enjoy this list, and be sure to upvote all of your favorite posts. Then if you’re looking for another Bored Panda piece featuring “not my job” moments, check out this article next.
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Sorted Out The Emergency Phone Boss!
There is something so satisfying about a job well done. Whether your motivation comes from within, a potential pay raise, or the desire for your family to be proud of you, working hard feels good. Having your accomplishments acknowledged and rewarded and knowing that you made someone else’s life easier can be great motivators to keep going the extra mile at work.
However, not everyone feels so enlightened from working hard. Whether it comes from pure laziness or exhaustion from slaving away with no rewards or incentives, sometimes workers just give up. This list will show you how “over it” some employees are, as they have given up on any efforts to hide how little they care. From letting products that are clearly not ready to be on shelves leave the warehouse to refusing to move anything out of the way when painting a wall, the “Not My Job” subreddit finds and roasts the employees who have a very narrow idea of what their job descriptions are. After all, they said they would do their jobs. They didn't necessarily say they would do them well.
Translation Complete, Boss
Got The Actors Boss!
The “Not My Job” subreddit features photos from a variety of different fields, but especially for those working in minimum wage jobs, I can understand the desire to put in less effort. The stakes are not super high. If they end up getting fired from one low-wage job, they can easily find another one. If they were getting paid $100k a year, they might be a bit more motivated to hold onto that position.
But at the same time, I can’t help but wonder how many of these photos came to be. Did it not bother these people how poorly they finished these tasks? Did they even notice? Perhaps some of these were intentional acts out of spite or vengeance? The reason may even be as simple as employees hating their jobs, as, according to a 2016 Gallup poll, 71% of millennials say they are not engaged at work.
Edited The Picture, Boss!
A New Hobby? Alright
Not a new hobby for me. Would like to buy everything in this aisle!
Placed The Sticker Boss
In reference to millennials in the workforce, Gallup’s researchers said, “They aren’t putting energy or passion into their jobs. They’re indifferent about work and simply show up just to put in the hours.” But we should not just jump to conclusions about why millennials aren’t engaged at work; it’s not necessarily laziness causing their apathy. Millennial therapist Tess Brigham wrote for CNBC, “As a Gen X’er, I’ve heard just about every millennial stereotype imaginable. But as a therapist who has been working with millennials (they make up 90% of my patients) for more than five years, I’ve actually found them to be a highly intelligent, idealistic, diverse and ambitious bunch.” When it comes to their careers, however, Brigham agreed that many of them are struggling. “Each and every one of my millennial patients has at one point said to me: ‘I hate my job’.”
Wrote The News Boss
Finished Editing The News Reel Boss
There, That Should Do It
What's That Gonna Taste Like?
Just Told The Whole City No Crime Boss!
I've Put Up The Product Name Boss
Brigham stresses that once someone identifies what is in their control and what they can change about their position, they can take action to make their job less painful. She also recommends unhappy employees lower their expectations and raise their standards. High expectations often lead to disappointment, while high standards “create a framework for making decisions that are consistent with one’s values”. Having high standards for your own work gives you a reason to do your best, and having high standards for how you are treated by others ensures that you are not being taken advantage of or mistreated.
Tbh This One's Kinda Impressive
The Clock In My School’s Band Practice Room
I don’t see the problem, it’s specific enough to tell you that it indeed is a wall clock
Get Paid For Painting Not Moving Plants
If your job feels meaningless sometimes, just know that it does not have to be. It is completely normal to be doing a job just to earn money to pay your bills and enjoy your life. Your job does not have to also be your passion project. But there are valid reasons to find motivation in your work as well, even if you have to search hard to find it. Hatice Necla Keleş, a professor in the Department of Organizational Management at Bahçeşehir University in Istanbul, told Harvard Business Review that having a professional purpose and identity “gives your life meaning and motivation”. “Nothing gives you more energy than a clear purpose. [Without one], even just getting out of bed every morning becomes a challenge.”
Installed The Light Switch, Boss
Completed The Road Marking Boss
Wheelchairs Having Some Fun
Karen Dillon, coauthor of the book How Will You Measure Your Life?, also gave Harvard Business Review some tips on how to find purpose in a seemingly meaningless job. First things first, she notes how important it is to offset negativity. “Just as micro-stresses eat away at you, micro-moments of pleasure can help you find your way back,” she says. “Look for ways to feel good and uplifted: Read about real-life heroes; take a nature walk; attend a religious service via Zoom; page through an art book; or scroll through photographs of faraway places.” Your job should not run your entire life. By finding outlets to destress outside of work, you can remind yourself that you don't have to love your job, but it should not have the power to suck the life out of you. You have plenty of other things to look forward to; get through the work day, so you can enjoy what's next.
Screens Up Boss
I never downvote comments because I don't want to get anyone banned. But this, not cool!
Load More Replies...I could never. 👎 I feel so awkward when I have to use glass showers (especially at my grandparents) because I feel like someone will walk in. I don’t know what’s worse. Someone seeing you naked or you taking a sh*t.
I mean, it could actually be very helpful, containing some deadly toxic gasses in that enclosed space. Great for couples living together!
that's why architects make so many drawings, and jobsites have so many copies of the plans
Look at the lovely blank canvas. I'd use waterproof paint and make myself a jungle scene. With cats.
Cats! Yes! Our feline overlords will be pleased by your submission.
Load More Replies...As a mom I would love this. I can see if the kids are okay and they won't encroach on my personal pooping space!
It's supposed to protect the rest of the room from splatters, right?
I've seen this at the Mandarin in Las Vegas. Right next to the window over the strip.
I think there's a good idea. Keeps the smell in as well as the spray in .🤣🤣🤣
This was not supposed to be glassed in, the shower is elsewhere, probably where the photographer is standing. The tp won't be soggy unless something dreadful happens in that space, but the shower water is going everywhere.
Load More Replies...I actually like this. The entire room is the shower while the toilet paper and commode remain dry.
I kinda agree, but with my meds and electric shaving gear, I'd need some protection for the medicine cabinet... and my towels.
Load More Replies...I could absolutely see a fed-up mother doing this because men in the house refuse to sit down to urinate.
It would keep the smells contained. Besides, there is no drain in the "shower"
Uhmm No - the toilet is correct - the shower recess is wrong. There is a window there, and the shower wouldn't even fit. The head wouldn't be on the side wall.
Hey, at least someone got the hazed glass window right in either case.
People who live in glass houses.....suffer a whole lot of embarrassment.
Good! Now the screener can come back in and correct his work, but the toilet at least got installed correctly.
All I can think about is why the toilet paper is so far away from the toilet. I'm short and would have to partially stand to reach it.
This looks almost exactly how I used to design bathrooms for my Sims. 😬
They Will Never Know The Difference
Painted The Shelves, Boss
Another tip Dillon gives to those who just can’t seem to stop complaining about work is to cultivate humility. “People are going through hard things all over the world,” she says. “Have compassion.” When you think that you hate your job and just have no motivation left for it, remember that it’s not the end of the world. You can always find another job, or find more purpose in your current job, so don’t give up completely. Plus, there are probably some things that you like about it; if nothing else, you are getting paid! Professor Keleş also reminds readers that, “How you view your life shapes your life.” If you can find it in you to have a more positive mindset and stop viewing work as the bane of your existence, you might even start to enjoy it.
Made The Title For The Ad Boss
Wrote The Fish Finger Copy, Boss
Lmao Dont Do White On White
When it comes to things that really do not fall into your job description, it might be appropriate to actually say, “That is not my job.” But you want to go about it the right way, without offending your supervisor or colleagues. As career expert Alison Green told Fast Company, “You want to explain why you’re declining.” She gave some examples including, “Right now I need to focus on X and Y so don’t think I can be of help.” And “I’m swamped and realistically don’t think I’ll have time to weigh in on this.”
She notes that you can also try to point someone in the right direction, if you know whose job actually does include that task. “I’m not usually the person who handles that. You might check with Jane to see if she can point you in the right direction,” for example. “In general, it’s reasonable to speak up when something would detract from bigger priorities,” Alison says. “When your boss is the one doing the asking, that doesn’t mean totally declining to do it—but it does mean opening a conversation about tradeoffs and what path makes the most sense.”
Put The Signs On The Fuel Pumps, Boss!
Made The New York Tribute Poster For Our Restaurant, Boss
How They Spend $407k From Our Taxes
We hope you're enjoying this list and gaining a little motivation to do a great job at work today, so your craftsmanship does not end up on the "Not My Job" subreddit any time soon. Remember to upvote the pics that you found funniest, and let us know in the comments what the most "not my job" moment you have ever seen was. Whether you have lost all motivation at work before or you've witnessed it happen to someone else, at least that downfall probably provided some entertainment for others.
My GF Mopped The Floor
Painting Over A Roach
Installed The Radiator Boss
Yeah It’s A Bit Off
just a nice morning day, walking out of my door and aaaaaaaaaaaaaahh *crack* (top comment!)
Redesigned Our Website Boss
Made The Menu Boss
Ready For The Enw Yrea
Putting A Table Together And These Are The Only Instructions That Came With It
Amazon Rejects You Before You Even Apply
"Equal Opportunity Employer" Equal shitty working conditions and loan.
Finished Painting The Road, Boss
The best part is, when the bags get moved, we can all pretend it is an awkward butt print.
Installed The Slabs, Boss!
Saw This At The Arcade, Quite Innovative Tbh
Cleaned Our Side Of The Building Boss
Painted The Road Boss
Put Up The Advertisement, Boss
Fixed The Wall Boss
Wrote The Sign Boss
Bathroom Stall Door Installed
This is normal for the US, isn't it? You can normally drive a truck through the gaps in toilet stalls.
I Made Sure To Put All The Banned Ingredients In, Boss
Great Way To Advertise A Movie
I Secured The Area Around The Giant Sinkhole Boss!
Did The Door Boss
As One Of Our Job Titles
It’s All In The Details
They Paid For The Box They Get The Box
In the event of an emergency, every man, woman and child for themselves.
I Could Just Go For A Nice Can Of Isded Right Now
Uploaded The Logo, Boss
Installed The Gym Signs Boss
From now, three months, you WILL hit yourself at the third floor. THANK US.
Put Up The Tile Mural Boss
The Label Maker At Heb
Boss Ordered. Not My Job To Argue With Boss
Did People Never Do Jigsaws As Kids ?????
Think Of A Good Name For Our Store
Bad Security
Hoyl Bible
Finished Making The Sign Boss
Put The Emergency Phone, Boss
The Painters At A Client's House
Seems Right
Made The Internet Thingy Boss
Delivered The Package Boss
Shouldn’t They Have Cut The Top Of The Door So The Knob Wasn’t So Low
Did The City Planning, Boss
I Wrote The Description Boss
"There will be politics. Sand. Giant worms. Sand. Cool fights with daggers. Sand. Witches. Did I already said sand?"
Installed The Ramp Boss
I Believe I'm A Good Fit For The Position
Finally, something that doesn't require at least 2 years of experience!
Painted The Bike Path Boss
Someone's Parents Are Pissed
True Art Cannot Be Contained
Just Put Up The Sign, Boss
Not My Job To Write An Informative Sign In This Museum
Aint My Job To Translate It
The weird thing is that they didn't simply press their keyboard randomly - it's a substitution cypher! "e" consistently becomes "g", "s" becomes "e"...
Uhhh I Don’t Think So
Ssoq ʎpɐǝɹ Sı Uoʇʇnq Ǝɥʇ
Planted The Trees, Boss!
I’m sure the tree was there first, they obviously didn’t work around it
I Didn't Feel Like Getting Out Of The Truck
Installed The Hand Sanitizer, Boss
My Friends Dad Was Cutting A New Window In. Look At These Layers Of Siding!
Yes. North, East, South, East
To Purchase Tobacco Products, You Must Be At Least 2 (Two) Years Old.
It's Supposed To Say No Entry For Unvaccinated
Free Covid In Houston!
1news On Point Again
I Mean The Road Is 50% Safer Now
I’m Just A Graphics Designer Intern, Definitely Not My Job
Placed The Text Boss
Responded To That Complaint, Boss. 9. Years. Later
Don’t Know Why We Aren’t Getting Any Applications
This Instruction Is Very Convenius
The Restroom Graffiti At Work Never Gets Old
Wheelchair Accessible
Well, you need to have the flying version of the chair, and then it works great!
Put Up The Olympic Rank, Boss
Did Up The Burrito Banner Boss!
Installed The Cpu Fan, Boss!
Didn’t Check The Thumbnail, Boss
Manager Said To Be Quicker About Getting All The Deliveries Out
Fed ex , worst delivery service in my area, have lots of bad experiences
Breaking News
It’s Not My Job To Move The Pylons
“How Many Mm In A Cm?” “Whatever”
If you were using this ruler and didn't notice, it could really mess with your mind. "Something just doesn't add up!"
What Time Is It?
I don't think this one belongs here. You cannot simply "change the time" on such a clock. It's driven by a centrally located clock controller so all the clocks in the facility are synchronized. A technician would need to come out and troubleshoot the issue.
Installed The Urinal Partition Boss
Ignore My Reflection
This weekend I was shopping for cheap foamies to wear around the house and I came across this shoes-62c4...nsored.jpg
Reminds me of the effort made to update the "Popular on Bored Panda" clicks below. Been the same for a year at least.
This weekend I was shopping for cheap foamies to wear around the house and I came across this shoes-62c4...nsored.jpg
Reminds me of the effort made to update the "Popular on Bored Panda" clicks below. Been the same for a year at least.