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I work as a research assistant in a wetlab (i.e. I physically do experiments). In a previous job the lab manager was suspicious of me appearing to not be doing

I work as a research assistant in a wetlab (i.e. I physically do experiments). In a previous job the lab manager was suspicious of me appearing to not be doing any work sometimes. Once I figured out I was being watched I went to extra effort to appear busy. I couldn't actually be more busy because I already did the most I could do in a day. But I could waste some time appearing busy. It was a constant drain and I was glad when that lab manager left and I could be as efficient as I wanted without needing to also appear busy.

cutemonster 6y ago
> waste some time appearing busy What did that mean, in your particular case?
- deleted 6y ago
  [deleted]
- ImaCake 6y ago
  Mostly just making sure I looked like I was doing something whenever I knew I was within view of the lab manager. I also avoided my desk between tasks since it was close to said manager. Although I did useful things when at my desk I got the impression it looked like I wasn't occupied, so I just hid elsewhere to check my calculations and do other computer work I could get done on a phone instead.
  - cutemonster 6y ago
    Wow that sound a bit stressful to have to think about such things. If you don't mind, I wonder: >the lab manager was suspicious of me appearing to not be doing any work sometimes How did you notice / find out he was suspicious?
Balgair 6y ago
I had a similar situation as a grad student in a wet lab. I was in classes most of the day and was forced to work in the lab during the morning and evening. As the PI was in from ~10am to ~4pm, they never saw me at work, and assumed that I was doing no work. Despite that PI lecturing in some of my classes. Fortunately, I was in a rotation for that PI and was able to leave the lab easily. I still cannot for the life of me understand what they were thinking. How can you be so smart to get the position and not think past your own nose?
- cutemonster 6y ago
  > How can you be so smart to get the position and Sometimes it's more about talking with a self confident voice, and body language, so others think you're smart

cutemonster 6y ago

> waste some time appearing busy What did that mean, in your particular case?

deleted 6y ago
[deleted]
ImaCake 6y ago
Mostly just making sure I looked like I was doing something whenever I knew I was within view of the lab manager. I also avoided my desk between tasks since it was close to said manager. Although I did useful things when at my desk I got the impression it looked like I wasn't occupied, so I just hid elsewhere to check my calculations and do other computer work I could get done on a phone instead.
- cutemonster 6y ago
  Wow that sound a bit stressful to have to think about such things. If you don't mind, I wonder: >the lab manager was suspicious of me appearing to not be doing any work sometimes How did you notice / find out he was suspicious?

Balgair 6y ago

I had a similar situation as a grad student in a wet lab. I was in classes most of the day and was forced to work in the lab during the morning and evening. As the PI was in from ~10am to ~4pm, they never saw me at work, and assumed that I was doing no work. Despite that PI lecturing in some of my classes. Fortunately, I was in a rotation for that PI and was able to leave the lab easily. I still cannot for the life of me understand what they were thinking. How can you be so smart to get the position and not think past your own nose?

cutemonster 6y ago
> How can you be so smart to get the position and Sometimes it's more about talking with a self confident voice, and body language, so others think you're smart