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Working a job you don't like can be a drag. Here's a sad statistic for you: according to LinkedIn, 85% of employees don't like their workplace. Whether it's their boss, the location, their colleagues, the customers, or just the nature of the job itself, many people would rather slack off or do something else instead.

When a person hates their job, they probably don't do it very well. That's where the subreddit "Not My Job" comes in. They collect the best and funniest instances where employees are doing the absolute bare minimum that's in their job description. And today, we're featuring the best of the best pics from the community. Work smarter, not harder, right?

To discuss the 'Not my job' attitude in more detail, Bored Panda reached out to Louise Carnachan. She's an organization development consultant and award-winning author of Work Jerks: How to Cope with Difficult Bosses and Colleagues. Carnachan told us more about why some people feel unmotivated in the workplace and how employers can increase their motivation.

More info: Louise Carnachan | LinkedIn | Facebook

Organizational development consultant Louise Carnachan says that the r/NotMyJob subreddit is full of woefully executed work we've all probably seen in daily life. She says the "I'll show you" type behavior the subreddit is famous for can be the consequence of being micromanaged. However, while it's one way to claim power, it's not a particularly healthy way, Carnachan says.

"Obviously, some of the images [are] of acts committed by the inattentive, disinterested, or vindictive. But it's unlikely that all were saying 'Screw you, boss' or were a consequence of incompetence. Some workers may have been assigned jobs for which they had no training [and] were given poor or no instruction and/or inadequate materials."

"Some of the goofs are clearly process problems, such as not having sweepers move debris away before the road striping truck came through. In other instances, I suspect the worker was never clued into the big picture, so their part was out of context and executed inadequately. Or, they just didn't apply common sense and think about what they were there to accomplish and why," Carnachan adds.

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    #2

    Fixed The Broken Clock, Boss

    Fixed The Broken Clock, Boss

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    Carl Roberts
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nah. It would have a digital clock taped over it. American students don't know how to use analog clocks.

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    "Mistakes involving language are ubiquitous in our global economy," Carnachan notes. These types of mistakes, she says, are often done by accident. "Mistranslations abound, spelling errors aren't caught, sometimes word orientation is upside down or sideways. (You'd hope signs could be hung up accurately, though.)"

    "No doubt we've all been the recipient of form emails sent without the personalized information inserted, reminiscent of the speaker who begins their talk with, 'Greet the audience and say your name.'"

    Other times, mistakes, whether they're intentional or not, can have a pretty funny result. "Typos are the best," Carnachan says. "As demonstrated on a sandwich label stating it contains 'Criminalized onion relish.'"

    #5

    A New Hobby? Alright

    A New Hobby? Alright

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    Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks for the suggestion, however I am quite proficient in that particular hobby already.

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    #6

    Made The Name Tag, Boss

    Made The Name Tag, Boss

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    Blue Bunny of Happiness
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually know Sandi and remember laughing my head off at this, will have to send her this post (she originally shared it on twitter)

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    Mishaps can happen in any and all work settings, of course. "No one job classification has the corner on poor performance, but some jobs certainly have more public visibility," Carnachan tells us. "And some workers are self-motivated to be high performers, while others are not."

    When scrolling through the r/NotMyJob subreddit, some people may label these types of workers as lazy. Yet, the reality is much more nuanced. "Effort is hard to evaluate because we only see results. We can't measure an individual's exertion," Carnachan explains. 

    "One worker may put in a lot of effort yet achieve mediocre results, while another puts in less effort but obtains good results. Skill, ability, training, and personality traits impact this. There are people who are just in the wrong jobs," she also adds.

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    #9

    Packed The Violin Bow, Boss

    Packed The Violin Bow, Boss

    selective_mutist Report

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    greenguy
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is terrible packaging and I hope you get refunded but next time buy horse hair... Sticks better and lasts longer

    Verena
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Whatever this person at darazpk takes, reconsidering of life choices might be a good idea.

    Little Capybara
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Who committed this heinous act? The concertmaster and conductor will speak with you now.

    oblong mongoose (they/them)
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i play violin, and last year someone in my orchestra snapped a bow in half in the dressing room. not mine, thankfully but it was still really sad to see :(

    Karen Philpott
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Had someone do this to a lace umbrella, just do they could put it in my mailbox.

    Mary Peace
    Community Member
    3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen lace umbrellas, they were more like parasols, to keep off sun not rain. But still an awful thing to do, to damage them like that.

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    Teresa Yeates
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never order condoms from them, hate to see what they do to those.

    Martin König
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was young, carbon fibre meant "unbreakable", but now this is fiber.

    Just_for_this
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Im actually quite impressed they managed to break carbon fibre so cleanly, it's a vicious material when snapped.

    SkippityBoppityBoo
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not a musician but if anything such as paintbrushes that I'd ordered arrived like this? I'd be really upset. That they broke it in order to make it fit??? I really hope they got a refund.

    Katrina Anderson
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This upsets me, what was the thought process??? Or was there a conversation??? I seriously hope this person got a full refund, cause I imagine those bows are not cheap.

    Garth
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never order from Oklahoma....if it's coming from Broken Bow...

    Kelly H. Wilder
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    LOL. I spent several of my childhood summers in Broken Bow (and about half my extended family still live there). It's a small place with not much, but the people are as sincerely caring as any place I have been. I also went to 4th and 5th grades there and only have pleasant memories of that time.

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    However, even the most dedicated and hard-working employees might not produce the best results sometimes. "There are many factors out of the worker's control," Carnachan notes. "Examples are the quality of the training and materials provided and how compensation or rewards are calculated (i.e., tied to production quotas or quality measures?). If I get paid by the piece and there aren't any real quality standards, I'll put out a lot of pieces."

    #10

    A Fork In The Road

    A Fork In The Road

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    Workers should get this information from their supervisors, Carnachan says. "Managers and crew leads are responsible for communicating the 'why' of the work and how it ties into an entire project. When people have no idea of what follows their labor, they work in a vacuum, and then, it's easy for them to make assumptions and bad decisions."

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    #14

    Placed The Sticker Boss

    Placed The Sticker Boss

    its_brookelol Report

    In an office environment, corporate culture also comes into play. Carnachan lists some questions that might impact an employee's performance. "Is teamwork expected? Are folks responsible for noting and correcting mistakes regardless of who made them? Are service and customer satisfaction important, or is the mentality to just mark it [as] done?"

    #16

    "I Decided It Was Faster To Draw The QR Codes, Boss"

    "I Decided It Was Faster To Draw The QR Codes, Boss"

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    #17

    Made The Engraving, Boss

    Made The Engraving, Boss

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    Seeing others do the bare minimum at work might be entertaining. That is until it happens at your own workplace. Indeed, sometimes, people might adopt the "Not my job" mentality to the extreme, and that might even be dangerous to others.

    "The willful desire to create a safety hazard for others is beyond 'Sticking it to the man,'" Carnachan tells Bored Panda. "If it's a training issue and can be remediated, that's okay -- if not, this is the wrong person for the job, regardless of their motivation."

    #19

    Sorted Out The Emergency Phone Boss!

    Sorted Out The Emergency Phone Boss!

    Professional-Stick82 Report

    #20

    That’s Good To Hear

    That’s Good To Hear

    InternalEssayz Report

    "When people are treated poorly, they tend to want to act out by sticking it to the boss," Carnachan explains the possible cause of the "Not my job" mentality. "But pushing back by refusing to do unpopular chores, like [taking] out trash, wash[ing] up, or restock[ing], becomes childish. 'We'll just see how bad it gets before somebody does something' should turn, instead, to a discussion about what needs to be done, who is doing it, and when."

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    #23

    How I Bang Your Mother

    How I Bang Your Mother

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    Susan Teter
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'll take "things that make me want to poke my eyes out" for $1000, Alex...

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    "Every job has elements that are less interesting, even downright unappealing," Carnachan points out. "But if there's a fair distribution and rotation and everyone knows what the rules are, it goes better. If the boss won't step up to [initiate] this conversation, then a staff member can."

    #25

    This Kind Of Belongs Here

    This Kind Of Belongs Here

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    Passerby
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The publisher misread the title. They thought it said, "No. More Plastic", hence more plastic.

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    "Job descriptions don't get into details like restocking the printer," she adds. "It's up to the manager to set the stage for teamwork in their department and the expectations for communication, dealing with disagreements, being attentive to safety, owning the work of the entire team instead of just their own contribution, and [contributing] to the little tasks that are required for a smooth operation."

    #30

    The Clock In My School’s Band Practice Room

    The Clock In My School’s Band Practice Room

    Hawkthemanaaaaaaa Report

    Carnachan says that a team should adopt the view that each member "owns the work of the team." Employees, thus, should have a less individualistic approach to their work. "When people feel responsible solely for their own work, coworkers may start evaluating each other to monitor who they think is not pulling their weight."

    "If a colleague's inattentive or their inaccurate work compromises safety or the team's outcomes, speaking to the manager about your concerns makes sense. But withholding help or engaging in stupid power plays to punish the colleagues or the boss isn't okay."

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    #31

    Finished The Road Surfacing, Boss

    Finished The Road Surfacing, Boss

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    #33

    My Contract Never Stated I Had To Move Rocks Away. Thank You Very Much

    My Contract Never Stated I Had To Move Rocks Away. Thank You Very Much

    ZeCerealKiller Report

    #35

    Put The Signs On The Fuel Pumps, Boss!

    Put The Signs On The Fuel Pumps, Boss!

    TragedyMaskBand Report

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    Mashmelo
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Aww ma, that's my favourite flavour! It pairs really well with the gas station sushi

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    #42

    Painted The Lines Boss

    Painted The Lines Boss

    Riresurmort Report

    #43

    Just Told The Whole City No Crime Boss!

    Just Told The Whole City No Crime Boss!

    Tommy_Adams09 Report

    #44

    Updated Our Working Hours, Boss

    Updated Our Working Hours, Boss

    destinyspie Report

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    #48

    Installed The Water Faucet, Boss

    Installed The Water Faucet, Boss

    CoolJabez0404 Report

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    Mashmelo
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    when I say I'm technically functioning this is what I mean

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    #50

    Completed The Road Marking Boss

    Completed The Road Marking Boss

    lekshmikutty Report

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    #54

    Wrote The Fish Finger Copy, Boss

    Wrote The Fish Finger Copy, Boss

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    #55

    Took The Driver’s License Photo Boss

    Took The Driver’s License Photo Boss

    awsome_repost_bro Report

    #56

    Labeled The Sports Boss

    Labeled The Sports Boss

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    Mashmelo
    Community Member
    4 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Biking, Water biking, Arm biking with stick, America biking, Big biking, Horse Biking, Wind water biking, Snow biking with TWO sticks

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    #57

    “I’m A Painter, Not An Exterminator.” -This Person Probably

    “I’m A Painter, Not An Exterminator.” -This Person Probably

    DimitriTooProBro Report

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    Prince Lee
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    idk..... the bugs dont look like they were dead but one of them.... that takes skill

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    #61

    Pasted The Poster Boss!

    Pasted The Poster Boss!

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    #62

    Wheelchairs Having Some Fun

    Wheelchairs Having Some Fun

    Tenchi_Muyo1 Report

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    #63

    Translation Complete, Boss

    Translation Complete, Boss

    Mickwillie Report

    #65

    Yup Boss, I Ordered A Normal-Sized Amount Of Fries For Our Normal-Sized Store

    Yup Boss, I Ordered A Normal-Sized Amount Of Fries For Our Normal-Sized Store

    LegoCMFanatic Report

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    Colleen Glim
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Took advantage of one of these a year or so ago. Local grocery accidentally ordered 3 skids of bacon. Pound of bacon for $2. Husband bought 27 packages. No ragerts.

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    #67

    Not Sure How This Made It Through Proofreading, Peer Review, And Copyediting

    Not Sure How This Made It Through Proofreading, Peer Review, And Copyediting

    fishsticks40 Report

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    Tucker Cahooter
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Probably because the peer reviewers agreed that the Gabor paper was crappy too

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    #68

    Just Moved Into My New Apartment And Saw This

    Just Moved Into My New Apartment And Saw This

    anderscandor Report

    #70

    My School Bought Modern Stuff. The Projector Was Placed Under The Screen

    My School Bought Modern Stuff. The Projector Was Placed Under The Screen

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    #72

    Get Paid For Painting Not Moving Plants

    Get Paid For Painting Not Moving Plants

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    Otto Katz
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    'E's not pinin'! 'E's passed on! This plant is no more! He has ceased to be! 'E's expired and gone to meet 'is maker! 'E's a stiff! Bereft of life, 'e rests in peace! If you hadn't nailed 'im to the pot 'e'd be pushing up the daisies! 'Is metabolic processes are now 'istory! 'E's off the twig! 'E's kicked the bucket, 'e's shuffled off 'is mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin' choir invisible!! THIS IS AN EX-PlanT!!

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    #74

    Godamnit Roy

    Godamnit Roy

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    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is how Batman trains in case he has to escape the pit Bane threw him in again.

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    #75

    Got You All Wired Up, Sir

    Got You All Wired Up, Sir

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    ƒιѕн
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because moving the hoola hoop wasn't in his scope of work.

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    #77

    Everything Is Fine Boss

    Everything Is Fine Boss

    sadPigeon18 Report

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    Beak Hookage
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You think that's bad, I once saw an electrical box which had water coming OUT of it.

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    #78

    Yep Lockers Are Done Boss. What Do You Mean There Is A Problem?

    Yep Lockers Are Done Boss. What Do You Mean There Is A Problem?

    Previous_Reporter_63 Report

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    Kabuki Kitsune
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Heh. So, that's actually VERY common. When lockers are installed, the clients often request that support columns, pipes, or other things that would stick out, are covered with a locker 'facade'. It makes everything look neat and uniform. It also allows maintenance to access them should they need to. They're not supposed to be given out to students. I'm betting they forgot which lockers were the facade ones.

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    #79

    Straight Lines Painted Boss!

    Straight Lines Painted Boss!

    -acid--rain- Report

    #80

    Apparently 2 City Planners In My Home Town Hated Each Other. We Call Them The Slant Streets

    Apparently 2 City Planners In My Home Town Hated Each Other. We Call Them The Slant Streets

    Patsthlm Report

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    B Hobbs
    Community Member
    4 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Find a 100 year old map of this area, probably train tracks and station going diagonally. Happened in Denver Colorado USA and Modesto California USA.

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