Just started a new job, and my co-workers seem to slack off a lot?
Hey everyone. I'm a pretty laidback guy, I don't think I'm a hardo, but I just started a new job at a start-up and my co-workers really seem a little too relaxed. They joke around all day long, die laughing at inside jokes, and seem to pass a lot of time talking about The Office and Futurama. I took a break to chat with everyone for awhile, but then I found myself on the grind trying to get my first week training done. Meanwhile, at a random part of the day, they're like, "Hey, does anyone want to go get a cold brew with us?" Or one guy was like, "I think I'm going to go take a fifteen minute walk outside and warm up, the office is kind of chilly today." I went and socialized and got lunch with my new team, and they took probably an hour and ten minutes for lunch. At my old job, we ate our lunch at our desk usually. I really prefer a work culture where you go to work to get shit done, and then maybe get drinks with your co-workers after work.
I just felt sort of out of place, because at my old job everyone was more focused. Should I just chill out and embrace the start-up culture? I feel like if I have a good work-ethic, I could run laps around these guys that chit chat all day, but I also know office politics is important. What do you think?
Run laps while they are sleeping if you really want to, but I would not work through lunch or skip out on the office walks. If your training I think that is a different vibe, or skipping the chit chat, but be there for the High impact moments.
Pretty much sums it up lol. I think you answered your own question
Lol I’m confused. “I’m a pretty laid back guy” but you’re mad everyone’s not grinding 24/7 and eating lunch at their desk, heads down and AirPods in. Does a 15 minute break away from this guys desk really rub you the wrong way? I’d say embrace the relaxed culture or just go to somewhere like Apollo where you surely won’t have to worry about not working long and hard enough or the people being too relaxed. In all seriousness, unless you truly believe the culture is impeding the company/peoples ability to do their job and get their work done, I don’t really get the problem. I’m curious if you vetted the culture and what the office or company was like along with how their growing/potential for growth before joining. And if so, what led you to end up choosing this startup over other career options?
You could be a hardo—or this might be a sign that the startup won’t succeed.
1) Taking a normal lunch break or 15-minute breaks throughout the day does not mean that they don't get stuff done
2) The fact that they talk and laugh together does not mean they are a bunch of lazy stoners
3) Being chained to your desk does not automatically make you a productivity master
Enjoy the new experience for what it is, take it with a learning mindset
When I worked in IB we still had time to shoot the shit and take the occasional long lunch. No need to pretend to be busy if you’re not
Since you just started, take the time to really understand the culture and how people get their work done. Being jovial and relaxed does not mean you aren't competent nor serious when the time is needed. If I'm being honest, most of my day at this point doesn't call for being head down or serious - it's managing people, relationships, situations, etc. I absolutely would probably come off as one of those people you may call 'too relaxed' - but I'll be on a call at 7pm, a flight at 4am tomorrow or dial it in when the time comes. Being serious, stressed or 'busy' when you don't need to be... just sucks, IMO.
I've also been very fortunate to have grown up in a work culture that values comradery, flexibility and relationships - not really at the superficial level of 'politics', although that plays a role, but truly building a team that can flex on or off when needed. It certainly changes - our trading desk/PM's are more like you describe where you eat at your desk, are constantly 'on' and then out the door. It varies a lot based on the team.
Give it some time and see where you land. Best case, you end up running the place as they have no interest - worst case, you don't like it and enjoy a few walks before you head back to the grindstone.
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