I'm literally about to get fired from Google for this, possibly today (HR is calling wondering where I am). Dumb thing is, I've been working like crazy on my 20% project. I just can't stand the other one, got an NI on my first (and presumably last) review cycle so pretty much killed any chance of a transfer.
I've never outright lied, though certainly hemmed and hawed. And occasionally blatantly "I haven't done anything this week". And yeah, certainly work-from-home makes it easier to shut down and ignore everything. Which is great, except you feel like crap afterwards.
But like I said, it depends on the project. Next job I take, money is going to be less of a consideration. Just want to work on something interesting. And there's a reasonable likelihood that I fall into the category of "needs professional help" (I also flunked out of school twice and took six years to graduate, despite getting five 5's on AP tests and only needing two years' worth of credits), but I've tried a few times without much success.
And, no I don't think it's super-common. At least not to this level. Most of my coworkers seem to genuinely work pretty hard. Though some don't.
Whoa. timeout. If I'm reading your post correctly your manager gave you a NI as a noogler (first review cycle)?! WTF. Do NIs make it harder to transfer? sure, but it's not impossible.
First of all, I hope you'll be alright and end up with a job you like.
But I think it's important to distinguish between cases where people hardly work but get praised for their output, and cases where the employer notices and tries to get rid of the employee. The latter case is obviously problematic. But what if Google told you they love your work even though you hardly ever work? I wouldn't see it as problematic at all in this case.
I'm surprised your manager let you join a 20% project as a noogler. Sounds like poor remote management at least deserves a slice of blame.
The right mental health diagnosis might temporarily shield you from certain employment consequences and longer term actually help you find a sustainable pattern of work and life. Google offers benefits and resources that might help in that area, try them before you lose access.
I've never outright lied, though certainly hemmed and hawed. And occasionally blatantly "I haven't done anything this week". And yeah, certainly work-from-home makes it easier to shut down and ignore everything. Which is great, except you feel like crap afterwards.
But like I said, it depends on the project. Next job I take, money is going to be less of a consideration. Just want to work on something interesting. And there's a reasonable likelihood that I fall into the category of "needs professional help" (I also flunked out of school twice and took six years to graduate, despite getting five 5's on AP tests and only needing two years' worth of credits), but I've tried a few times without much success.
And, no I don't think it's super-common. At least not to this level. Most of my coworkers seem to genuinely work pretty hard. Though some don't.