9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply?

: AskReddit

Search

Posts Wiki Related Subreddits Gilded Secret

Posted by u/noyki86 3 hours ago

Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply?

 693 Comments  Give Award  Share  96% Upvoted

Comment as Jaimex111

What are your thoughts?

 Switch to markdown COMMENT

SORT BY BEST

 TannedCroissant 3.4k points · 2 hours ago

 When you’ve only just started learning something. When you know nothing, you can’t know
what’s best to learn so just get started. After you’ve got your bearings, then you can assess
what is best to learn and start working smart.

Some people might say choose a good course but I’d class that as working hard, not working
smart. Someone else has done the thinking bit for you!

 Reply Give Award Share Report Save

 anonymus5876 301 points · 1 hour ago

 Yes. When I started to learn bass I couldn't afford a course and before that point I didn't
even hold any bass or guitar or any instruments. I tought that maybe after half a year I can
play an easyer song. Maybe. Well, I got the hang of it and I always try to practice every day
for four hours and now I can play more than twenty songs. I started to play four months
ago.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 1/11
9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply? : AskReddit

Share 
Search

 mattress757 87 points · 1 hour ago

 Excellent. Trained yourself to work songs out by ear yet? Once I was able to do this it
started me down a big path in terms of self-teaching.

Share 

 dickierickers 23 points · 1 hour ago

 Yeah I only started getting good at guitar when I started working things out without
tabs. You gain a great perspective of how the songs were written (structured mostly)
when you do this too :)

Share 

 anonymus5876 Score hidden · 39 minutes ago

 I learned only one song by ear yet because I couldn't find the tabs for it but when
I got the hang of it it was much easier than learning from tabs. I usually play
metal so sometimes it's harder to hear the bass in some songs. I started playing
bass because my friend asked me to play in their band so it's really important for
me to see the structures and how a song builds up. I really want to be better and I
can see the improvement on myself. It's a really good feeling. Knowing that you
can go further.
Share 

1 more reply

 thcpoweredlifter 6 points · 1 hour ago

 Awesome, keep it up! I 'taught' myself about 20 years ago as well starting with guitar
tabs. I started talking to other musicians and at the time before YouTube I would buy
guitar world magazines that would give me ideas and other resources.

Over the years I've learned by lessons and buying different guides and books on music
theory. I ebb and flow into how into it I am.
Share 

 codbgs97 Score hidden · 23 minutes ago

 Also a self-taught bassist! Once you’re comfortable playing (as it sounds like you are), I
would recommend looking into scales and very basic theory (rhythm, chord structure,
that sort of thing). Those are the keys to being able to start improvising. After a few
years of focus on theory, I now rarely actually learn the bassline of a song I want to cover
and I just improvise in key instead (I don’t do this for iconic basslines, of course).

Share 

2 more replies

 73 i 2h
https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 2/11
9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply? : AskReddit

XOlenna 73 points · 2 hours ago


Search
This. So much.

Basics aren’t steps that can really be skipped. When I learned to sew I didn’t want to have to
spend time bothering with stitch types, hems, or any of the “boring” stuff and my work
suffered! I eventually reached a point where if I wanted my work to be good I had to really
focus on basics. It was worth the boring parts because now my garments are better fitted
and much cleaner.
Share 

 Cloaked42m 55 points · 2 hours ago

 Also known as Lecture #4: Do not skip lesson one. Ever.
Share 

 Stabbymcbackstab Score hidden · 34 minutes ago

 Yea. I've spent years training people at work and find there is a group of people who ask
questions to the extent that they over think what they are doing. That costs time and
inevitably results.

I'm all for working smart, but when your figuring out your role at first, asking detailed
questions about simple tasks is just getting in your way. Trust that the guy giving you the
information has your path laid out and ask pointed questions about the material at hand.
Share 

1 more reply

 Jaybeare 15 points · 1 hour ago

 I disagree. When you are learning something you can go through that process in a smart
manner. A coach I had used to say 'practice makes permanent.' When learning something
new making sure that you are not just learning content or a skill but that you are also
learning it correctly will ensure faster progress.

Hard work does matter to the process but if you spend 10,000 hours learning something
wrong you have just mastered it wrong.

Share 

2 more replies

14 more replies

 cATSup24 1.4k points · 2 hours ago

 Often in the military. Sometimes you're even forbidden/punished for working smart instead of
hard, especially if you're a low rank.

 Reply Give Award Share Report Save


https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 3/11
9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply? : AskReddit
 Raemnant 737 points · 2 hours ago
 Yeah, how dare youSearch
be efficient and intelligent. No place for that here

Share 

 IF0TBGTFO 316 points · 2 hours ago

 Yeah, this IS THE ARMY MOTHERFUCKER HOOOORAAAAAHH
Share 

 IAmNotABotFromRussia 232 points · 1 hour ago

AMERICA FUCK YEAH

Share 

 Raemnant 122 points · 1 hour ago

 Username checks out
Share 

 Freeaboo_ 70 points · 1 hour ago

COMIN AGAIN TO SAVE THE MUTHAFUCKIN DAY

YEAH
Share 

 Sn4pSm4shD0rit0z Score hidden · 29 minutes ago

AMERICA FUCK YEAH

Share 

 phcgamer Score hidden · 14 minutes ago

 Freedom is the only way, yeah!
Share 

 coolcrushkilla 16 points · 1 hour ago

 Durka durka.
Share 

 kalaniroot 21 points · 1 hour ago

 HUA*, HORAH is Marines. HUA stands for Heard, Understood, Acknowledged.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 4/11
9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply? : AskReddit

Share 
Search

 Flaksim Score hidden · 56 minutes ago

 Roger Wilco.
Share 

 MattTheAccountant Score hidden · 41 minutes ago

 Never go full hua. Also, it’s better to never use the h word
Share 

2 more replies

4 more replies

1 more reply

 which_spartacus 74 points · 1 hour ago

 That's because the point of work in the military during peacetime is to keep soldiers
busy. You can't do "keep busy" smarter.

Share 

 BritishInstitution Score hidden · 48 minutes ago

 When was the last peacetime?
Share 

 TheRealCLJoe Score hidden · 41 minutes ago

 Most people in the military are effectively peace time soldiers. A lot of times when
people are referencing this they mean in garrison. At any given time, very few
people in the military are around any active combat. Alcohol takes out way more
soldiers than the Taliban could have ever hoped for.
Share 

 BritishInstitution Score hidden · 34 minutes ago

 It's not to keep you busy, it's to prevent skill fade, or if you drop your discipline
to far for when you do get called up. These 'keep busy' tasks are for those
reasons. At least in the UK.

The UK have a lot of 'dry' tours for this reason also

Share 

1 more reply

1 more reply

2 more replies

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 5/11
9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply? : AskReddit

 Awisemanoncsaid Score hidden · 49 minutes ago

Search
 Its primarily so everyone works off the same system. You can push an idea through and
get it approved for the rest of the branch, but if you do something one way and
someone else does it another it leads to mess ups.

Share 

1 more reply

5 more replies

 MWolman1981 61 points · 1 hour ago · edited 39 minutes ago

 True. I don't understand it. I'm in the reserve now and a field grade rank. I have an Excel
workbook of tasks and links, and a risk/issues log that I have my sections update with me. I
let them run with their tasks (I'm not micromanaging a captain) and only focus on trouble
areas and escalations. My CC agreed to every field in my workbook so he knows what he's
getting and where we're at.

So some days we finish early and I'll go get a jug of Starbucks and the 20 of us have a coffee
for the last hour of the day while everyone else is freaking out. I get other field ranks pull
me to the side and say, "Maj Asshat, it looks like your folks aren't working." All I can say is,
"Maj Fuckface, we've done all our work and we're the highest performing flight here
[shrug]."

They never believe me that if you let people be creative, provide cover for them, only
micromanage when its necessary and use agreed upon success criteria you can get things
done faster, better and create more job satisfaction. They want all their arbitrary rules
followed and rule their kingdoms with a tight fist.

Edit: a word
Share 

 Scaryfood Score hidden · 47 minutes ago

 The military doesn't want to create diversity within the same rank. Everyone must be
equally expendable and value their lives the same as their fellow soldiers.

Share 

 MWolman1981 Score hidden · 35 minutes ago

 I cant speak for other branches or groups, but it would be weird to think of people as
exactly the same. Everyone brings something new to the table.

It can be expected though that based on their training level and MOS/AFSC, that they
can perform the same tasks with people of equivalent training and field. How they
get it done, is open for discussion though.
Share 

 hallese Score hidden · 23 minutes ago


https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 6/11
9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply? : AskReddit

So some days we finish early and I'll go get a jug of Starbucks and the 20 of us have a
Search
coffee for the last hour of the day while everyone else is freaking out.

Is Starbucks the code word now for Busch Light? If so then yes, we also finished early on
Saturday and enjoyed some Starbucks.
Share 

 MWolman1981 Score hidden · 17 minutes ago

 You know, some of my folks don't drink. One is actually under 21 (fuck I'm old)! So I
figure Starbucks is a safe bet to make sure (1) no one gets in trouble for drinking and
driving/drinking underage and (2) everyone feels included.
Share 

5 more replies

 GoodRighter 136 points · 1 hour ago

 Army veteran here. There is a fine line between not following orders/directive and doing
something different than what you were told to do. I always tended to find better ways of
doing tasks. Once the leadership learned how to best use my abilities they simply gave me
context behind the instruction. The task became “make the latrine inspection for the CSM
clean” vs “scrub the floors until not a speck of dirt shows and report back to me.”

There are a lot of dumbasses out there and a lot of leaders start off with the assumption
that you are until otherwise proven. The military has people moving units on the regular so
it always feels like you are in a constant introductory phase with leaders and subordinates.
Share 

 Tactical_Moonstone Score hidden · 24 minutes ago

 The military has people moving units on the regular so it always feels like you are in a
constant introductory phase with leaders and subordinates.

This situation is called the Eternal September to those who know the history of the
Internet.

Share 

1 more reply

 FingerBangGangBang 92 points · 1 hour ago

 That's all government employees. God forbid you find a way to be more efficient. Keep that
shit to yourself, do your own job in 1/2 the time it takes everyone else, and get paid to nap
like the rest of the senior staff.
Share 

 astrangeone88 19 points · 1 hour ago


https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 7/11
9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply? : AskReddit

I worked as an assistant to a property manager. If I was efficient I was bitched at. I swear
Search
that job made me lose brain cells.
Share 

 XM202AFRO Score hidden · 45 minutes ago

 I worked at Kinko's. I once got in trouble for implementing a procedure that saved
me 4 hours but cost about $5 extra in wasted material.
Share 

 LannyBudd Score hidden · 20 minutes ago

 I once got in trouble for implementing a procedure that saved me 4 hours but
cost about $5 extra in wasted material.

I worked at a place that was bought by DuPont. Those guys came in and reminded
us that it cost the corporation several hundred dollars an hour in overhead for us
to be working, so if we could buy an item that cost less than the time it saved, we
were supposed to do it.

Share 

 XM202AFRO Score hidden · 17 minutes ago

 LOL Well yes, DuPont ran its business better than Kinko's did.
Share 

 SailorRoshia 34 points · 1 hour ago

 and get paid to nap like the rest of the senior staff.

or go on Reddit
Share 

3 more replies

 TannedCroissant 63 points · 1 hour ago

 “Ohhhh, looks like we’ve got a smart ass here boys! You think it’s smart to disrespect the
flag maggot?!? Down on the floor! Everyone does 100 press ups thanks to Albert Einstein
here!”

That’s how you work smart towards your goal of becoming world press up record
holder.

Share 

 frozenottsel 3 points · 1 hour ago

 IE, those $1200 coffee mug handles that someone 3d printed for essentially 2 pennies
each...

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 8/11
9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply? : AskReddit

Share 
Search
2 more replies

 xmagusx Score hidden · 26 minutes ago

 That's because if the military didn't knock back unilaterally against deviations from
standards in the form of "bright ideas", buck privates and butterbars wouldn't have
promotion rates, they'd have survival rates.
Share 

2 more replies

 drunken_monkey9 1.5k points · 3 hours ago

 During CPR. Smart helps, but it's hard work if you're doing it right

 Reply Give Award Share Report Save

 SpecialAgentHungLo 415 points · 2 hours ago

 Gotta hear that ribcage crack.
Share 

 Zourtyx 410 points · 2 hours ago

 Its quite common saying in med field that "During well performed CPR you might crack
few ribs. BUT YOU DONT HAVE TO CRACK THEM ALL!"
Share 

 Tar_alcaran 213 points · 1 hour ago

 During CPR training we were always told "If they bitch about it, you did a good job"
Share 

 hybridfrost 71 points · 1 hour ago

 I’d rather break a few ribs then be dead so break away!
Share 

 HerbLoew 52 points · 1 hour ago

 "Don't be a baby, ribs grow back!" - Medic
Share 

 beezel- Score hidden · 18 minutes ago

 (no zey don't)
Share 

3 more replies

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 9/11
9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply? : AskReddit

 saltwaterclam
Search
Score hidden · 56 minutes ago

 IIRC people have been sued over preforming CPR. Some people apparently
would rather be dead
Share 

 Ryzel0o0o Score hidden · 47 minutes ago

 Pretty sure being Full Code rather than DNR would protect you from being
sued.

Share 

 kolorete 13 points · 1 hour ago

 then

No need to worry about broken ribs if you're dead.

Blackguypointingathead.jpg
Share 

1 more reply

 mohammedgoldstein 6 points · 1 hour ago

 I love this! Better them bitch than never ever having them complain again.
Share 

 culculain Score hidden · 44 minutes ago

 During an infant CPR class I took when we were about to have our baby a woman
asked if giving CPR could break ribs. The instructor said sure but breaking a few ribs
is better than buying a baby sized casket. That drove the point home.
Share 

 Foxy_Mazzzzam Score hidden · 53 minutes ago

 “You saved my life thank you”

“Ok well I missed a few ribs so hold on while I finish the job”
Share 

 Prondox 47 points · 2 hours ago

 If you dont crack a few you ain't applying enough pressure
Share 

 Zourtyx 34 points · 2 hours ago

 True, we always say this while teaching first aid to public
Share 

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 10/11
9/3/2020 Work smart instead of hard - When does this not apply? : AskReddit

 gonzo__67 18 points · 2 hours ago

Search
 Not necessarily
Share 

 Litty_McGritty 4 points · 1 hour ago

 How am I supposed to get to the gooey center if I can't break the shell?
Share 

 Godlyeyes 5 points · 1 hour ago

 My uncle had a heart attack and the people with him did cpr wrong and literally made
his liver into mush.
Share 

1 more reply

5 more replies

 drunken_monkey9 39 points · 2 hours ago

 Like a glow stick
Share 

 eternalrefuge86 42 points · 2 hours ago

 It’s always disappointing when the person doesn’t start glowing
Share 

 drunken_monkey9 8 points · 1 hour ago

 So disappointing. But I'll take it as a win if they don't bleed on me
Share 

 notallive 4 points · 1 hour ago

 such an underrated comment
Share 

https://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/ffsuk2/work_smart_instead_of_hard_when_does_this_not/ 11/11