If you think a slacker only avoids work outright, guess again. There are tons of subtle ways to slack off—maybe you eagerly take on new projects but come up with ways to avoid them or you let your partner take on all the household chores while you try to slip away unnoticed. If any of these 15 behaviors sound familiar to you, you might be a slacker on the down low.
1. You use the “I’m busy” card.
If your friend’s angry that you’re late for lunch (yet again) you try to crawl back into their good graces by making them feel bad. You might claim that work is too busy or your family responsibilities are too much (even if they’re not). You use this excuse because you reckon that people can’t argue with a jam-packed schedule, but they might not be buying it.
2. You cover up your laziness with charm.
It’s difficult for loved ones to be angry with you for not vacuuming when you’re being super kind. Your not-so-effortless charm is a clever tactic to get you in the clear when you want to get out of doing something. It also comes to your rescue in the workplace, like when you need to persuade others to take on tasks so you don’t have to. Sneaky.
3. You make empty promises.
Whether with your friends or partner, you talk your way into being seen as someone they should be happy to have in their lives. You’ll promise to be there for them during tough times or when they need a favor, but then you’ll conveniently bounce when things go upside down.
4. You get resources but don’t use them.
When you want to achieve a dream, you’ll show people that you’re going to work hard to get what you want. You’ll buy books, sign up for courses, and more. The catch? You won’t actually use them. You’d rather lounge around and chill.
5. You tell people they’ll do your task better.
If you don’t feel like doing a task, you’ll find sneaky ways to make others do it instead, without them suspecting you of being a slacker. So, for example, you’ll tell your sister that since she’s so much better with people, she should plan a friend’s baby shower instead of you. Bullet dodged!
6. You love taking long breaks at work.
It’s common for co-workers to look around and wonder where you are. You tend to take super-long lunch breaks or disappear from the office because you’re busy with other tasks that “need” your attention. Instead of attending meetings, you’re having mojitos.
7. You forget important events.
When your partner reminds you that you were supposed to attend a friend’s birthday or your boss asks why you weren’t at a meeting, you’ll clutch your forehead and claim, “Oh no! I forgot!” Meanwhile, you’re faking it to get out of what you consider to be boring.
8. You wait for others to take responsibility for things.
Sometimes, the best way to be a secret slacker is to remain quiet and let other people do things you’re supposed to do. For example, you’ll wait for your partner to cook dinner or go grocery shopping so you can excuse yourself from chores.
9. You let others take the initiative.
In work meetings, you’re the person who remains quiet and allows others to take the stage. You’d rather lie low and let other people brainstorm ideas or start new projects. Staying under the radar while still being present is your secret coasting skill.
10. You use vague communication.
To help you coast, you usually rely on vague words and phrases so that you don’t have to explain yourself. For example, if you can’t attend a friend’s party, you’ll say you were sick without giving further details.
11. You stick to the status quo.
You’re always the person in your workplace who tries to resist change. You like to keep doing things the same way as before because change is scary. If guidelines or requirements are tweaked, this worries you because you’ll have to step up or risk being exposed for being a slacker.
12. You’re a drama magnet.
Attracting lots of drama can be a secret sign you’re a slacker. When you’re desperate for people’s help, like when you want them to do you a favor at the last minute, you’ll try to get them to assist you by asking in a highly emotional way. For example, you might complain loudly about how you’re super-stressed about a task you’ve been given so that you gain sympathy from your co-workers, who might jump in and take it off your hands.
13. You’re super-excited but lack follow-through.
People know you as having ants in your pants! You’re amped when you get a cool idea to achieve your goal or start a new adventure. The catch? You’re all hype and no hard work. But the hype distracts people ’cause your excitement is so palpable.
14. You play up how stressed you are.
You’ll tell people how overwhelmed you are to avoid more work getting dumped on your desk. The strategy is simple: You unleash all your stress on anyone who asks how you are, so they’ll rethink asking you for anything. It also works in your private life. By telling people how busy and stressed you are, they’ll think twice about trying to reel you in to plan their birthday party or babysit their kids.
15. Your body language is spilling your secrets.
Your body language could show that you’re a not-so-secret slacker, such as if you’re regularly sitting with your feet up on your desk or slouching over your phone. You’re basically telling people you’ve checked out!
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