Have you ever wondered how some people manage to stay in the office without doing much—yet still collect a paycheck?
Japan has a name for this phenomenon: Shanai NEET. It refers to employees who, for various reasons, become disengaged from meaningful work but continue to remain within the company system—quietly, strategically, and often invisibly.
In my latest Udemy course, How to Do Nothing at Work and Still Get Paid, I explore this very concept from both a cultural and personal perspective. As a former Japanese salaryman turned freelancer, I’ve seen firsthand how the rigid structures of corporate life in Japan can both produce and tolerate this type of worker. Far from being simply lazy, these individuals are often navigating a complex social terrain—avoiding conflict, reading the room, and finding subtle ways to survive without rocking the boat.
This course isn’t just about how to do nothing (though it does touch on that too). It’s about understanding the unwritten rules of Japanese workplaces, and how doing less can actually be a form of resistance or self-preservation in certain environments.
I created this course in English because I believe the concept of Shanai NEET has something universal to say about work, identity, and dignity. While the term may be unique to Japan, the feeling of being trapped in a job without purpose is global.
So if you're curious about Japan’s corporate culture, or just want a fresh perspective on modern work life, I invite you to check it out.
👉 https://www.udemy.com/course/doing-nothing-at-work/?referralCode=13F8F47B5F8BF366789F
