You may find this to be an interesting read as well. http://libcom.org/library/phenomenon-bullshit-jobs-david-gra... After working for the state for only 2 years, I have discovered most of my time is spent trying to look busy. My HR managers would prefer I have nothing to do for 40 hours a week, as long as I am on time, than have me create or find needed projects that create work that would require over time and unpredictable hours. I've always found it very confusing.
I used to subcontract for the state. Government employees are either completely incompetent, completely checked-out or completely short-time. My trick was to engage the checked-out ones enough to get shit done and work through the short-time ones before they returned to private industry.