> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.uplifter.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is a work type?

> Work types are the categories you clock into — paid or unpaid, work or break.

<Note>
  **Must know**

  * Work types are created and managed by your gym — you choose from them, you can't add your own.
  * Each work type is either **paid** or **unpaid**, and is either a **work** kind or a **break** kind.
  * Some work types carry a maximum duration that automatically ends the segment when it's reached.
</Note>

A **work type** is the category you're clocked into — it labels what you were doing so your time is recorded correctly. Every time you clock in, take a break, or switch, you pick a work type, and each segment on your timesheet carries the one you chose.

Work types have two properties that matter to you:

* **Paid or unpaid** — paid time counts toward your pay; unpaid time (like an unpaid break) doesn't. You'll see a **Paid** or **Unpaid** badge next to each type and segment.
* **Work or break** — a **work** kind is your regular clocked-in time; a **break** kind is what you choose from the **Take Break** dialog. They're kept separate so working time and break time don't blur together.

Your gym sets these up and can seed sensible defaults, so the list you pick from reflects how your club categorizes time. You can't create your own types — if something's missing, mention it to a manager.

When you clock in, the portal may **auto-detect** a work type from the program in session and suggest it. That's just a shortcut; choosing a type by hand always wins. Some work types also have a **maximum duration** — when a segment hits that cap, it ends on its own.

**Related:** [How do I switch my work type during a shift?](/coaches/coach-timesheet/switch-work-type-during-shift) · [How do I take a break?](/coaches/coach-timesheet/take-a-break) · [What happens when my shift hits its time limit?](/coaches/coach-timesheet/shift-time-limit-reached) · [How do I clock in for a shift?](/coaches/coach-timesheet/clock-in-for-a-shift)