> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.scholars.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.scholars.net/how-to/track-the-time-spent-on-a-job.md).

# Track the time spent on a job

On Scholars, you are paid by the hour. As such, it's essential to keep track of the time you spend on a job.

On the Scholars platform, we provide a way to keep track of time, which you must use in order to be able to get paid. We call them *timesheets*.

{% hint style="info" %}
All jobs on Scholars have what's called a **weekly cap**.

The weekly cap is a maximum number of hours you can work each week. This limit is usually marked in the contract, but if not, your project manager will let you know what your weekly cap is.
{% endhint %}

## How to start and stop the timer

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Go to the *My Timesheet* page from the left-hand menu.

<figure><img src="/files/hz3Cmh8ISjlER3A3U4EG" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
From the *Contract* dropdown, select the active contract you will be working on.

{% hint style="info" %}
If you don't see anything in the dropdown, it's because you don't have an active contract. An active contract appears on your profile once you accept a [job offer](/how-to/accept-or-reject-a-job-offer.md) that is made to you.
{% endhint %}

If you already logged work today, Scholars may preselect the contract, category, and details from your most recent log so you can start the next session faster. You can still change any of these fields before you start the timer.

You can only log work inside the active date range of the selected contract. If the contract has not started yet, or if it has already ended, Scholars will not let you start a timer or add entries for that contract.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
In the *Details* section, write what you'll be working on specifically. If the job uses timesheet categories, select the category that matches the work you are logging.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Click on *Start Timer* to start it. The timer will start running.

<figure><img src="/files/t3H3Jpfvi312lOlYGDnY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Perform your work as outlined by your project manager.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
When you are done, or you are taking a break, click on *Stop Timer* to stop the timer.

Scholars automatically stops a timer after eight continuous hours and emails you when this happens. Review the saved entry, then start a new timer if you are continuing to work. You should still stop the timer yourself whenever you finish working or begin a break.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Next Steps

**Tracking time is not enough to get paid** – you must also send a timesheet at the end of the work week (for example, on Friday evening). This only takes two clicks.

Please read the following page to learn how to send a timesheet:

{% content-ref url="/pages/1FDnhz5uphwGtA82tYBG" %}
[Send a timesheet](/how-to/send-a-timesheet.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

## What can I review on My Timesheet?

The *My Timesheet* page shows recent logs, weekly timesheets, timesheets waiting for review, rejected timesheets, and accepted timesheets.

When you open the week you are currently working in, Scholars selects today's date. For past or future weeks, choose a day to review that day's entries.

For hourly work, the recent logs and weekly timesheet details show start times, stop times, and durations down to seconds.

Timesheets use your browser timezone when it is available. If you start a timer near midnight and your computer's local date is different from your timesheet date, Scholars may ask which date the work should be logged under.

If a timesheet is rejected, open the *Rejected* tab to see the rejection note and who rejected it. You can update the timesheet and request review again.

For unit-based jobs, you can update the number of completed units when editing an entry that is still editable.

You can also delete a log while the timesheet is still editable, such as when it is still a draft or has been rejected and sent back for correction.

## Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>How should I track my breaks?</summary>

Stop the timer as you start your break, and start the timer when you finish your break.

</details>