Looking Busy When You're Bored at Work

Often I find myself sitting at my desk with nothing to do. I know that I am paid to sit there and actually be productive, but what can I do when all of my assigned tasks are finished? I do not want to complain about my lack of work because then I will be given more than I can handle. Yet I do not want to sit there twiddling my thumbs and look like a slacker either. Here are some ways I have found keep me looking busy without actually being busy:

1. An obvious one- write articles for Associated Content. This really works well, as I spend most of my time at the computer writing, editing, and printing pieces anyway. I can do research, find writing ideas, take down notes, and then complete the article, all while at work, and my boss completely does not realize that I am actually writing something for someone else, and hoping to get paid doing it. This takes up a nice chunk of time, too, so I look very productive and engrossed in whatever it is I am doing. As long as I get my actual work in on time, I am free to do write for Associated Content and no one knows the difference!

2. Catch up on e-mails. I always seem to have several e-mails in my inbox from friends and family that I keep putting aside. I tell myself I will reply when I have more than a few minutes so I can actually take my time and write a thoughtful, intelligent e-mail back, instead of jotting a quick side note. When I find myself with nothing else to do at work, this is a perfect time to delve into my inbox and empty it out. I again look as if I am in the process of creating something for work, when in reality I am tending to personal matters.

3. MySpace is a great invention for the bored-at-work. Here I can look at people's profiles, edit mine, fill out surveys, pass along funny videos and pictures to friends, and message anyone in the MySpace universe. Truth is, I could spend all day on MySpace and never get bored. This is harder to pull off at work, however, because when the webpage is loaded up, it is obvious what you are looking at. If you are quick to shut down a browser, or have another page open to pull up a moment's notice, then this is an easy way to pass the hours until you can punch out.

4. Facebook is another great time-waster. I could spend hours here looking through photos that friends have posted, discovering who else I know has joined the network, and reading people's AIM away messages. Okay, so I sound like a bit of a Facebook stalker. But I only do what everyone else does. I just do it on company time, and get paid for it.

5. Scour the Internet for the latest gossip. One of my favorite sites is the new Yahoo! OMG page. It is loaded with the latest celeb gossip, photos, videos and more. If signed in, you can comment on anything posted on the Website. It truly shows how awful the paparazzi has become but it really is like a trainwreck. You cannot help but look and be absolutely fascinated, yet horrified, at the same time.

6. Find random websites that have games on them, such as the zone.com. Here, you can find any type of game you love to play, from poker to word games, to online board games. These can take up hours or minutes, depending on what your fancy is. But these are also the most likely to get you into trouble. I recommend these only if the boss is out of the office, or you have your own office. That way, the chance of getting caught rapidly decreases.

Now I want to be clear about this: only pursue these methods to curing boredom if you are actually bored because you have nothing else to do. These are not ways to spend company time just because you do not feel like doing what you are suppose to be doing. If you are quick to get your work done, like I am, then you end up with large amounts of free time on your hands that you have to spend stuck at a desk. This is when you should pursue some of these fun, boredom-banishing tips. Enjoy!