Simple Ways to Pass Time at Work

Finding something worth doing when you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be…

Ways to pass time at work isn’t always easy – well, passing time without getting caught.  You’ve found yourself bored at work and need to pass the time.  You’ve gotten your stuff done, you’re not worried about next week’s deadline, and you have an hour or two to kill before you’re out for the day.  There are tons of things you’d like to do, but you just don’t have the resources, energy, or your boss might not enjoy your choice of activities – what are you to do to pass time at work without getting in trouble?

1. Have two windows open on your computer and surf the net

CTRL+ALT easily lets you switch pages in a matter of seconds when a manager comes lurking at your desk.  Pull up your favorite webpage and browse away with confidence!  Look for your next break – a new career, take an online class, blog, network (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and surf your way to the end of the day with this super simple way to pass time at work.

2. Clean your space

Yeah, we’re a bit messy from time to time – and may be not even messy, just unorganized.  Declutter, dust, and organize to swiftly move through the last hour of your day.  This will also give you the ability to exercise some creativity should you choose to rearrange.  It truly isn’t as bad as it sounds if you’re really searching for ways to pass time without getting in trouble at work!

3. Get up and go to the restroom

You may not even need to go, but taking a few minutes to stretch, move around, check your phone in privacy, or just breathe (provided no one is occupying the restroom that had something intense for lunch).  Take a minute to splash some water on your face, pick your nose, do whatever for ten minutes or so – no one is going to ask what you were doing in there!

4. Take a break

If you’re given coffee breaks throughout the day, save one until the end if you’re able to do so.  This helps break up blocks of time, giving you the feeling of relief when you need it most.  Step outside, hide out in the break room – do something, but get away from your work space.

5. Snack (healthily) at your desk

Sometimes, it’s easy to get lost in a nice snack.  Bring healthy items such as nuts, granola, carrots, etc. and snack toward the end of the day to boost energy and give you something to do.

6. Create a to-do list

Simple enough, it doesn’t have to be something work related at all – no one has to be the wiser to it and you can organize the rest of your day seamlessly.

7. Open a Word document and write your heart out

Nothing passes the time like writing – get lost in a journal entry, a story, an idea and run with it!  Take some time to document your day or email an old friend, family member, or your spouse.

8. Sign up for online work

Signing up for work via the internet is an easy way to get paid for freelancing.  Blogging websites and various other avenues offer ways to pass time without getting in trouble via a few clicks of your mouse.  Remember, CTRL+ALT!  Make some extra cash on the side and feel better about that remaining hour.

9. Write your resume – again

Take a minute to read and rewrite your resume.  If you get caught not doing your work on a pretty frequent basis, you may need this!

10. If all else fails – find something to work on

It would probably be something small and mindless just to pass the time, but truly, if you can’t seem to occupy your time in stealth mode – do what you’re supposed to be doing!

Passing time at work can be easier for some than others; some people have the privacy of their own office and don’t have to worry about supervisory micromanagement.  Others are out in the open without a shield in the world and finding ways to pass time without getting in trouble can be difficult.  Be mindful of your surroundings.

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