On Work

I usually just surf reddit or annoy friends on Discord :P

I currently volunteering trying to tackle my backlog

I've been there, and it really really super sucks.

This kind of 'it's more important to LOOK productive (than maybe it is to actually BE productive)' mindset is really... a myth.

If you REALLY want some shit to do, use this time to write or make spreadsheets for game things or just be comfortable enough in yourself where if anyone gives you shit for it, say 'I've honestly tried my hardest and I'm just ready to work when it comes in'. Document when and just how many times you asked (and who!) to prove that you're trying....

and then fuck around on your phone bc fuck 'em.

learn stuff :) maybe related to your current job, or a new language, or to do something. don't just idle around all the time

bamph

I too have peaks and valleys in workload yet am not salaried and am told to be at work 8 hours a day. Sometimes I just learn about things that interest me such as astrophysics or diet/nutrition. Sometimes I will actually read a book (via a PDF) when I can. It is also frowned on for not doing anything so at least I feel I am being productive even if the one benefiting is myself.

I really never managed even to register or understand Reddit unfortunately =( but anyways I've always luckily so many things to do that I'd love to have 50-hours-days xD well, the ups and downs to be born and live in one of Europe's most rich and productive areas.. waking up in the middle of the night if some of your shops' alarms start to break off and make noise and you don't know where they are.. well ok.. apart from this rant too, I wish you all the best =) try to take everything easy, things will eventually sort out fine and most of all, growing up you'll get every week new things and passions to fulfill and do =P (well, as ChessPie wrote above, I have too some valleys in workload during the Summer since I live way far from the sea and tourist's spots so there's less to do, and as he said.. you must find every time new things to do, and trust me.. there's plenty of them!! want something to spend hours into? sign in to quora.com XD) thanks <3

You're going to be happier if you find yourself a better job.

as much as i love games, i have to fill my time up with little projects throughout the day or else i go mad. but i also have kids so there is always something to clean or homework to help with and whatnot..

I don't know that I've ever had nothing to do at a job. I could always find something that I could do, and if I did manage to complete my tasks I could find ways to be proactive or would ask my boss if there was anything I could help out with and I'd get something new to work on.

But if you really have nothing to do, and can't help someone else out, take the time to read. Read the news, read something related to your job, read something to prepare you for a new job, read something about a hobby, or read something for pleasure. Rather than wasting time on Reddit, or finding something just to fill the time, use that free time for something productive or entertaining.

Aurora 4x http://aurora2.pentarch.org/ is a great game that looks like a bunch of forms and spreadsheets!

View attached image.

I play so much I don't have time to work!

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I'd use the time to read stuff from my backlog :D

I'm sort of there right now. Been there on co-ops too, some companies hire co-ops they don't need (for tax reasons apparently), which sucks if you're that co-op. Right now I'm on a year long contract that isn't anything like how it sounded. I'm so overqualified it's not even funny, so I'm bored even when I have something to do. As much as I'd rather not be another year older, I'm just waiting on the end of the year when I can jump ship and get a better job. All you can really do sometimes.

I had this sort of job last year, and winter was the worst because all my work was outside so I had a few months of not being able to do anything. Eventually I was just being told to go home early, or work on projects for myself. I ended up making a checkers set out of leftover tile pieces.
Hopefully the project will keep you busy once it starts properly

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Well, reading previous comments you're already doing things right. If there's nothing to do just learn new stuff or prepare yourself for possible stuff coming up next.
Sadly can't give any other advice 'cause it all depends on the industry you work in and your job's role. E.g. as a software tester there's always something to do - even if you just update your testsheets (although it's often more likely there's more work than you can actually handle in the given timeframe).

Haha! I never had that complaint at work. There was usually too much work for me to do, so that by closing time, I was planning the following morning's jobs from what I didn't get to finish. I'd always at least try to get a first draft out if possible. My computer faced the boss's desk, so no browsing the internet during work hours, unless I was doing work related stuff. XD I wouldn't do that anyway because I'd fall behind in my work.

I'd rather have too much work though. Time passes more quickly.

It sounds like they don't really care how much you work as long as it isn't too terribly noticeable that you aren't working. If you are able, do something that is productive for you (you are learning something or doing some organizing that will benefit you).

Perhaps do some self learning?

I have stuff to do but as it's not work-related, no moneys for it.
[H] time and will to work
[W] work. Not too much of a trouble if there is nothing to work as long as I get paid. It will get better :D

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