Really boring job, I need things to do. Help!!?

Question

Does anyone have any ideas of how to mentally keep busy when you're not allowed to do anything?

My job is super boring. I'm a receptionist so I just...sit there. Occasionally the phone will ring and I redirect someone to someone else and it takes like 15 seconds and then I'm back to stairing into space. I'm not allowed to read a book, not allowed to surf the internet or play games on the computer. I pretty much just have to sit and wait for the phone to ring, and sometimes theres 20 min periods of no ringing!!

And the week after this one I have to work nearly 9 hours because some lady is going on vacation so I get her hours. I do not know how I am going to sit there and do hardly nothing from 8:30 until 5. God the 4 hours I usually work drags on terribly, 8+ hours is going to be so much worse.

Do does anyone have any ideas of what I could mentally do to keep busy? It'd be so much better if I could read or surf the internet, but I can't! I'd even be happy with more work to do.

Answer 1

Well the idea of the ipod with the cable hidden under the shirt so no one notices you are listening to music worked for me.
I also used to print origami instructions of the web at home and then I would practice it at work. You take the couple of pages with the origami instructions to work (hey its not a book, plus you can conveniently hide it beneath other papers and no ones the wiser) and practice in between calls how to make swans and other neat things. You can even do money origami!
Rubics cube kills some time everyday, unless you already have solved it a million times
You could also try to find some sort of knick knack that serves as a desk adornment but is actually a form of entertainment. Like magnet sculptures or a mini zen garden.
I hope I helped you even a little bit. Hang in there.

Answer 2

Start asking others if there is any typing or filing you could do for them. I understand what you are saying. Some places seem to think that just having a receptionist sitting in front of the phones is all they need, but this can be pretty boring. Be nice about the asking, just very politely ask if there is something else you could help with when the phones are lite. Just explain that you would like to be more useful. If that fails, make paper puppets. Technically, you are not playing games on the computer, you are not surfing the net (this would get old before long anyway) and you are not reading. You could also, take to writing things down. Just get out some paper and a pen and start writing. Maybe you could write your own novel.

Answer 3

It is the job. I have known jobs the same. If it pays try to get through, in six months perhaps the company will have an opening in another area that will keep you active.

As for mind activity look up mental games. Like adding numbers in you head with no paper.

Be happy you have a job.

Answer 4

I'm sure that if you asked the office that you're working at if you could provide furthur assistance, they'd be glad!!

Example: If it's a doctor's office, maybe the doctor needs help with filing. Or maybe the office you're working for needs letters to be stamped.

It's strange that you can't read or surf the net...are you in the public's view? Hm...I'm not going to lie, that does sound kind of boring. Are you allowed to write? Maybe you could journal, or write letters to family members who live out of state.

Good luck!

Answer 5

I was bored like that when I worked for Wells Fargo's call center. I like word games. I had a bottle of vitamins on my desk. I would take one of the ingredients and see how many words I could make from the letters.

Pathetic, I know, but I was REALLY bored.

Answer 6

your situation is worse as u said. But if u think that the job is essential and no job will come for u You have to adjust. For that You have to forget that this is a boring one. To that effect u make up your mind. What i mean to say is, the boring is there in your mind not in the job. First u keep the premises for your taste. if u like aquarium u can place in front of u as show peace by placing clourful fishes and keep fresh flowers in th wase with mild fragrance which will keep our mind joyful. enjoy with colleagues with some bits of jokes . Keep some friend on line for chat or to talk and try to think the work is worship. bye
This is from ramesh from India. if u likes my suggestions please reply.

Answer 7

Speak to your supervisor. Tell him/her you need more to do. They love it when employees demonstrate initiative. There's bound to be tons of stuff that can be done in between phone calls.

If you don't care about the job, read a book or do cross word puzzles. That will at least keep your brain active.

Answer 8

I feel REALLY sorry for you, first off. That sounds like a really sh**ty job. I would suggest that you start looking for a new one ASAP.

But, to keep busy, try stimulating yourself with mental puzzles. For example, think about people in your life, such as a next door neighbor, and imagine them in all kinds of ridiculous situations. (Like you seeing your male neighbor wearing women's clothing in the backyard). Think of how you would react...or what would occur during the fiasco...keep doing these things to keep your mind busy. I have no other suggestions but to quit.

Answer 9

i don't think there are easy money for no hard work. perhaps you can setup a website and to earn money through google adsense.

besides, here is a specialized webpage containing 10 methods making money online and doing small business online.

http://www.adcenter.net.cn/make-money-online.html

maybe that will help you or give you some bright idea.

Best Wishes && Good Luck!

Answer 10

Be thankfull you get paid to do nothing. I sound horrible but that's awesome! Daydreaming is fun especially when you do it right. When you stare at something but your not really staring at it and stop hearing everything and sort of slip into another world (not recomended during driving). Good luck!