There are always times in every job where you have nothing to do. For some it’s a bonus, for others it’s dull and boring. Here are few things to help you during that free time at your work place.

Should you be doing something else?

Be honest — do you really have spare time just now or is there something you can be getting on with? We all have stuff that doesn’t have to be done right away, so sometimes we put things aside and have a break, don’t we? 

Motivating yourself to start that task you have been putting off can be difficult, so here are a few tips to get the ball rolling.

• Make a list of what you need to do.

• Just start from the beginning and work your way down the list. Before you know it, your task will be complete.

• It is always difficult to get started on something new if you have no particular interest in the task at hand. But, you have to remember that regardless, if it is your job to do or not, then it has to be done.

You do have free time after all?

Okay, you have done all that you need to, so what now?

Well, it really depends on your own work ethics. Do you want to progress your career and skills or do you just want to pass the time until the end of your shift?

No one is judging you here — you need to do what you are comfortable with — it’s your life after all! But please don’t mistake comfort for complacency!

It is all too easy for you to sit back and do nothing while your own ambitions remain unachieved.

You can do two things with your time — work at achieving your ambitions. Or not.

Work towards your goals

You may already be heading along your desired career path or you may be way off it.  Either way, you can use you free time to help yourself along the way. 

If you are in a situation at work that you are happy with, then you should do what you can to be the best you can be. This may involve asking people around you for more work to do, or going off and taking the initiative. Or you could take the time to improve your own skills and knowledge. 

This shows that you are dedicated to your job. 

If you are not in your ideal job, then you can use the time to do what it takes to get your ideal job.

• Find out what the requirements are.

• Match these to your own skills.

• Identify areas that need addressed. Work on them.

If you find yourself in the position of not being in a job you like, then all you can do is look for a better job.

Spates of boredom come to us all, regardless of what you do for a living.  Just make the most of it!