I don't have enough to do at work, what should I do?
Asked by Kasheia W
I was recently hired as an accounts payable tech at a small state agency, FT. Pay is decent and the benefits are awesome. I was hired mostly to take on the duties of the PT A/P tech, who is also the bookkeeper for an affiliated group. Anyway, I've been here a little over a month and I find that for days at a time I have no work to do. I process a few invoices here and there, act as receptionist and answer the phone when the real receptionist can't. As to keep from going nuts from boredom, I've reorganized our huge file cabinet, updated our agency directory, check through ancient project files, assisted other co-workers, and whatever else I could find to do. I'm running out of busy work. The only time I'm *busy* is during the latter part of the week, when we are completing checkruns. It's very frustrating because my co-workers work hard all day, both PT and FT, while I'm struggling to find something to do. I was just told to "look busy", but my job satisfaction is ever decreasing. I'm not cool with getting paid to do nothing. Please help, what should I do???

Best Answer:
I am so proud of you for working and thinking outside the box. If I were you I would talk to my supervisor, and ask him/her if there is a possibility for you to intern or assist other departments in your down time. If that is not possible, you can always have them adjust your schedule so that you work only on the days that you are needed.
If that doesn't work...you can always pick up an online class that you can take during your down time.
Answered by Elm

You're a person I'd love to hire but you're too far away for me to make you an offer. One thing you might want to do is look for other work where you'd be better utilized and find the work more rewarding. Another thing you might look into is ask your supervisor if you could enroll in some kind of course that you do via the internet or by correspondence which is work-related and that could be used to fill in some of the slow periods. This way you might be improving yourself and your value as an employee. In addition, you might even have the course paid for by the agency.
Answered by jaxhere

If I were you, I'd start looking for a new job. You may be laid off very soon. If they are paying you to not do much, then they are wasting their money and you're wasting your time. Who wants to have a boring job? Start looking for something new NOW!
Answered by MsMisha