Bonus points if you manage to work on personal projects without leaving a trail IT can see on your work computer.
All these people saying “just find a job you like” sound very much like “just don’t be poor” takes. Sometimes you are where you are, and that’s what OP is asking about.
I have a spreadsheet that I’ve set up to design dungeons and dragons maps.
I listen to podcasts while working. Earbuds in under my earmuffs (I work in the cooler of a slaughterhouse). I still do all my normal work, but at least I’m not bored to tears and having my anxiety attack my brain whenever it feels like it.
I’m big on podcasts too, I’d be bored to absolute tears without them
I always look annoyed. Yeah, when you look annoyed all the time, people think that you’re busy.
-George Costanza
I’ve downloaded books (novels) in pdf format, emailed them to myself or uploaded them in a public folder, and then printed them (double sided, two pages on one sheet, just like an actual book) in chunks of 20 pages (so 80 pages of the actual book). Stapled the whole thing in one corner, sat down at my desk, pen in hand, scribbling on the pages here and there.
If your profession has a professional society or industry has a trade association, look into webinars, certification classes, or other events they might have to learn more about your field and build skills. They often have opportunities to get involved with the organization as well, which could look good on paper to management when promotion opportunities arise…or new job applications if there are no promotions
Working on my personal projects in a terminal.
I just listen to podcasts and music, and daydream as I work. I can’t relax if I’m not working cos it’s not worth the hassle, but I don’t have to give the system my whole mind.
I’m in tech but not a dev, but i enjoy coding as a hobby. I code at work on my personal projects, it’s perfect :)
Oh also for a a couple years I had Civilization V on a separate PC. Great for looking busy and focused :) Ofc you need a desk in such a way that nobody can sneak from behind. I was managing managers at the time so that wasn’t a problem. “Ooh boss looks busy” - hell fucking yeah I’m about to pound Gandhi in Deity boss is busy godahmit
As a warning for people who live in countries that have poor worker rights:
Depending of your local laws, contract and field, personal projects done during work hours and/or on work hardware might be seen as companys property.
I work in IT so I can always bludge while looking like I am working by reading documents
🤔
"Gator’s bitches better be using jimmies!” - slazer2au
Work from home!
Just enjoying the job 😎
But seriously now. Looks to me that you are looking for the combination of thing you enjoy and thing that brings you money. That can be a challenge but also very fulfilling. I know it - I lead a nonprofit organization that I profoundly believe in - it or both hard and easy.
You may look some YouTube videos about “life purpose”. I have a good experience with Actualized.org.
The best way is to find a job you actually enjoy doing, and also that pays you more the busier you are.
Not the answer OP expected but the correct one. Doing strictly nonwork things at work can get you noticed in a bad way. I’ve had good and bad IT jobs and it’s really amazing how a bad job can drive bad behaviors and a good job do the opposite.
I enjoy the work.
