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Workplace Monotony?
bcorrigan78 asks: "I love programming, however I work in a network operations center with very few co-workers where the air conditioners can just about put you to sleep. Besides music, what do all of you programmers do to avoid workplace monotony?"
Seriously, make it a point to periodically get up from your desk, for whatever reason - get something to drink, hit the restroom, actually talk to a co-worker (as opposed to email/phone/IM). Just the act of getting out of your cube for 3-5 minutes can do wonders for you.
2) Write code. Ever wanted to learn a graphics library? New language? Check out SDL, neat little cross platform graphics library. Write a PacMan clone to learn it.
Good suggestions, but writing your own code on the job may be risky, especially for open source projects (see "shop rights" and "work for hire")
--- You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you mad- Neal (not Cowboy) Boortz
Well, you've clearly found one outlet...
/. -- take a few minutes to let the clutch slip and relax your focus. Walk around a bit, decide what to do in the evening when you get home, etc.
Other ideas:
* Eat lunch out. You don't even have to eat in a restaurant every day (which isn't particularly healthy/cheap) -- you can bring lunch and meet friends at a park. The point is to get some solid social interaction in the middle of the day.
* Take mental breaks. Don't always go from work to a game, or even ranting on
* Stay hydrated, and don't eat a big lunch. And get enough sleep at night. You'll get more work done while your working, and more fun done when you're taking a break. You know dehydration is a pretty common cause of sleepiness, right? Of course, not getting enough sleep is also a major cause. If you aren't fighting off sleep, you'll be able to get more involved in your work (and thus less bored), plus you'll get more done, and have more time you can spend doing other stuff without swamping your productivity.
There are only 10 types of people: those who understand decimal, those who don't, and, uh, 8 other types I forget.
If you're finding your workdays consistently boring then you're in the wrong job. Find one that's more suited to your interests.
What a great way to end the monotony - get fired! Don't mess with the network security, or be forced to say "I used to have a job."
:)
Some of the more harmless suggestions:
- Listen to audiobooks. iTunes has a great selection. For geeks on a budget, so does your local library.
- There are lots of ways to amuse yourself with toys from Thinkgeek. Try a tank battle.
- Study for industry certifications. It might be your best chance to get a less monotonous job.
- Practice Yoga or T'ai Chi Ch'uan. It'll keep you in shape and help release stress
Best of luck!
Here's some suggestions I have not yet encountered in this thread:
:-)
- Go out during lunchtime. You will get some fresh air.
- Even better: if your office has a shower (in the Netherlands, this is required for large companies), you can do some sports during lunch breaks. I used to run 5 miles twice a week in the afternoon. It kept me awake during long, boring work days. Afterwards, you *do* need the shower. Otherwise your colleagues will complain.
- If possible, ask your boss for something else to do. Help your colleague with *his* project for an hour or so. It will shift your attention for a while. Less boredom. Works for me.
der Joachim
Geek runner, motorcyclist and professional know-it-all
Make up a list of other things you want to do. Here are some thoughts:
Email an old friend.
Add something to your website.
Research a weekend trip.
Check out a new gadget via web research.
Read some trade/industrial websites in your field.
Research something of interest to you, your hobbies or a potential interest.
Then when you have that list, just every 20-30 minutes (or whatever interval) switch over to one of those tasks for 5-10 minutes, and then switch back to your work tasks. The day will go *MUCH* faster.
If the job is really that bad I would work on tasks or accomplishments that move you to a different position, whatever that may be but it's your list. It will be like giving you positive feedback at regular intervals. The drudgery should just slide by.
Hope that helps!
"Don't fear death... fear not living..." -me
Not me either. I go outside. That's the best part. ;)
My other account has a 3-digit UID.
Find work things to do. You are being paid to work. Revisit some things you've already done to see if you can make them better. Identify problems and draft proposals. Get motivated. Help a co-worker with a project they are working on. Read up on the company. How it's doing. Identify waste. Check your machines out to make sure they are patched correctly. Concentrate on a new programming language or research a new technology that can help you get a raise or promotion. Treat work like the ultimate competitive game. Learn the game well. Worst case, if you REALLY can't find something to do, ask your boss for something to do. They rock at handing out work.
For every annoying gentoo user, are three even more annoying anti-gentoo crybabies. Take Yosh from #Gimp for example.
Well, from the way both parties act these days wouldn't he be playing the exact same person on both? ;->