What are some good ways to pretend you are working?

[Kev]

Besides posting on ATOT, of course.

I have so much downtime sometimes, I feel like a total sh*thead.

 

[minendo]

Posting on AT is my job.

 

[Spooner]

always have papers / folders near you

 

[trmiv]

If you do computer related stuff, open a command line and type stuff (tcp/ip related stuff works great). This works especially well if your supervisors aren't computer people, because they have no clue what you are doing, but they think it's important.

 

[Michael1897]

open a spread sheet and make random numerical entries with # headings. that way it looks like you are pouring over data.

 

[joohang]

1) Open up programs and some of the projects you SHOULD BE working on.
2) Take a screen cap.
3) Save it as .bmp.
4) Set it as your wallpaper.
5) Use an app from download.com to define a shortcut key to execute your typical work application quickly. Set it as a shortcut or a script to open up a document right away also, if necessary.
6) Hide your taskbar.
7) Do your sh*t to kill time.
8) Alt+F4 or Windows+D (if more desperate) when supervisor comes by.
9) Quickly hit your shortcut key to launch the appropriate app just in case. Don't use it if it may appear too obvious though.

Add more RAM or try to get a hold of a duallie rig for snappier Alt+F4 or Windows+D.

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any of this.

 

[Kev]

damn joohang you are a pro at this.

the biggest problem i have is that my computer screen faces the front door so everyone who comes in has a direct view of what I'm doing. i really hate people looking over my shoulder when i work, so this kinda bugs me.


oh and i just remembered george costanza's idea: just look pissed off all the time, people will think you're busy.

 

[joohang]

You can also get one of those anti-glare-look-alike privacy thingies that limits the people in distance from seeing your monitor.

 

[Shelly21]

Have your own office, lock it. Post away on ATOT.....

 

[TuffGirl]

Remember on Seinfeld, George once pointed out how busy people thought he was when he simply looked irritated. Try that.

Another way to go is to look confused. If you look perplexed over some problem or another, others will either leave you alone or offer to help. If they offer to help, just explain that you have it under control, and a solution is more satisfying when you reach it without assistance.

 

[Beau]

Originally posted by: minendo
Posting on AT is my job.

Do you need an assistant? I'm in the market for a new job

 

[bmacd]

i like to diddle arond on the AS400 emulator and "emulate" productivity, meanwhile, on the telephone with my gf supposedly ordering more product from a vendor or pretending to complain to another vendor. Works like a charm everytime.

-=bmacd=-

 

[bonk102]

haah, great question, as i'm watching Office Space on comedy central

 

[bmacd]

i can't believe this thread isn't a 5-pager with every member on AT contributing on how to "look busy @ work".

-=bmacd=-

 

[Alphathree33]

I always just have like twenty windows open and if my boss comes by I can easily alt-tab between them. Having lots gives me variety. I leave work open in each window (because I actually do do work )

A screen full of VB code looks very complicated to an english major. Even HTML does the trick.

 

[Frosty3799]

Originally posted by: minendo
Posting on AT is my job.

hes not lying either, that bastard

 

[ohtwell]

Make your work area look cluttered so that it always looks like you have a lot on your hands.






: ) Amanda

 

[StattlichPassat]

Originally posted by: bonk102
haah, great question, as i'm watching Office Space on comedy central

It's on!?!?!? :Q <dashes to living room>

 

[sheselectric]

Pick up the phone and act like you're yelling at someone.

 

[TallBill]

Originally posted by: sheselectric
Pick up the phone and act like you're yelling at someone.

or.. pick up the phone and yell at someone!

 

[Parabol]

Have lots of binders open all over your desk. If you can even see one square inch of desk surface you don't have enough binders open. Bonus points for having a few open on the floor.

 

[Pepsei]

i don't need to pretend... we all work in a closed room... we all surf .... if there's a problem we all jump on it.....

5% work, 95% internet & lunch....