There are often times in every job where you have nothing to do. For some it's a bonus, a break from the routine. For others it's dull and boring. This article will look at how you can make best use of your free time at work.

Is there anything that should be done right now?

Be honest - do you really have spare time or is there something waiting for you to do?

Motivating yourself to start the 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.
• Break each task down into sub tasks - you may find these more manageable (and less daunting!).
• Just start from the beginning and work your way down the list. Before you know it, your task will be complete!

After all do you really have free time?

OK, you have done all that you need to, so what now? Do you want to progress your career and skills or do you just want to pass the time until the end of your shift?

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. Take time to improve your own skills and knowledge.

If you find yourself in the position of not being in a job you like within a company you don't want to work for, then all you can do is look for a better job!

You're not bothered about your career - you just want to pass the time.

Fair enough! Here a few tips:

• Surf the net if you can. Most companies monitor your surfing habits and time spent online, so don't go overboard.
• Discussion forums.
• Read the news. Justify it as research.
• Learn keyboard shortcuts
• Solitaire? Battleships?
• Email your mates.
• Maybe have a think about what you would rather be doing and how you could do that for a living!

Free time is an opportunity to something interesting. Make the most of it!

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