What can I do if I have nothing to do at work, and my boss doesn't allow me to bring in a book or listen to music?

Yes, I have done what you describe. But I was employed as a typist, and so eventually I was able to write a book while appearing to type the Man’s letters. They didn’t take as long as he thought they did.

Put your favorite book inside a tech manual cover. If he thinks you are reading work related materials, he may not worry so much about you doing it. Just read enough of the manual to ask him a dumb question about it from time to time.

I had a boss that didn’t let me listen to my music or anything, but the one thing I learned, was to get up, and find something to do, even if it meant me cleaning the bathroom, or sweeping the floor.

@susanc ~ ha ha, The Man’s letters

Provided you don’t have access to the internet (in which case the possibilities are endless) you could:
– make lists of stuff you keep meaning to get to
– write a loved one(s) a letter
– draw
– bring in junk mail to sort through
– knit

sleep… electrical tape hockey…eat…

What is this mysterious occupation that allows one to be paid for doing nothing?

Maybe one in the financial industry? see link lol: http://preview.tinyurl.com/3xv43z5

write poetry, song lyrics

Depends on your job. Are you some sort of guard? Can your boss see you?

One thing that comes to mind is mobile phones. Most of them nowadays have various capabilities, including internet access (so you can read stuff online) and various games to play. And of course music (if he can’t see you and you can put on the earplugs).

What is your job? If I had an employee who said, “I have nothing to do, can I read or listen to music?” I would think that I’m overpaying that person or not giving them enough work to do. If you ask for more work or more responsibility, you’ll have something to do and you’ll look motivated.

I often have nothing to do at work, because I’m in customer service and I’m usually rostered to do the quiet times… When I’m by myself I think up questions to ask on Fluther.

When I worked as a receptionist at an office the ‘visitors’ were few and far between. I used to sit there and watch the leaves grow outside the window.

My guess is that your boss doesn’t want others to see you slacking off. Pick up a side project you can do (if you have a computer there is a lot you can do) and do that. Write a novel, create a website, etc…

Or find books to read online.

I started teaching myself origami at one point. Anyone need a folded paper pig? Pigs were my specialty.

This happens to me often. It feels like you are being paid to sit in a chair regardless of how much work exists and it is frustrating. No work to do, literally no work, but not allowed to go home or slack off.

Time and time again I have asked for more work and told there is no extra work needing to be completed.

I still feel guilty if I read a book or engage in activities which clearly show that I am not working (even though everyone knows there is nothing to do) Grrrr.

Luckily, playing on the internet appears for all viewing purposes, like you are working (provided no one can actually see your screen in great detail). I literally spend hours each day browsing news sites and Fluther (since youtube and facebook are blocked).

Thank you Fluther, you have saved my life!

Is there any actual on-topic learning you could do? My husband is it IT and when there are lulls he does a lot of professional reading (IT websites, manuals, etc.) and learning about new areas of IT that he’s always wanted to learn about.

Is there anyone you could follow or shadow to learn more about their job (don’t know if you are attached to a desk or not)?

I think I would just keep my head down, and at least appear to be busy. Otherwise your boss may decide he doesn’t need you. Be careful

Whatever you do, look busy. Idleness implies unnecessariness. If you do nothing else, type your resume and start looking for a new job. You may need one. Do whatever looks to others like the kind of work you normally do that you want to do. When I was slow on a contract graphics job I made my own artwork using the same materials. A rare opportunity!

I would talk to your boss, maybe ask him for more responsibilities or odd jobs you can do to fill the time when you have a quiet moment. My job is either really busy or really quiet with no middle ground and so I often have little to do that is work related. Sometimes I can find something work related to do but in the times when I can’t my boss is ok with me going online. He would rather I went online than read a book because, at least to others who can’t see what I am doing, it still looks like I am working at the computer. Depending on what your job is, maybe your boss would be happy with you using the internet at quiet times.

Count your blessings.

www.monster.com