What are some things I can do to occupy myself while maintaining post at a desk without responsibility?

Question

I have a part time job at a fitness center and my only responsibility is to wipe off machines once every hour, and pretty much just be available incase someone needs help or there is an emergency. Besides those menial tasks, I have to sit at this desk for nine hours today and I'm going to go insane! I have a short attention span to start with...what can I do to help make the time pass?

Answer 1

try to socialize a little with your clients at the fitness center.  that accomplishes two things, it relieves your boredom and also gives you a higher profile with the customers, may help business and make contacts which could lead to more opportunities (business or social).

meantime, you get a small notebook and discretely make lists of things that you need to do or accomplish on your days off.  you can plan your grocery trip, you can brainstorm ideas for your next vacation, you can make a "to do" list, a christmas gift-giving list, etc.  you can get a small english/spanish dictionary and start learning a few spanish words to communicate with your spanish-speaking customers (or if it's another language...).  choose things that your boss will not mind (such as the language thing, it will help you do your job & communicate with your customers).  you could also work up a list of all the local businesses and their phone numbers, so if any of your clients need to know where is the best place to get a protien supplement or a knee brace, where they could quickly get the item.  

mindless jobs are sometimes the best jobs to let your creativity run wild, and are also awesome opportunities to socialize.  

good luck.

Answer 2

I am in a similar position, I work in an office and I really only answer phones. I am currently in summer school so this helps because when I have no work to do I am able to do homework. Also maybe bring in a magazine to read.

Answer 3

I'd kill for a job with that much free time.

Do crossword puzzles, jumbles, number puzzles, etc.

Read. Start with books about fitness, so you can answer questions the members might ask. Then read for pleasure, school, whatever.

Write. You got a book or story in you? An aging relative who'd love to know how you're doing? Or maybe it's time for a journal or diary.

Plan. What do you need for your first apartment? What belongs in its fridge and cupboards? What will the menu be at your wedding? What songs will be played at your funeral?

Make lists. What are the best songs in your CD collection? Ten favorite movies? All the movies you've ever seen? Names for kids you might some day have?  

Answer 4

surf the net

Answer 5

This might be a great opportunity to increase your attention span. Try doing puzzles, reading or playing a hand held game.