If you had a lot of free time at work, and a computer and internet, what would you do?

Question

I sit in an office all day for eight hours. I'm kind of a one man department and I am fortunate I guess in that i have a LOT of downtime. It's cyclical, and I can manage work as it comes in, but in an average pace, I have half the day free, sometimes more.

I have a computer, internet access, and can even leave the office on occasion as needed without issue. And I completely feel like Im not taking advantage of this, SO IM LOOKING FOR SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS. 

In the end, I'm not exactly happy about this because although it might sound great at first, it gets very boring and can make for some dull days. I've even considered a career change to something more rewarding but haven't figured out what that would be. I work as a financial analyst now.

I do enjoy reading and writing, and so I often write or read eBooks, but I'm looking for more. 

I've considered getting some kind of education online to make a career change, but haven't found many worthwhile degrees online, and know its a tough time to try and change careers anyway. I've also considered having some kind of online businessness, but have never really found a legit opportunity for this. 

So im open and looking for your insight!

Helen Scott · Accepted Answer

I've worked at a small hotel for the last 5 years....we have A LOT of downtime. In fact, I'm at work right now. :) I usually bounce between facebook, yahoo, and craigslist throughout the day...and maybe a short stop on ebay or amazon. If it's really slow, I watch movies on Netflix. I play games on King.com, and facebook, and sometimes I'll read a free Google book (just finished Alice in Wonderland). 

When I first started I took online courses from the local community college - got my associates in 2 years! Sometimes I'll just bring a book and read all day.

I also started my own business, a website design company, which I am mainly able to do while I'm at work because our computer has web design software on it. It makes me a couple hundred dollars a month...so it's like getting a raise. :) 

I also used to answer questions on Chacha.com. They pay several cents per question so you can make a little money if you're dedicated. I quit because they wanted me to open a bank account in order to get paid, and I didn't want to give out my social security number online. I think they have a paypal option, you should check it out! 

I also like to play games like "how fast can I spin in this chair before I get sick" and "how much water can I drink before I really have to pee". I used to play "how much coffee..." but the jitters finally got to me. :)

Go with the flow · Answer

You could turn your life around.
Do you have software like word, excel, etc?
Check out the version of the software and go get a book from a bookstore or a library.
Look for the dummies series (yellow books).
Imagine putting on your next resume that you know all this software?
----  Most employers will be extremely impressed with the fact that you are making yourself better

kajal · Answer

its depends on u how u wnt to pass ur tme in getting money or entrtaining urslf.if money thn u should try to share mrket or pass in music,reading articals etc

CONTROL FREAK · Answer

i was thinking on line courses but you already hit that one, but its still a good idea. maybe sell on ebay? ..can i have your job? please?

sara · Answer

go to 9GAG.com you wont regret it

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If you had a lot of free time at work, and a computer and internet, what would you do?

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