We've all done it, so let's just make it official: here's 6 games you can play at work when you want to be anywhere but there. This goes out to the many, many people I know who are dissatified with their jobs, but don't have a sugardaddy like me to help them escape the daily grind.Play Margaret Mead, intrepid scientist.
You are not one of them. You're just there to observe these creatures in their natural habitat and take notes on individual and group behavior so you can discuss your findings with the rest of humanity. Although you need to befriend them and learn their secrets, just remember: you are an uninvolved, highly trained observer. Special rituals at this time of year: Secret Santa, provision of Christmas cookies, holiday parties, many unaccounted-for midday disappearances.
Invoke the 20-minute rule. (Props to K.)
I can't take credit for this one: it belongs to a former coworker. For protection of the innocent, I will not name names, but you know who you are.
It doesn't have to be 20 minutes necessarily, just choose the amount of time per day or, if you're really dedicated, per hour, that you actually owe the company work. For example, let's say that you decide the company deserves one hour of your time a day. You can get the hour out of the way in the morning or split it up throughout the day. While you're doing your hour of time, you are super productive and focused. But the rest of the day belongs to you.
Send the roaming gnone on office adventures.
Ah, that crazy gnome. This one requires coming in early or staying late when no one's around, so you may want to make this an occasional diversion.
Buy a Travelocity® Roaming Gnome from this guy or at the Travelocity Gnome Store. He's journeyed through the most glamorous cities in 6 continents--why not your office? Take pictures of him around the office (on the bosses' desk, answering the main phone, sending an "I quit" email). Create a blog on blogger to tell people about his adventures. On days when you play this, spend most of the day working on his blog. Bonus: also get props for your dedication and working so many hours!
Role play the perfect employee.
Pretend like you care. Pretend like you think this company is the best place ever and you'd be crazy to even consider leaving the comforts of your cube. Tell your boss she looks like she's lost weight, or his tie compliments his blue eyes. Bring in coffee and/or donuts for everyone, and be the office sweetheart. Don't worry too much about getting work done, just work on getting everyone to like you. What does that feel like? Bonus: Although you're doing no actual "work" or anything of "substance," you may get a raise out of this behavior! As we all know:
Crappy Job + $$$ > Crappy Job
Pretend you are acting in an episode of The Office.
Either the American or the British version; I'm not particular. Choose a character from the show and be that character for a day. Interact with people as if you were that character. Be sure to pick a spot for the camera wherever you are, so you know where to send the deadpan looks when applicable.
Play the repeat game.
"What," you ask, "Is the repeat game?"
"What," I reply, "Is the repeat game?"
You remember this childhood favorite. This is only for large office meetings when you are seriously disgruntled. Bring this one out if you are ready to be fired.
