How do you make your job fun?

So, I'm on a full time contract right now with a client who was willing to pay for too much experience and too high a level of certification for a job that could likely be performed at the entry to junior level.

It's good money, and I need to keep the job (for a few more weeks, at least), but it's not mentally stimulating. There's no challenge here; I'm so very painfully bored. The people are wonderful and the environment is great, though.

So, TE, how do you guys make your jobs fun?

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Comments

MickQ

Can't you learn while you're on the job? Research other things that could improve the business.

MeatCatalogue

I agree with Mick. Go for your next cert. Not many jobs in this world where your choices are get paid to learn to earn more. Plus if "the boss" catches you, it only looks good as opposed to say, world of warcraft.

gbdavidx

reddit: the front page of the internet

redz

I actually got my CAP just by studying at work so far. I've been studying ISSEP here, too, which I'll probably be taking in about a month. They're at about a ceiling for me improving their business (the client) without them taking more positive action on previous recommendations, and I have zero loyalty to my current firm (the feeling is mutual, I'm sure).

I've been shying away from using the time for business development for other firms (including my own), because it just feels dirty.

And I think reddit falls under my next thread idea: "how do you be completely non-productive with 12+ hours of your life every day because you have an addictive personality and cats are freaking hilarious?"

QHalo

Shut/no shut random people's ports.

jk

cyberguypr

/r/gonewi... I mean, /r/sysadmin

Seriously, studying for certs or looking up anything that enhances knowledge is a win.

instant000

1. Make sure that you keep your resume updated and ear open to recruiters.
2. Not sure that you can run out of self-development opportunities, you still have the following ahead of you:
a - ISSEP
b - Bachelors

I would further add these:
c - CISM (adding this to ISSEP gives you the third column on all the 8570 tiers)
d - Masters in Infosec

Once you get all of these done, come back to the forums, I'll give you another assignment.

QHalo

I'd starting checking boxes you don't have checked like instant000 has stated. Start thinking about things you wished you had time for when you were busy and write them down. Go down the list.

tstrip007

We put dry ice in the server room once (glass enclosed) and went told the boss it was on fire. The security cam footage of him running frantically towards the server room was great. *Use caution if you try this*

redz

I'm not really trying to find a new job and I usually spend between 15-20 hours per week between studying and teaching already. I have a new contract coming down in a few weeks, and I'll be moving to that, anyways.

I'm just curious what little things other people do to make their jobs entertaining. Like shut/no shut random ports. Surely you don't all just study during every bit of your down time? Do you? That's a little sick.

EDIT:

tstrip007 wrote: »

We put dry ice in the server room once (glass enclosed) and went told the boss it was on fire.

This is awesome. I'm sure I couldn't get away with it, but it is awesome.

krjay

Installed something similar to this in the IT staging area/closet... Have only 3 putted a handful of holes this year as a result.

Params7

Videogames. Sneak in a gaming laptop with steam or PS Vita.

eansdad

Would day dreaming about what I would do when I leave count???

Otherwise just studying so i can leave this place ... again...

pamccabe

I go through this quite a bit at my current position. Thankfully its done this Friday. I study as much as I can, but even I need a break from the books. We have a workroom where we work on computers/printers and the media guy has a flat screen TV in there. Usually we have the Brewer game on, or NFL network, or MLB network. At any time during the day, you can go in there and someone will be watching TV pretending to be researching something online. Also, we have a helpdesk ticket system that is loaded with tickets. I go over old tickets and update as needed. If nothing else, I straighten up our work room. It is large and can get unorganized fairly quickly. We have seperate containers for ethernet cables, power cords.. blah blah blah... so I go through everything and make sure the container has what it says it does. My workplace is very serious, so no jokes or pranks for me.

TechGuy215

Keep a bottle of Johny Walkers in your desk drawer...

SteveLord

I believe the thread was meant to hear about how others make their job fun. Not **** on those who do or be a debbie downer. Lighten up people.

Master Of Puppets

SteveLord wrote: »

I believe the thread was meant to hear about how others make their job fun. Not **** on those who do or be a debbie downer. Lighten up people.

You gotta admit, there is some good stuff here

I am fortunate enough to work with good people and also have good people skills so the jokes are never ending! Way too many to start listing them. On a more serious note, I second the whole studying approach be it for a cert,degree or just a topic you want/need to get better at. Additionally, you have TE

redz

I used to draw murals on people's whiteboards while they were away from their desks. They generally consisted of stick figures doing things like hunting buffalo or different scenes from Star Wars. It'd only take 5 minutes, and the reactions were often worth it.

EDIT: Also, for those in the DoD, cutting a tiny piece of clear tape and placing it over the chip in the CAC. If you size it right, it takes forever for the person to figure out.

Asif Dasl

Cut a post-it-note in half and cover the bottom of the mouse!

Nyblizzard

Walking around with a sticky pad and leaving people random messages/in side jokes are always worth it..... makes me feel even better when I notice them leave it as a permanent decoration. Especially fun with the ladies

Priston

Cisco - just another day at the office... - YouTube