subject: Get The Monotonous Job Done! [print this page] Thinking of earning some extra cash? Looking for something productive to do in your spare time? Then perhaps stuffing envelopes or data entry or other monotonous but reasonably paid jobs will fit the bill?! So how do you deal with the dull, tedious monotomy without throwing it all out of the window?
1. You must understand there is enormous value in doing a job well, boring or not. A boring job still needs to be completed carefully and with an eye for detail. If your work is not up to standard your boss will notice, and you may have to do it all again if you wish to keep your position, or worse you boss may have to redo the work on your behalf. Remember even the dullest jobs are important, otherwise you wouldn't be hired to do it!
2. Do not indulge your misery and think or moan about how boring the job is, this will only prolong the agony! Adjust the way that you think about the job, and try to find something positive in the process. For example you don't have to fret or worry about responsibilities. It will all be exactly the same when you start again tomorrow.
3. Divide and conquor! A long job is much more manageable if you can find some order in the process, and break it down into chunks that you can finish. This will remind you that you are making progress and also prevents mistakes or missed details. When you have finished each section check it to make sure it is accurate before moving on.
4. Organise your space and paperwork, and then get started! There's no point dalying around all day, if you don't start, you'll never finish.
5. Make space for everything that you need. Most organising tasks take up a lot of space and require much setting up and consdieration. Put together everything you might need for each section of the task at hand including tools so that you have everything ready and at hand, but only have what you need so the rest doesn't get in the way.
As you start each new stage, clear what you no longer need and get new tools as required.
6. Lighten your mood. If you are allowed, and it does not distract you, put some music on to keep your spirits up. Choose something which is upbeat and that will keep you motivated to continue.
7. Take a break every hour or hour and half, take a short walk to the kitchen and make a tea or step outside for a stretch and a glass of water. Don't waste a lot of time or get distracted with something else, just take enough time to refocus and get on with the task.
8. When you think you've finished, take another break then come back and double check that everything is accurate and has been completed properly. If the job is very complex get a colleague to help you check to make sure everything is correct.
If you really cant bother to do boring jobs then check the big job boards such as reed, monster.com, cv-library, Learnist.org and others.
