What To Do When You Get Caught Surfing By The Boss!

It has been a long morning and you need a mental break. You start thinking of your weekend plans and jump on your messaging program to make plans with a friend. You have the movie times and a chat box up on your screen and what happens, your supervisor walks up behind you! You think to yourself Murphy's law is in full effect. What do you do when you get busted surfing or chatting at work? The situation all depends on how you react and handle yourself. Here are some helpful techniques/excuses you may be able to use:

1. I am looking for a job that pays more money. (the defensive excuse)

2. Oh no! I need IT to come out, I have a blinking light that wont go away. (the play dumb excuse)

3. Keep your company website minimized and maximize it fast when the boss comes by and admit you want to learn more about the company. (the cover-up!)

4. You were investigating stuff for a surprise party you were planning on throwing for (who ever just walked in) and now the plans are ruined, way to go! (the guilt factor)

5. I was just comforting a friend who lost a relative to bovinexctrementitis. (the compassion excuse)

6. If you are lucky enough to hear someone behind you, ctrl/alt/dlt and enter to lock the comp when the boss walks up, then immediately turn to him and start discussing whatever project he has you working on. (the get-a-way)

7. Look happy and say "Wow, I have my answer! That chatroom (close your chat so they don't see SWM-30ish saying hi) or website solved my formatting issue. (the seriously it was work.. I swear not goofing off excuse)

8. Just leave your surfing up, know you get your work done, and just keep surfing. (the who-cares who sees, no excuse excuse!)

9. Keep AdminProf.com up and show your boss you surf useful business/work related sites! (the best excuse!)

Most of us surf and take breaks during the day. If we do our work well and get it done when we are supposed to, surfing is much less an issue. Remember don't abuse surfing have fun and make use of the vast amount of resources on the Internet!

About The Author

Susan Silva is the owner of AdminProf.com, a website for office professionals of all types with useful resources, articles, message boards and a bit of fun mixed in. You can visit her site at http://www.adminprof.com or sign up for her monthly newsletter at http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs.aspx?customerid=14336

susan@adminprof.com

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Work Is A Four-Letter Word

I can hear the jokes already and most of them... Read More

For Effective Decisions, Look Beyond Career Stereotypes

You've probably been taught not to stereotype people based on... Read More

Crafting A Stellar Career Summary For Your Resume

Are you a career changer? Or, are you satisfied with... Read More

Writing a Resume: To Template or Not To Template?

Are free resume templates a viable answer to preparing a... Read More

Resume Writing and Preparation is Free Online

Creating a strong resume is a very important part of... Read More

Cover Letter Sample -- For the Corporate Flight Attendant

Writing a cover letter to send with your résumé can... Read More

Conduct An Informational Interview

Informational interviews are designed to get as much information as... Read More

What To Do When Your Boss Is a Butthead

I've never worked for a boss I didn't like or... Read More

The Fallibility of Psychological Testing

Psychological Testing has become rampant across industries, more so in... Read More

How To Win the Job-Hunting Game

When I got over the initial shock of being urged... Read More

Resume Outline - Add Structure & Flow to Your Resume

Building your resume, based on a resume outline will give... Read More

The Computer-Friendly Resume

The evolution of technology is changing the traditional methods for... Read More

Benefits of Maintaining a Career Portfolio

Have you ever tried to contact a past employer only... Read More

So You Want A Promotion - What Do You Need To Do To Get the Champagne Corks Popping?

The champagne corks have been popping to celebrate your promotion.... Read More

Why Do You Want This Job?

Why Do You Want This Job? Is it because any... Read More

Why Your CV/Resume is Not Generating The Interview Offers You Want

If your current CV or resume is not generating the... Read More

Surviving Corporate Politics Part 2: Keeping Up Appearances

Never a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression, or... Read More

From Cleaning Lady to Entrepreneur: How Your Cleaning Business can Benefit from the Images

Many people never consider entering the cleaning business because of... Read More

Job Layoff: Confronting Why Me?

Perhaps you saw it coming. The fall in company stock... Read More

Working Abroad - Employment Advice In Spain

Jobs and employment on the Costa BlancaThe Council of Europe... Read More

Unemployment Survival: Creating a Sense of Security

In a time of economic downturn, international turmoil, company restructuring... Read More

Should You Lie On Your Resume?

Warning: Lying on your resume could cost you your job... Read More

Retirement: Is It A Career Change Option?

Retirement might be the answer when you ask yourself "why... Read More

Make The Right Career Move

It is not realistic for HR Managers to believe that... Read More

15 Tips for Writing Winning Resumes

The thought of writing a resume intimidates... Read More

20 Powerful Tips For Advancing Your Career

You don't want to stay in your current position forever...... Read More

How To Create A Winning Impression In Your New Job

Congratulations! You've just been appointed to your new job. Now... Read More

Yesterdays Project Manager is Todays Project Engineer

The rapid growth of technology, greater exposure to knowledge, higher... Read More

The Interview - A Few Tips for Making a Great First Impression

Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities... Read More

Should You Telework/Telecommute

"WOW! I can work from home and make money? I... Read More

How to Pick the Best Career for You: Part 3

Marketing-with-Intent precisely drives you to your target and with greater... Read More

Effective Resumes

A resume is normally the first contact point between an... Read More

No Degree, No Problem

According to a recent survey, 52% of job candidates polled... Read More