March 2, 2006

The Thinking Man's Guide to the Work Dump - Part 3

As we covered yesterday, location is by far the most important factor when planning your work dump. However, millions have been made by being in the right place at the right time. Which brings us to our second lesson, timing your work dump. By making a poor choice on the timing aspect, there could be disatrous consequences. But with strategic planning, timing can be broken down in to a science.

First I would like to propose my idea of dividing your work day in to fourths. Take your typical eight hour work day. Assuming that the day runs from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm the one quarter divisions would be as follows:

  • 10:00 am = 1/4
  • 12:00 pm = 1/2
  • 2:00 pm = 3/4
  • 4:00 pm = day over
By using the rule of fourths, a work dump can be carefully calculated to maximize comfort and efficiency. My choice is usually to take a break for the work dump at the 3/4 break of the day. Obviously this will come after lunch and a nice break is needed to get you through the day. Furthermore, not only will you have been on lunch, most likely every one else at the office will have too. This means that you save yourself the potential embarrassment of encountering someone during the work dump process. It seems that the 3/4 portion of the day is the least busy as most people are doing their best to finish up their work in a timely manner and get out on time. This leaves you an unoccupied restroom to do your business.

However, you may choose another time and if that is so I can offer only this suggestion. Whenever you decide to take your work dump, just make sure that it is at a time where there are as few people as possible that are likely to use the restroom. This means lunchtime is usually not a good choice as there are lots of people who could potentially enter the bathroom. Just remember, smart choices bring great dividends.

Tomorrow: Advanced Tactics

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