Tracking the Time
Time. It seems immutable. We’re all clock watchers when we’re bored, and we all wonder where it went when we’re doing something we like.
Time is the way that we know when to meet and where to be. It keeps track of how long we’ve been on this earth, and it’s used to figure out how much we should be paid.
Timesheets for Work
When I first started working, I was shown a time card that I had to fill out, and it was all a manual process. We didn’t get any sort of time software until last year, and even then we purchased an application rather than build it ourselves.
When I started with my new company I found out that they had built their own time software—that I could improve if I wanted—and that it did the basic functions I suspected.
It’s Not the Quality
The thing that has been the same, no matter where I’ve worked, is how I spend my time. Both places have been generous to let me be on Instant Messenger and check e-mail. Both places have allowed me to be online as long as it does not disrupt my work.
However, if left unchecked, the Internet can be a very big time-suck, and can harm your productivity. It’s important that you keep track of what you are doing and keep your priorities with getting your job accomplished.
Many of the time tracking software that is now on the market actually ties into projects that you have assigned, and your employer will know if you’re efficiently using your time.
In any case, it’s important to keep a good testimony, and to use your time as wisely as possible.
Discount Perfumes
Comments from MInTheGap
Dan said,
Wrote on November 30, 2008 @ 4:31 am
If you’d like a tool for managing your time and projects, you can use this application inspired by David Allen’s GTD:
http://www.Gtdagenda.com
You can use it to manage and prioritize your goals, projects and tasks, set next actions and contexts, use checklists, schedules and a calendar.
A mobile version is available too.
Time Tracker said,
Wrote on December 1, 2008 @ 4:09 am
In addition to Dan’s comment – another great time tracking tool can be found at TSheets.com.
With Jott.com and FreshBooks integration, clock in/out via SMS, an iPhone mobile time tracking application, and new and improved Quickbooks integration, there’s something for every professional at TSheets.
Time Trackers last blog post..My First Two Weeks at TSheets
Ling said,
Wrote on December 3, 2008 @ 10:10 pm Subscribed
Time softwares are great for keeping track of what independent consultants working remotely are up to. I’m not so sure, though, how it works in a traditional office setting. I mean, there’s a lot of work people do which is offline.
Leticia said,
Wrote on December 4, 2008 @ 6:08 pm
We are not on the net at my job and I doubt very much that my boss would allow me the freedom to play on it.
As for being online at home, I limit myself two hours, if even that long.
I have children, a husband, Avon, and housework to do, who has time to stay on all day long?
Leticias last blog post..Amnesty…during the recession?
Justin Wright said,
Wrote on December 5, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
Funny thing is, when I used to have an office job, I would spend the whole time on the internet. That way when I got home, I didn’t have to worry about checking my things so I had more free time. Ahh, I sure don’t miss those days…
Justin Wrights last blog post..Map Out Blog Posts With Google Maps
MInTheGap said,
Wrote on December 8, 2008 @ 10:08 am
To me, I think you’d need something sitting on your desktop that you could change depending on what you were working on. That and a good deal of discipline.
Other than that, if you had something built into your tools or the OS, that would only be the real way to babysit someone.
And then, are you really be goal oriented, or time oriented?