Thanks for the laugh. I can totally relate!

I read this. I also tidy up the office and/or copy/mail room. I read the Wall Street Journal, the Business First, any mag that our department subscribes to that I may not have time to read right away. Keeps you up to date on current trends in the business world as well as your industry.

All of the above are great ideas. I would be careful, though, about taking on new projects that might turn into permanent duties on your job. Just make sure that anything new is going to be short-term and not end up on your position description.

Another that I have gotten into, not mentioned above, is signing up on blog sites. They are very informative and helpful, if you get into the right ones. One that I particularly like is secretaryhelpline.blogspot.com. It's Patricia Robb's blog (she is the author of "Laughing All the Way to Work".
Hope this helps.
Patty

Oops - before I get comments, I forgot to close my brackets on my comment, after the title of Patricia Robb's book. Sorry admins, that's a definite faux pas for me.
Patty

Be careful what you wish for. I went to my supervisor for more work and was so loaded up with extra projects it became difficult to get my original duties done. Although the newness and variety was great at first, you need to have a balance with your duties. Make sure when asking for more to do that you do indeed have the time (and energy) to get it all done in a timely manner. Pace yourself.

It sounds like your employer hired a jewel. Try designing a webpage for your team where common documents can be shared, team calendar can be maintained, the possibilities are endless. Ask about taking a class or two during the down times. Be sure it is something that would enhance your career and your work. Perhaps your employer would pay for the class if it can be proven to be useful to your organization or team.

I agree with Patty and Beck. I went to my supervisor and now I am completely overwhelmed. I have indicated that I have enough to do now, but she keeps loading me up. So be careful when you approach your supervisor and be specific as to what types of projects or tasks you are looking for. You know better than anyone what your schedule and work flow can accomodate.

See if your department may need a web site. If so, take classes, and start building a web site. That will keep you busy and looks good for the department.

Downtime? What's downtime? I've been in my new Admin Asst position for almost a year now and have never had any downtime. Wish I had a little so I could organize and spend some time looking into new/better ideas, etc. I say enjoy this breathing time.

EOY downtime is always a perfect time to evalute where you are, where you want to be, and take advantage of some training to help you fill in the gaps or fill your time. And no employer can ever argue with you wanting to develop your knowledge or skills, especially when the office is quiet. Since you've accomplished all your goals this year, look at the "next step" for each: which could you take to the next level, and what skills would you need to be able to do that? What are your goals for next year, and what do you need to prepare you for 2009? There's always -- ALWAYS -- more you can learn about the MS Office Suite... lots of neat tricks and short cuts that will help you save time. And employers with online learning systems usually have classes available that affect your personal life too, like investment basics, work-life balance, time management, etc.

I have to disagree with everyone who says "don't take on more projects/responsibility because you'll get stuck with them." Yes, you have core responsibilities, but you can suppliment the mundane, everyday pieces of your day with projects that interest you more or help you develop new and different skills. It's also your opportunity to test out the waters of different areas to see if you'd like to progress to a role in another area someday.

Don't be afraid to be ambitious and show your business acumen and flexibility -- they can only help your career in the longrun. Those who stick with what they've been given will wind up with exactly what they've asked for.

I think the first step is to talk to your supervisor and ask if there is anything you can "help" with right now while your load is a bit slower.

I think that unless you have a very good relationship with the boss/company I would avoid surfing the web and reading magazines.

Are there skills you could brush up on? I spend time when I have a few minutes working on software I am just learning to use or practicing projects related to goals set for me.

I'd love help finding these free webinars.

ASAP has free membership and lots of Webinars

On the rare occasions I have downtime, it it usually a half day or a day but never more than that. That isn't really enough time to start new "over and above" projects, but it is the perfect amount of time to run through supply cabinets, organize, and/or catch up on Business Journal or AdminProToday articles.

2008 was a wonderful year for web design and technology in general. I hope to see some excellent designs this coming new year.
Check out Adamssite for some eye popping website templates
Happy New Year,
Adam