I might go to hell for that title, but there's a lot to be said for being the only one in the office during the holidays.
Yes, you'll probably have to take on some additional work from your coworkers who are out on holiday travel, but you'll also be much more likely to get all that work done without the usual interruptions from managers, coworkers and direct reports.
Once you've gotten your workload squared away, here are some suggestions for making the most of your empty office (solopreneurs and telecommuters, you can sing along too!):
Clean your computer. As in, with a spray cleaner and a low-lint cloth. All year, those fingerprints on the screen and crumbs in the keyboard have been an eyesore (and a health hazard). Time to get them outta there!
Clean off your desk. It's nobody's idea of a good time (except maybe mine), but filing away the stuff you don't need will perk your workspace up. This is also a good time to check your office supply levels and see what you need to order more of.
Check your professional development plan. You don't necessarily need a 15-page document specifying every move you plan to make, but when you've got some down time, give a thought to what you want the next stage in your career to be. Then start figuring out the steps to get from here to there.
Take an online class. With training budgets almost nonexistent, you might be on your own in terms of keeping your skills up-to-date. So consider getting that training online as part of the "university" programs offered by many companies.
What about you? When it's just you in the office and you've got some time to spare, what do you like to do? Tell me in the comments!
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