To be annoyed that because my desk at work isn't strewn with papers that my boss thinks I'm not busy?

[angelos02]

I like to keep a clear desk whereas colleague I sit opposite has tons of paper everywhere. I've lost count of the times that my boss has come in, clearly looked at both desks and said 'Angelos, you don't look busy, can you do x, y & z for me?' Arghhhh.

I think it makes you look more organised, to be honest, but then maybe your boss also thinks this and therefore thinks they can give you more work?

I never take a notepad into meetings and am the only one that doesn't. I always think people look down on that

I am not a 'neat freak' but just like to be organised. I couldn't work with stuff everywhere. I work on what I am working on and that is it.

arf I think I will!

Next time your boss says that would it not be possible to ask (politely):

"Of course I am happy to do x, y and z but could I ask why you think I don't look busy?"

Untidy desk.
Try and looked pissed off all the time.
Note book in meetings, furtive scribbling.

That'll make you look busier!

How do you keep yourself awake in meetings without a notepad? Taking notes is the only thing that keeps me a) awake and b) paying attention.