Yesterday I made a list of a few things you should never say when you’re at work and then I realized there are a few other things you should never vocalize. Here’s the follow up:

1.     I’m bored

I once fired an intern on the spot (let’s hope it never happens again). He had posted a collage on Instagram (on Instagram guys, INSTAGRAM) of himself yawning (and clearly he had taken the time to make the perfect composition) with the following title: I’m so bored. Thank god it’s almost weekend.

The look of boredom radiates onto your employer and ‘ain’t nobody got time for that.’ And you should be ambitious and aspiring enough to not be bored. Start working on a new project, get your colleagues something to drink, think of innovative things in your work field. Just by god, be creative, do something, make yourself proud.

2.     I pulled an all nighter 

You are super proud of yourself and want some recognition from your boss. He or she will probably be thrilled to know how devoted you are to the company, but in reality, this doesn’t put you in the best light. You are expected to be able to complete your work within the hours you are given. If you can’t, then you probably aren’t ready for the level that’s required from you.

3.     Evaluating your sickness

My colleagues know I’m not a huge fan of people being absentees. Getting sick is inevitable, I get that, but I would rather have someone try to work and get sent home than having someone text me and say: I feel a flu coming on so I’m going to stay home today just in case.

But okay, so you’ve spent the past few days in bed (with a fever or something or other), the very last thing your colleagues are in the mood for is a full evaluation of how you were feeling when you were sick. In your absence, it only meant there pile of work increased, so when you get back, be nice for your coworker instead of forcing them to hear your stories. Do you think I’m being too harsh? Maybe a little but trust me; your supervisor agrees with me.

4.     What do I do now?

Your employer expects you to be capable of working independently and to pick up work where necessary. It’s always okay to let people know you have the time to bit of extra work if your agenda allows it. Better yet, come up with some tasks you can perform and discuss them with your supervisor. He or she will be pleasantly surprised and content.