While you're stuck in traffic or in a line at the airport or department store, don't just grumble about what a waste of time it all is...do something constructive--it could even boost your career!

Never get in the car or onto the train without having at least one book or magazine with you, or your laptop. If you get delayed or stuck in traffic, you can catch up on current events, read an e-book, write a report for your boss, improve your knowledge about an important area of your business, or learn something new that may help you on the job.

If you have a DVD or cassette player in your car, or have a portable one, you could listen to audiobooks (find career-related books with the Resources link on our site) or learn a foreign language while driving, riding, or just sitting still on the freeway.

If you're in a store or other busy place, get to know the people around you. Be pleasant—don't gripe about the slow service. Practice your 30-second commercial or general small talk skills. You wouldn't be the first person to meet a potentially valuable contact in a seemingly obscure place, so don't discount even the fellow in tattered jeans...he could be your next bo