In my 3 years as a part time professional, I've learned that work is a lot like spiders: awful. And like spiders, work is the thing that most people [with jobs] try to avoid. I always feel terrible for dogging on work because it really is, excuse my French, such a blessing to have a job. So many people search and search for jobs, and have such trouble finding them. People who really need jobs, too! People like young parents and "we bought a zoo" types. I mean, who can blame anyone for wanting a job? They make the world go round. And besides that, having a job gives you financial freedom and a sense of responsibility. It creates good work ethic and provides an excuse not to sleep all day. It gives you money to blow on b*tches and dope. Not only that, but having a job can really put things in perspective. There's a point in my work day when I start to really resent being there, and that point comes 15 minutes before I arrive. While I'm sitting there waiting for the day to hurry up and end so that I can go do more important things, like nothing, I'm always wondering how I could make my job more enjoyable. I don't want to complain about work. I don't want to be ungrateful. So until the day when I own my own business or have a career that I truly love, I'm going to have to suck it up, and stay on my grind. And for that reason, I've come up with a list of ways to make the work day more enjoyable.
1. Pack a lunch you can look forward to:: This is a big one, you guys. No one gets more excited about eating than a working girl, and no one is more bummed about lunch than someone with a sucky one. If you're really into salad, like myself, pack one that's full of yummy, fresh, crunchy things. Load on the baby corn! Or perhaps you'd prefer some juicy pears. Or how about some fresh strawberries and feta? Or bacon and sliced egg? If salad's not your thing, try a yummy sub made with fresh sliced deli meat. And if you have a sweet tooth, you mustn't forget dessert. A tub of ice cream will usually satisfy that sweet craving.
2. Get up early:: I've found that I resent work 10x more when I have to get up, get ready, and rush out the door. Set your alarm so that you have 30 minutes to an hour to just lay in bed and relax. Give your body and mind a chance to wake up before heading out the door and trying to be productive. There are few things worse than trying to be a real person at work when 30 minutes ago you were dreaming of being eaten by whale sharks.
3. Work out before work:: This one works extra well with the previous tip. Get up early, get a nice workout in, and take some time to just be with yo bittie self. I wish I did this one more, but when I do get the chance I don't like to do anything too strenuous: an easy run and a walk around the neighborhood with my loving puppy, or a half an hour yoga sequence from one of the workout DVDs that we have around the house. It might not be much, but I've noticed a big difference in my mood at work when I be workin on my fitness before gittin on my grind. Sometimes I even find myself smiling.
4. Make your workspace comfy:: One of the great things about my office is that there's a sofa, and I have a laptop. When I get tired of sitting in a stuffy office, I move by butt on over to that sofa and have a nice fluffy seat. But even if you don't have a sofa in your office, that doesn't mean you can't create a comfy workspace. Got an uncomfortable desk chair? Get a seat cushion! Marshall's always has a pretty good selection of seat cushions, and in the spring and summer they come in bright colors and patterns. If you really want to get fancy, try Pottery Barn or Pottery Barn Teen. If your butt isn't your main concern, make a floral arrangement to brighten up your office. And don't forget about lighting! One thing that can really bum people out in the office is bad lighting, so if you have the ability, open the blinds to let in some natural light! And if not, consider purchasing a few natural light light bulbs. We have them all over our house now, and you can really see a difference.
5. Split up your day:: Occasionally I have to work weird hours, like 10:30-6:30 or 10:30-7:00, and when that happens, I like to take a break 3 or 3 1/2 hours before I leave for the day. Sometimes it's hard to work 5 hours straight, but if you think you can do it I highly recommend it. It's a great feeling to go on lunch, come back to work, and only have 2 hours left to be productive. Plus taking a break later in the day gives you something to look forward to for the first 5 hours, and by that time your Facebook notifications and Instagram likes are sure to have reached an agreeable number.
I can't tell you what to do, but try all of these tips. Just kidding, but honestly, these teensy tricks have really helped me on the days that just seem to take forever. I don't know what the rest of the world does, but I guarantee that at least 7 people have ideas that are 100x better than these, so if you're one of those 7 people, please, don't be selfish! Share your tips, for the good of you, me, and working bitties everywhere.
