8-5 is a Long Time to Not Smile...

This week has been a pretty hectic one at the office with some important project delivery deadlines to be met. My office space has been abuzz with designers and engineers resolving issues, reviewing design options and signing off drawings. This, in addition to my role in doing actual design work and liaising with external designers, has resulted in little time to reflect on "thoughtful" things to blog about. Even my run yesterday, which is usually a great time for reflection, seemed to be just a blur of nondescript colours. I am sure, I am not alone in having times like this, where survival and endurance seem to be your focal points.

What should you do in times like this?
Unfortunately, I don't have any three step solutions. All I am going to do, is give all I can over this relatively short period to deliver the goods required of me. There is no way to sugar-coat this. There are times in life to just buckle down and work hard! No special formula, just focus and hard work.  I can't "demand" for the results of the finished deliverables, we have to actually get down and sweat it out to produce the results. (But now that is heading down a completely different avenue....)

I could waste time bemoaning the workload, ridiculous time-lines, external influences, etc... Or I can focus on what I need to contribute and be grateful that I can be part of a highly skilled team which is delivering a value-engineered product for both the client and our company. I can be grateful I have employment and not out-there struggling to find the next pay-cheque to support my family.
I am grateful.

Work is more than just an 8-5 time slot in your day. It is a period that you are giving of yourself to add value to your employer. Regardless of your current emotions and attitude towards your company for whatever reasons, it is your duty to give what you need to give to perform your job. I believe this is more important for your self-worth than out of dutiful employment. Leaving a task with a high sense of personal pride, regardless of your company's response, is more important for your job satisfaction.  Manager's however, please note, as managers of people, acknowledgement and recognition of people's efforts is probably one of your most important duties. Never neglect that aspect. People are putting the bulk of lives into being at work and should be recognised for this and not taken for granted as loyalty is easily lost and difficult to regain.

Working for most of us will be a lifelong experience and everyone of us can help make it a better one by recognising what others do within your organisation. Do something out of the ordinary for somebody else. Bosses, make coffee for your secretary for a change! Take time to laugh and have fun at work, 8-5 is a long time to not smile...