- Find a job you like! Before you get apply for the job, ask for a tour. Talk to workers and see how long they've been working. Ask what hobbies they have to see what kind of people they hire or if your schedule will conflict. There's no point in wasting time on an application if you don't like the criteria.
- Hang out with coworkers. I stay after hours with my coworkers to play cards. It gives us something to snicker about while working- remember you still owe me $20 from the last bet, buddy! If you work with a lot of people you don't like, offer gum. You will instantly be on the 'be nice to' list, albeit not the 'Captain-and-Spock-kind-of- friendship' list. A little time with the guys at work can mean a lot of help later on in a time crunch.
- Always ask if there is more to do. EVEN if you don't want to do ANY MORE, grow up a little, smile with your shoulders back, and ask a supervisor if there is more to be done. Trust me, there is always something. Your employer will put you lightyears ahead of other employees just for the needed effort. Payraise, anyone? No? Well it still gives you a great reputation for future jobs or a college app. That's the kind of worker Starfleet Academy wants too!;)
- Don't look at the clock. It's. Too. Tempting. Must. Look! You trick yourself any time you glance at the time. When you think ten minutes has passed, only two have gone by. You dissapoint yourself, thus your work ethic slugs down. Smile, keep yourself nice and busy, and you will know when noon strikes sans clock. Do you smell food? Noon=lunch/breaktime.
- Stay energized. Get sleep, eat a good vegan breakfast (I found vegan helps my body get a sugar-high faster without making me tired after. Even dense meals of rice, bread, and PB&J stay relatively light and allow me to run around the shop quickly), take water breaks. An occasional sip of cold water will keep you alert and hydrated.
- Don't be afraid to talk to your boss. If someone is taking advantage of your kindness by obliging you to do their work, you are not tattling! Most likely, that person is not on very good terms with other workers either. Or maybe you have a friend who would be a nice addition to the workplace. Ask your boss if they can stop by for an interview and fill in when they're short-handed.
- Keep a tidy workspace. But Ashlie, how does cleaning on top of actual work make my job better? It's highly psychological, Jim. You deserve plenty of clutter-free space to work efficiently. With a little organization, your work will speed up and you won't lose things as easily!
On my way to work the other day I tried to find WFi on my laptop. Instead I rode in the car clicking the refresh button on the WiFi connection menu, scrolling through the creative, and somewhat dirty, names people gave their internet connections. My favorites are: 'Hide Yo Kids Hide Yo wifi', 'Livin da Life', 'My sh*t', 'NSA Surveillance Station #5', and 'FBI Van 5'.
Hope I made you smile today! Leave us a comment!