09 Dec 2019

Copping a crappy job is a rite of passage.

Infuriating bosses. Patronising customers. Getting treated like the scum of the earth. Being smashed with an onslaught of patrons... Classic times, aye!

But we can all unite in these shared experiences. Everyone knows what it feels like to really question the phrase 'the customer is always right'... 

Yes, we all know that work is a bit of a drag and working an eight-hour shift doesn't exactly spur a lot of enthusiasm, but, here is how you can turn that frown upside down and have a fun time whilst earning your dosh! Embrace your crappy job!

1. Start work with a funky playlist

Before work, a funky playlist is a necessity. In fact, compile a playlist right now jampacked with songs that will pump you up and will stick in your head. 

If I'm getting yelled at by a customer for something probably out of my control, trust me when I say I'm simultaneously singing 'Good Times Bad Times' by Led Zeppelin in my head thanks to hearing it that morning. Agh, that's better.

2. Write down the classic moments

I’ve worked at cafes, restaurants, cinemas, clothing stores and hair salons. I cannot even begin to describe the number of stories I’ve gained. From fire evacuations to being proposed to (I said no...). I've been told I'm a menace to society because there were no cupcakes left and given a $100 tip. I've overheard a girl recounting a story of almost being swallowed by her boyfriend's pet snake, I've served someone so high that they thought I was God, I've been stuck in the elevator for hours (but I still got paid mwah ha ha) and I've seen Timothee Chalamet...

Reap these moments! People keep dream journals so why not keep a work journal. Write down all the wild things that happen. Who knows, one day you could write them in a novel or a screenplay. Most importantly, you have an abundance of anecdotes at quick access.

3. Play games

Alright kiddos, this is where things get really fun. Either on your own or with co-workers, play some games. Lmao. Guess every customer's star sign. Play kiss, marry, cliff. Play a tame game of truth or dare (come on guys, let's not get fired!). Play I-Spy if you're really scraping the barrel. I adore people watching as well so when things get quiet, I'll guess people's life stories... Is this couple on their second date? Is that guy an alien?... Let things get weird to drain out the drag of work.

4. Go in with a cup-is-half-full attitude

I know, you’re probably rolling your eyes, but dude, if you keep saying how much you hate work, hate work, hate work, it’s guaranteed to get worse and worse.

Try to see that cup half full rather than half empty. Sure, working isn't the best, but if you hold onto the positives, like your amazing coworkers or the funny customers, you'll attract good vibes. 

5. Have competitions

There's no better way to speed up time than competing. 

Who can sell the most macarons? Who can fold the most t-shirts? Who can get the highest tip? 

Things can get pretty fired up.

6. Hang out with co-workers outside of work

Getting to know the people you have to work with is a great way to actually enjoy work more. 

Host a gettogether whether it's dinner, a party, a picnic, a bowling sesh... whatever floats your dingy...and invite all your colleagues. It's hilarious seeing coworkers out in the wild, seeing how they actually dress and act. 

7. Keep your goals and aspirations at check

Why are you working? To gain skills, to meet people?? Maybe you want to save mulla for a new car, for rent, for a holiday. Whatever you're working for, keep reminding yourself that! Having a little bit of ambition will help you get inspired to go to work. Remind yourself during your shift and get keen for whatever the $$$ earnt that day is going towards! Now that ought to put a smile on your dial!

 

Barack Obama scooped ice-cream, Oprah Winfrey worked at a corner store and Madonna was a cashier. We've all been through crappy jobs so we might as well have a little fun whilst copping them.