Got a summer job or internship that’s so boring, you can’t stand it? Yeah, we’ve all been there. A summer job can be a great way to pick up some extra cash for next school year, but it can also be a drain on your emotions. If you’re stuck with a job you hate, here are some tips for keeping yourself motivated.
- Think of the money. Instead of agonizing over the countless hours you spend inside the office, visualize your time in dollars. Remembering how much money you’ll make–instead of how long your day is–will help put a positive spin on your work day.
- Have a savings goal in mind. Money is nice, but what are you going to do with all of it? Working is a great way to save up for that spring break vacation or that coast-to-coast road trip. Having a goal for your money will keep you motivated to continue with your job.
- Look on the bright side. Okay, so you might not enjoy delivering coffee or licking envelopes. What little things do you notice that make your day a little better? Could it be the fresh coffee in the conference room? Your coordinated office supplies? The receptionist’s vibrant wardrobe? As you go about your day, try to focus on the simple pleasures of your job, rather than obsessing over the negative aspects.
- Make a special playlist/CD for your commute. Most commutes are long enough to benefit from a playlist or custom CD that includes all your favorite songs. You’ll look forward to your ride without much effort, and you’ll be energized for the day to come.
- Remember the economy. Yes, everyone’s sick of hearing about the recession, the job market, and what have you, but when you’ve had a particularly rough day, it’s important to remember how lucky you are to actually be employed. In the United States, the unemployment rate is at an unparalleled high, and is expected to rise over the course of the next five years.
What Do You Think?
What do you think of these suggestions? How do you get through your work day?
I’m so thankful that I have a job, but that doesn’t help make it any less boring.
This article is awesome! My summer job really is a bore. I’m stuck alone in a back office doing mundane tasks the others in the office are too busy to do such as scanning in documents, faxing, calling patients, and shredding items.
I’m not complaining really, I make good money and the tasks are easy, but I do find myself with a lot of down time. These tips are right on point. As I drive to work in the morning I listen to something that will really put me in good mood. I make a list of small things that are making me happy throughout the day. Also, I find that really putting myself together before work makes a huge difference. On Mondays I put myself in a fun/bright/summery floral dress which really brightens my day up along with my morning coffee!
I also am pretty goal oriented. I know what I have to set aside for college and the rest of the money I relish in knowing that I get to spend it on a pretty new comforter, sweet new perfume, and a new laptop!
<3
one of the best-written articles i’ve read on here in a long time :) thank you very much!
Yes, thanks for the tips indeed. My works prevents me from hanging out with my friends all summer and it’s really bumming me out…
Wow thanks for these tips! I work in retail and I have a lot of time during the day where I’m working independently without interacting with other people, so I use that time to work on relaxing breathing. I actually did a post earlier this week on my blog about making time pass faster at work. My reward for making it through my boring summer job is a roadtrip as soon as school starts!