Desk Jobs: Winning the rat-race

Use only pencil, paper and brain. What is 4358 * 291=? Got the answer or still thinking? Most people will say, "Why do such a trivial task? Just key in the digits to some device, Bingo! problem solved". So if machines can do, you don't have the need to try it. With such diverse technology, our lifestyle has become more advanced with  4G data feeds, Roomba cleaners, self-driving cars and many more to come. Sad but true, science has also made mankind lazy by wielding its sceptre for decades. We are so dependent and helpless on our gadgets to not even demand a trial by combat. So how is this relevant to a desk job? Scroll further then:)

"A good neighbour is one who doesn't put a password on his wi-fi."  memequotes.com

A typical graduate's life goal after spending years of rote learning and taking notes consists of: landing on a 9 to 5 job, save the money, buy a few comforts and work for the rest of your life paying its mortgages. If your dream is exceptional such as to save the planet or eradicate poverty, don't worry you will end up to be a freelancer like me. Yeah, great job! No boss, no rules and sometimes no work too:)

 So if you are lucky enough, as wiki defines, settle for a well-paying career inside a workplace cramped between cubicles and computer screens. In a few weeks, as your entire team bustles around to be the next guardians of the galaxy, you will realise your only soulful company will be the powder-crammed coffee machine.

Do You Work Happily?

Invariably you are glued to your monitors labouring endless hours with no time left to kill. These slot machines leave you digitally omnipresent while your task list gets constantly overloaded. Only when tight schedules, health issues, and internal politics creep up, your life gets the wake-up call.

A survey taken worldwide suggests 28-56 % workers are dissatisfied with their jobs and majority are least happy with what they currently do. If your once dream job gives you now stress or frustration with no progress, it is high time you were out of this limbo. Don't tell me again, work more! toil more! That's pretty outdated.

"Doing nothing is very hard to do…you never know when you’re finished "~Leslie Nielsen

How can you win this rat-race? Try these tips that some have quoted from their pages of life.

1. Moonlighting your Work: 

Yes! Cheat your job. Not which that gets you to pretend working or imprisoned for forgery. When fatigued with your career, searching for a new one is tedious and unfruitful in a rotten job market. So give a start for a side job. It can be a serious business or some long forgotten passion. And any small progress in your little venture is worthy to retain your peace at the main job.

Also read my other article on what's stopping your career progress. 5 Workplace Mistakes That Cripple Your Growth.

2. Welcome the Changes: 
An usual aphorism but never untrue. Change is the only constant thing that keeps us going. It need not be a rarity nor a miracle like hoping for the History channel to air a few historical shows and not pawn stars, just kidding:) A variety sure adds more spice. It can be a new friendship, a healthier lifestyle, more family time or a less cluttered workspace. How boring it will be if there are no change of seasons, only summer or only snow? So open your mind to accept minor changes that liberates you from major havoc causing issues.

"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change." ~Jim Rohn

3. Never hit Complacency: 
Our human nature aspires to get the hang of anything. You put all your efforts and try to master the skill. But once you learn the ropes, the growth stops there. Getting self-contented is good only to a lesser limit.

 Sheryl Sandberg: this techie woman currently COO of Facebook, has survived all odds, headed the boards in top notch companies (Walt Disney, Google) and a constant source of surprise and inspiration to me. Successful people like her are not just lucky, they never cease trying. Their greed to reach for more is only productive compared to just slouching on the same spot under satisfied notions.

4.Accept the risks:

Risks are scary and unpredictable, when mixed with careers all the more jeopardizing. In an unstable economy where retrenchment and pink slips are common terms, every employee must be prepared to face the reality.

This BenStiller movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty showcases how your life after a layoff can turn into an extraordinary adventure. So never lose heart. Update your knowledge and be indispensable at your workplace to secure your job. However, in the long run, keep your eyes and mind open and strive for the best available opportunity.

Use technology to your advantage. Trust your guts and take the step. Even if not 100 percent successful, you won't regret trying than end up saying " who moved my cheese?".