Posted by We’ve all had that moment at work where we’ve found ourselves staring at a computer screen as if time had stood still. If you’re anything like me, you find yourself doing that a few times throughout the workday.
It’s hard keeping your focus at a job that only serves the purpose of maintaining your livelihood while you chase your dreams. Between the endless tasks, ridiculous office politics, and soul-sucking workplace vibes, it’s easy to become distracted.
At my most recent job, one of the biggest startups in California, I spent too many days overworked, underpaid, and stressed TF out. I struggled with remembering its purpose and, in turn, I fell away from my craft. I still picked up my pen here and there, but I was so drained from my workdays that I wasn’t working as hard as I could towards my goals. It wasn’t until I was let go from my company that I realized it was time for me to move on and take advantage of all the opportunities being presented to me.
This isn’t a “you don’t need a 9-5” type of post, so if that’s what you’re looking for, then this isn’t for you. You surely do need a 9-5 considering you gotta spend money to make it and you can’t spend what you don’t have. While my path may be different from yours, there are a few tips I can share that can serve as a helpful guide to breaking up the monotony and helping you survive another day at work that gets you one step closer to your dreams. 
Use any available/extra time to work on your passion. This may be harder to accomplish if your job isn’t as flexible, but if you find the time, take it! Your lunch break, that 10 minute break you take to check social media, use every second to squeeze some work in. Whether you work the conventional 9-5, or something more unconventional like 12-8, find time to put just as much energy into your passion as you do your paying job. Instead of spending those few hours before bed watching Netflix, or before work when you’re catching last night’s tea on TheShadeRoom, put that time into your craft instead it’ll all be worth it in the end.
Network! Put yourself out there in any way possible. If it means going to that event you hadn’t planned on or doing so through social media, broadening your network is always helpful.
Stay focused. Remember it as a means to an end and remind yourself of your purpose. This is just a job and should be treated as such. Leave work at work. You have a plan and it’s by any means necessary.
Take Personal time. This is one of if not the most important tip on this list. Taking time to yourself and ensuring your mental health should always be a top priority. There will be many days you’ll feel defeated and taking time for yourself to regroup is healthy.
Be grateful. Remind yourself that you are blessed to have a job no matter how frustrating and draining. Always keep the bigger picture in mind.
If you ever feel like the stress is too much and you find yourself more and more unhappy as time progresses, I urge you to look into alternatives. I firmly believe that NO job is worth your sanity or your happiness. Sometimes it IS your time to walk away, but all should be considered and you need to be confident in your decision.
From one aspiring writer to the other, these are all very useful tips.
Happy to be helpful, there’s much more to come! We appreciate your visit; stop by anytime 🙂
bookmarked!!, I really like your blog!