This summer, I have spent my days working as most college students do. For up to eight hours each day, I do the exact same monotonous task. Every day is the same routine. Every day becomes to tedious to the point that the days blend in to each other. The one thing that makes work much more interesting than the brown boxes stacked as high as the ceiling on each side of the room is the thoughts that run through my head during the day. In honor of my coworkers and all those who work, here are some of the most common thoughts I've heard other people say as well as some thoughts that have crossed my mind this week at work. How many of these can you relate to?
1. I've been here for HOW LONG?
No explanation needed here.
2. Did I take my morning break yet?
3. Didn't I do this yesterday?
Oh yeah! I follow the same routine every day so of course, I did this yesterday.
4. Didn't I see this yesterday?
That's right! Not only is my routine the same, but I sift through the same list of books and materials every day.
5. Can yawning so hard that I pull a muscle get me worker's comp?
Probably not...
6. That's Wonderful! Bob just walked in! My day just became a whole lot brighter!
For the record, I have no coworker named Bob. Also, that was sarcasm. Those of you who have that one coworker who just makes things more complicated know exactly what I'm talking about.
7. Wow, I would never actually talk about someone who is sitting two feet away from me.
Office drama. What can I say? We all have that one person who is just the center of gossip.
8. Can I at least stand up if I have to stare at a computer all day?
Spending all your time sitting is not good for your health. It also can make you more tired, which hinders your ability to do your job as efficiently and as mistake-free as possible.
9. Do my coworkers like me or are they just pretending?
This is probably something that crosses everyone's mind. It's hard to tell sometimes, especially if some individuals have an odd sense of humor or an unconventional definition of sarcasm.
10. Do any of my coworkers find me attractive?
Let's not go there... and for the record (again), no, I'm not attracted to any of my coworkers.
11. I really love the way that we all eat lunch together every day!
It's not often that a group of people who are stuck in a single room all day will stay and chat during lunch! Not only is it good for team bonding, but it allows you to get to know fellow employees in a slightly different setting other than work, without going out. It's just important to keep in mind that you haven't physically left the building, so keep the topics well monitored. Also, keep in mind that not ever one likes each other, so don't choose sides if a debate pops up!
12. Please, DON'T PUT ME IN A GROUP WITH BOB!
Once again, I don't work with anyone named Bob. Just like in class at school, working adults dread group projects if they are put with certain individuals. Of course no one wants to be put with the slacker, but in addition to that, some personalities just clash and nothing can be done about that.
13. I hope I get to work with Jimmy today!
Jimmy is a fictional character in my mind, but if he were real, he'd be my go-to coworker for advice, help with my tasks, and my number one pick for a lunch date! Do you happen to have that one coworker who just lightens the mood and makes the day glide by faster? Maybe this person doesn't make the time pass faster, but this person's personality compliments yours, and your work ethics match. We all dream of having this guy on our team!
14. Can't I just pretend I worked all day and leave?
We all feel this way.
15. I could work an extra half hour for a little more pay or I could run out now before my boss decides to give me another job to finish.
It's nice to get that extra pay, but sometimes you are better off leaving when your hours are over. Otherwise, you might find yourself involved in yet another project that you had no desire or intention of becoming involved with.
16. Speaking of pay, did I sign my time sheet?
Hopefully, you still have time to go back and check that you are being paid for your work before your boss submits your time sheet. However, until you actually get the opportunity to check your sheet, you submerge your mind in the fear that you didn't sign your time sheet.
17. IT'S TIME TO GO HOME!!!!!
The relief that floods your soul when the clock strikes 3:30! Now, if only today was Friday.
18. Speaking of Friday, is today pay day?
If you are paid biweekly like me, the Fridays that you leave without a paycheck are sad and disappointing. The good news is this: You have one whole week to anticipate and become excited about your bank account growing in size!
So, now that you've read these, how many of these common thoughts have crossed your mind while you have been at work?
