I would have never seen myself working in an office setting. I absolutely hate sitting around all day and a 9-5 lifestyle is not what I'm all about. Although it's a temporary job to help pay my rent, I have learned so much that I didn't know until I started.
If you hate office jobs, I would think again about not wanting one because it's helped my work ethic a bunch! Here is why:
1. It's not about you.
Do as a receptionist, and help.
Working for others is what is going to make your job run smoothly. When working in a fast-paced or slow-paced environment, do not think of things that benefit you personally. Go into your work thinking, "What can I do to help someone else? How can I make my managers and coworkers lives a little bit easier today".
2. Grow from your mistakes.
Whenever you mess up in the workplace, do not dwell on it! Realize that mistakes are bound to happen at some point (we aren't perfect), but how you handle them makes a difference. Learn from your mistakes and let them teach you to do better next time. Don't let it get you down and spiral into a crying mess.
3. Always smile.
When working with customers of any sort, you're going to want to smile and act happy even if you're not. It's all about first impressions and making the company look its best. If you have to, put on an act, but try not to have major RBF. Studies even show that smiling can manipulate your mind into thinking you are happy. So smile, people!
4. Don't forget to have fun.
Any job you have shouldn't be miserable and serious all the time. That's one sure way to decrease years of your life. Crack a joke or two with your co-workers. Work doesn't have to be a burden if you don't let it be one.
5. Get out of your comfort zone.
Dwight needed a push, much like myself
Apprehension needs to walk out the door as soon as possible. When starting my office job, I was super nervous about answering phone calls in fear I wouldn't know the right answer or that I would stumble over my words. At marketing events I was afraid I wouldn't know how to start conversations with people and that I would look like a smiling idiot. Giving tours was something I would pass on to a more experienced co-worker because being alone with them was a big no for me!
Well, I knew I wouldn't get anywhere in my job if I didn't get over that fear quick. Branch out of your comfort zone, loosen up, improve your communication skills, and you'll be set for the real world.
6. Don't be blunt.
When talking to customers who have a problem, as much as you want to tell them a bunch of words you shouldn't say and be blunt (I am very blunt and will tell it how it is), don't do it. It will only make things worse. The best thing to do is be passive and assertive. Think of the situation as a "You win, I lose" or "We both win" sort of thing. Humble yourself and don't react. Respond instead.
Sympathize with the customers even if they are not being nice. Say things in ways that don't accuse them. It's stupid and ridiculous because I'm the type of person to want to tell you off, but by being passive you will do everyone in the office a favor.
Although I don't want an office job for the rest of my life, I'm thankful I took the position because I have learned so much in a short amount of time.
