Blog Minx

I’ve worked in jobs where 9-5 was compulsory pretty much down to the minute, regardless of whether I had anything to do or not. Often at 4.45 I’d look around to see colleagues randomly surfing the internet to look busy and prevent boredom. Plenty of them could’ve done their jobs from home but had to make an appearance so their manager could keep an eye on them.

On the other hand, I do often enjoy office culture especially if I’m working with like-minded people. Some become friends. And I like getting up in the morning, having somewhere to be and feeling part of a team. So I wouldn’t say office jobs were all bad, it’s just that sometimes I get cubicle fever.

If you’ve seen Office Space (pictured, and one of my favorite movies of all time) you’ll know what I’m talking about:

• The printer that permanently jams
• The banal paperwork and data entry that must be completed
• The tinny-voiced receptionist
• The offensive co-worker(s)
• The unbearable, coffee-sipping, braces-wearing boss, or even worse, bosses
• The tiny cubicle in a sea of tiny cubicles
• The annoying repetition: “Somebody’s got a case of the Mondays…”

Basically, unless something incredible happens to halt such mind-numbing insanity like [see Office Space, which should be required viewing for anyone who's done time in a cubicle cage], then you have the following options:

• Find a company where they trust staff to work their own hours, including from home if appropriate
• Start your own business on the side and grow it
• Get promoted to manager and work 8-7!

Too cynical? Are you stuck in a day job you hate, or have you escaped to a better life? Do tell.