I DID IT! I officially joined the 9-to-5 club. And spoiler alert: it’s not the “boss babe” fantasy I once dreamed of. The reality of working a full-time job hit hard. After a year of adult-ing, here are 6 unfiltered lessons I’ve learned since becoming a corporate girlie.
1. It’s easy to fall into an unhealthy cycle
I need to intentionally make time for hobbies, spending time with friends and family, and me time. Otherwise, you’ll end up in a sad cycle: eat, sleep, work, repeat.
2. You don’t always clock out at 5
Giving out favours is always a slippery slope, including in the workplace. One day you’re staying an extra 10 or 15 minutes. The next thing you know, you’re filling in for the Hong Kong team at 5 in the morning.
3. Coffee breaks actually make a difference
Whether you drink coffee or not, take those coffee breaks! Staring at a screen for hours (and barely blinking) isn’t healthy. If you can, take a walk or do some stretches.
4. Standing desks are worth the investment
If you hear joints cracking when you get up to leave your desk, it may be time to consider a standing desk. Not to mention #DeskButt…
5. People won’t like you
Office dynamics are weird. You could be minding your business, working. Then suddenly, you have to deal with passive aggressive comments from Susan over there. It’s awkward and it’s inevitable.
(Note: Susan is not a real person)
6. Rest is important
If you’re like me, you probably feel guilty when you’re not being productive. Heck, you probably feel guilty just at the thought that you need a break. But burnout’s a sneaky little pain in the… Give yourself a break and remember that rest is productive.
Corporate life is just as wild as any other job, only dressed-up with a suit and tie. It’s not always cute, but I’m figuring it out. It helps that I keep snacks in my drawer… and that’s tip #7.
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