Tag Archives: work

How to Survive NaNoWriMo (or any other daunting project)

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National Novel Writing Month is nearly upon us. Are you prepared? No, I’m not asking whether you know each of your characters inside and out, whether you’ve built their world, or whether your have a five-page outline. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve bought all your supplies or cut out pictures of what you’d like to achieve. Our lives are packed to the brim with commitments, tasks, and distractions. Preparedness ultimately comes down to navigating those treacherous waters, being able to work this new project into your already hectic schedule.

Set aside a specific time to work. Wake up an hour early. Spend the last two hours of your day holed up in your office. Spend a good portion of your day off plugging away. Set a time to work and stick with it, no excuses. Work at a time when you will be not be interrupted. Work every day, if possible.

Set a timeline or goals. What do you need to do? How much time do you have? When are you available to work and for how long? Have a clear idea of what you need to do. Sketch a reasonable plan of action for your project before you start. Set goals that will help you stick to your schedule.

Stay organized. Sort out important documents, notes, and plans before starting your project. Knowing where everything is will reduce stress and frustration. Remove clutter from your work area. Don’t reorganize or move things around during your project.

Eliminate distractions and focus. Turn off your phone. Turn off email and social network notifications. Make sure your family, friends, and housemates know that you’re busy and not to be disturbed. Go to a library or coffee shop, if necessary. Download distraction-eliminating software, such as OmmWriter. Clear your desk of clutter. Put in headphones and listen to white noise or ambient music (I like David Ummmo).

Just do it. Sometimes it’s difficult to get started, but completion is generally rewarding. Work on your project first thing in the morning. Make your project the prerequisite to some other necessary task. Get it done.

Have fun. A project doesn’t have to be tedious or boring. Enjoy what you’re doing. Make it into a game. Set up goals and rewards. Allow yourself to get lost in what you love doing.

Seek inspiration. Don’t lock yourself up and shut everything out. Read a book. Flip through a magazine. Listen to music. Engage in your favorite hobby. Do something you enjoy. Free up your mental energy and allow room for new ideas take root.

Give yourself a chance to rejuvenate. Take a deep breath. Meditate. Relax. Go for a walk. Grab coffee with a friend. Release any stress, frustration, or sense of failure before you get back to work. Give yourself several small breaks throughout your working period.

Maintain social relationships. Don’t neglect the people who care about you while you’re busy working. Talk about your project and ask others to hold you accountable. Savor the encouragement and affirmations. Rely on your built-in support group.

Meet others working on similar projects. Connect with others who are working on the same type of project. Having people who understand what you’re going through, people who will help you through feelings of defeat. and people with whom you can celebrate your triumphs. Knowing that you’re not alone makes it easier to fight through and complete a project

Take care of yourself. Get an adequate amount of sleep. Eat well. Drink water. Excercise. Take breaks to clear your head. Listen to your body. Rest when you need it.

Reward yourself. Celebrate little victories. Acknowledge your hard work. Treat yourself to chocolate, flowers, or a night out. Bask in the satisfaction of your progress or reaching a goal. You’ve earned it.

A final review. Once you’ve completed your project (or gone as far as you’re able), summarize what you did. What went well? What could you have done more efficiently? Take notes of how you can do even better next time.

What would you add? How do you deal with daunting projects?

The New Job Requirements

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I recently discovered The Real Post Grad through 20 Something Bloggers and was immediately hooked. Shikole and Allison share their thoughts, hopes, and experiences as recent graduates; this is a topic that is very relevent to me, as well as several of you, so I’m thrilled to share this wonderful post.

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The New Job Requirements by Shikole & Allison @ The Real Post Grad

Having a job is important. We need to pay the rent somehow right? But many of us Post Grads don’t realize how long we will really be spending at a job when we take one. Before now most of us have held jobs, but they were either part time, only for the summer, internships or odd jobs like babysitting. Having a full time job for an extended period of time is different. You spend at least 40 hours a week at this place, with the same people, doing pretty much the same things. After being at our current jobs for over a year, we now have a list of priorities that we will consider when it’s time to look for our next full time gig.

Shikole:

  1. Hours that are set in stone. I do not like having a job that is open ended and makes me feel guilty for leaving. I want to know there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that it will be the same time every day.
  2. A lunch break. The down side of being at a company in the midst of expansion is that we are often short staffed and I have to work through lunch.
  3. Some relation to my field. My current job was random and does not relate at all to what I studied or what I want to do. It’s taught me a lot of new things, but I want to work in my field.
  4. A real desk that is just mine. When I started I was taking over a position and the desk was already full of stuff. I felt like I had to pick up where she left off instead if starting things my way.

Allison:

  1. For my next position, I’d ideally want to work in a more collaborative work environment, or have a writing job where I can interact with and interview people on a daily basis. Right now, I’m the only person in the public relations “department” at my office. Aside from my supervisors, no one completely understands what I do to contribute to the company and I miss having coworkers to share ideas with.
  2. Flexible hours. I work the standard 8:30-5 job right now, which I enjoy at some points, but I often wish I could come in early certain days to shorten my week, or have the option to work from the quiet of my apartment occasionally. I don’t think it would hinder my productivity at all. In fact, I think working in different environments from time to time actually helps me to think more creatively.
  3. Variety. Since I work in public relations for a small company, I focus on the same topics day after day. I write blogs, newsletters, and press releases all based around one very specific industry. I hope that in my next job I will be able to branch out more, either by working within an agency that caters to different clients, or through a freelance career where I write articles on a wide range of topics.

While we’re certainly thankful for our current full time position and incomes, we think it’s a great idea for all post grads to write out a list of your wants and needs in the workplace. Try to think past the career itself, and focus on your working style when making the list. Are you creative or more practical? Would you prefer and open-ended schedule or set hours? Do you prefer to work alone or in groups? You may not be able to find a job that fits everything on your list, but having an idea of what you want can help you to think more clearly about each position you consider applying for.

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Feel free to visit Shikole and Allison at The Real Post Grad to find learn more about their daily thoughts, hopes, and experiences as recent graduates.

What we can learn from entrepreneurs

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Be persistent: A big part of being successful is never giving up and never losing faith.

Be humble: Actively seek advice and support from others who are knowledgable about a subject or situation.

Be open-minded: Consider others’ ideas and advice because you never know what may help you.

Always exceed expectations: When you reach your goals, set more goals; do all you can to leave the best impression.

Love your work: Do what you want and choose a career because you love it, not for the money.

Keep your integrity: Honesty and integrity are the building blocks of success. Treat everyone with fairness and they’ll help you succeed.

Expect difficulties: Everything takes longer, costs more, and is more draining that you ever expect. Expect things to be hard and you’ll be pleasantly surprised when they aren’t that bad.

Network: Take every opportunity to plant seeds of your message and your business with people who may be interested.

Treat people well: Treat customers, co-workers, employees, suppliers, and everyone else you meet that way you want to be treated.

The future is so…hazy

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What do you plan to do when you graduate? Did you apply to any graduate programs? Do you have a job lined up? Have you started applying for jobs? Where are you going to live? Are you excited? Are you terrified? How does it feel? 

I don’t know what I want to do. I plan to take some time off to figure things out, to decide whether to work or continue my schooling. The next few months will likely consist of work, travel, learning new things whenever possible, and exploring my interests. To be honest, as much as I love the field of psychology, I’m not sure if I want to continue down that path.

Oh, good idea, honey. The future is so bright! You’re such an intelligent and motivated young lady. We know you’re going to do great things. A lot of people don’t go back to school once they leave, but we know you will. I could see you being a counselor, a teacher, working nonprofit, etc. You aren’t moving back in with your parents are you? That would be hard after living on your own, wouldn’t it?

I have been bombarded with these same questions continually over the past few months whenever talking to family or friends. I don’t have answers. I wish I did. I really should be figuring these things out, but I’m not. Whether it’s anxiety, shining optimism, or some odd meshing of the two, I’m not sure. I try to think about it, I pray, I mediate, and I research options, but I still am no closer to knowing what I should do. And it’s an absolutely terrifying feeling.

All my life, I’ve been assured that a college degree would guarantee me a job, a job that pays more than minimum wage. I’m not sure how accurate that is for my generation. I’m anxious to begin working and become more independent and self-sufficient, but it will break my heart if the only option is something for which I am way overqualified. What can I do with a bachelor of science degree in psychology? Nothing I’m interested in.

Exams, assignments, readings, and final projects have been occupying much of my time lately – luckily I really enjoy schoolwork. Another large portion consists of assembling graduation announcements, leisure activities such as reading, and time spent with family and friends. A small, but increasingly daunting slice of that pie is my job search.

I have some connections – people who know people who can get me a job here or there. But what if I don’t want to answer phones at a call center, work at a bowling alley, or serve at a restaurant? I’ve filled out the applications, but I can’t bring myself to turn them in. It’s hard being tossed out of your comfort zone into a vast array of options, none of which are the least bit appealing.

I know that I have the capacity to be content in just about any situation. I also realize that the job I take now is only a steeping to a future, more ideal career. Yet, I think that leaving school and joining the workforce is going to be a difficult transition for me, especially if I end up in a minimum wage job working with unintelligent and difficult people.

Filling the diamond-shape mold: abandoning conventions

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At first glance, conforming and allowing yourself to be shaped into the person whom other people expect you to be – essentially another asinine, convention-worshipping drone – may seem like the simplest and most cost-effective option when it comes to functioning in and contributing back to society. But consider this: How will you feel five, ten, twenty years from now, sitting an a pocket-sized cubicle, hopelessly fighting deadlines, silently resenting your boss as he picks out new lines from his jar of criticisms, and mindlessly crunching numbers at your desk as you daydream about what could have been had you done this or forgone that?

Society provides us with a simplistic mold – a little white ice tray that produces sixteen uniform cubes of frozen water at a time. This mold is used over and over again, until it cracks and is replaced by another little white ice tray that produces sixteen uniform cubes of frozen water at a time.

However, society has failed to inform us that other opportunities do exist. Recently, I have been seeing more and more ice trays that deliver ice crystals in the shapes of diamonds, dentures, and sinking ships. I’ve witnessed ice cubes in a variety of colors and flavors as well, oftentimes made from fruit juices or alcohol. And then, of course, there is the ever-popular dry ice, which emanates an eerie and enticing billow of smoky mist. All of these are far more interesting that the common cubic block.

The majority of people seem to be content living life as standard blocks of frozen water; they don’t mind their nine-to-five jobs or sacrificing their personal dreams and aspirations in order to pursue the “American Dream” – a sad, twisted goal that somehow entwined selfishness and greed with an umbrella of societal objectives. Rather than encouraging individuals to embrace their own unique selves and use their personal gifts and talents to better the world, society seems to force people into a designated corner and ostracize anyone who tries to fight the norm.

How can people be content with this type of lifestyle?

I know that I can’t do it.

I tend to be a control freak, primarily when it comes to my own life. I have taken full responsibility for my future and any decisions I may make. Being micro-managed by someone who has no idea who I am and what I want out of life – someone who isn’t concerned with building me up and helping me give back – would be more than a little dust on my shoulder; it would be an anvil, an anchor, a ball-and-chain that would constantly hold me back and drag me into the depths and leave me gasping for air.

No, I can’t do it.

I think that mustering up a little bit of courage now can and will pay off in the grand scheme of things. Living the life someone else has prescribed to you often involves denying your true self and inhibiting your dreams from breaking the surface. The first baby step is  saying “I want to be a diamond-shaped, strawberry-flavored ice cube”. Although it may be hard when everyone else is trying to toss you onto the assembly line and force you into the standard – that simple base-line that will allow survival, but nothing more - this first step is entirely necessary.

Those with authority will try to pour you into a sterile and grim little cube – a tiny space with mockingly rounded edges that assure you that you’re different, that you are more than just a simple square filled to the brim with the simplest of substances. Don’t listen to them.

Life in a tiny cubicle may be satisfactory (and possibly even ideal) for some. However, don’t be afraid to turn your back on society and pursue those things which you value and which will add joy and meaning to your life. If you relate more to a shimmering diamond, a humorous set of fake dentures, or an ironic reference to the Titanic than to an ordinary ice cube then I would recommend taking that first step. Overcome any fears or inhibitions you may have. Remind yourself that society’s mold wasn’t designed for you. Recall that each ice cube, not matter how plain or extravagant, began as a puddle of water and will eventually return to its original form; it’s never too late to change your form, to change your life.

Personally, I think the fun-shaped ice cubes are neat. Ice cubes with fruit frozen inside are always able to elicit a brimming smile from my normally coyly pursed lips. I admire people who are brave enough to diverge from society’s norms without worrying about the consequences and people who relentlessly pursue their dreams.

If you feel trapped in your current situation or fear that you may someday sink into society’s ominous mold, consider taking a step back. Although some dreams may fit neatly into little white boxes, my guess is that far more do not. My guess is that yours do not.

I don’t know your situation. I can’t give you advice or dictate how you should live your life. You know what is best for yourself. Your choices may consist of forcing a crack in the mold, walking away from a current situation that is draining you energy, or simply pursuing new endeavors in your spare time. Regardless, new ideas, innovations, and ice cube trays all come from somewhere. If the life you want doesn’t fit nicely into a pre-made box, then I challenge you to begin a redesign – hearts, sharks, staplers, or diamonds: any will do.