When we were young, our parents will definitely nag at us to study hard so we can land a good office job. An office job will be stable and provide a lot of benefits. While it is understandable that our parents do not want us to end up being a farmer or a construction worker (what’s wrong in an honest day of work?), I believe their intention (and beliefs) that a pen pusher in an air-conditioned environment is much better than a back-breaking work under the hot sun.
While this is fine, not all of us can perform well in an office job. For some, it is like a time bomb just waiting to gobble them up. Plus, in my opinion, a construction worker and a farmer have life skills that aren’t easily replace by someone strutting along with a top brand-name degree.
Want to know if you are not for a desk job? Here are the signs to look out for:
Sign 1: You feel like you are in prison or a cage when you are at the office
For people who are not fit for a 9-to-5 job, they definitely feel caged when they are around cubicles and desks. As time passes on, they will do everything they can to get out.
If you feel like you can’t stick around your cubicle or work desk every day, ask if you can work at home in regular intervals. You can also plan your day ahead to help you take breaks that will take you out of your office chair.
Sign 2: You don’t like going to work on a schedule
Another sign you should look out for if you are not suited for a desk job is if going to work on time and staying there until a set time makes you feel trapped. To you, your work schedule is non-negotiable and you can’t back out of it. Sometimes, you may even be asked to cover shifts, which can drive you insane.
If you are not really comfortable with a schedule, you do need to look into a new job that does not stick to a definite work schedule. You can also propose to your boss that you can do your tasks outside your given schedule. But, this must be done strategically because you may end up sounding pushy for your boss to consider.
Sign 3: Excel, Powerpoint and Word (or Numbers, Keynote and Pages) bores you to pieces
Many desk jobs deal often deal with looking at a computer and doing all sorts of documents. From spreadsheets to presentations, it is done. However, if you feel like you can’t focus on them well, its a sign that the job is not for you.
Wishing for these documents away is not going to happen no matter what job you have. There will always be a time you have to do one to complete your task. You can delegate or get some help on the ones you can’t do on your own. If you can’t find someone to help you out, ask if you can switch tasks with a colleague.
Sign 4: You prefer thinking outside the box
For people who do not like to be stuck in a cubicle or desk, you do not like to be told to think inside the box. You prefer exploring the possibilities and pursue ideas you can’t do while in the office.
If this is you, you can reach out to your boss and ask if you can pursue an idea. Show your proposal on how tasks can be done and get an approval. If your boss sees merit, then go for it. If not, find a way to pursue your idea and use it as a way to find a new job or start a new business based on that idea.
Sign 5: You want to be the boss
When you are at work, you often dream about being the one to lead the team. You want to sort the office to your configurations and develop it on your own. Sometimes, these daydreams are the only things that can get you going. You also find it difficult to listen to bosses, especially if you think they are asking too much of you.
Conclusion
If you check all the above boxes, then its a clear sign you need to shift jobs. It may be reckless to just quit, but if you can’t focus on your work, its better to find other ways to make a living.
A 9-to-5 job is not for anyone and if you are pressured to take one, don’t force yourself to do it. Find other jobs that will let you explore and help you build the dream career that you always wanted. There will never be a good time to pursue your ambition if you don’t make the first step towards it today.
Tell us in the comments below, what is your dream job? Share with us your passion.
For more pursue the passion articles, look at these: 12 Things You Can Do Today To Find Your Passion A Conversation About Passion, Work, And Our Impact On The World Cheers To the Passionate
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