EngineerHer

I mean, we all have these days right? Nothing appears worth it. And while, yes, we are professionals and yes, we have targets and goals and day-to-day and all the rest… there are times when it’s just all… not worth it.

Or feels like it anyway.

It could be because it’s been a long few weeks of frustrating roadblocks, or thwarted efforts to progress or whatever. It could be you’ve slept badly. It could be life in general isn’t great.

When it comes to work, though, we need to show up anyway on days like this. While, occasionally, the temptation to hide away from the world overcomes us all, most of the time, we still show up. Which is actually a really good first step. Here’s some more ideas to help on those days.

Dress a bit better than usual

Yeah, I know, the effort of dressing up when you’re just not feeling it is a lot. But really it can help. Even if you’re in overalls or a uniform or whatever, trying upping your underwear game on the days you just don’t want to be there. Just something to lift your spirits a bit.

Use the “good” shower gel

OK, this will really only work if you’re showering before heading into work. But, if you are – seriously, look at the good stuff you’re keeping for special occasions. Because no matter how often we all say, “oh yes, keeping stuff for good is a waste, cos they never come….”, we all still have that “special” bottle we’re keeping for good.

So, use the good stuff on the tough days!

Pick something easy to do

This is not the day to tackle the really difficult task. In fact, this might be the day to reach out to your on-house network (which you have already been developing, right?) This might be the day to clean up all those crappy jobs you’ve been leaving to one side. Maybe even the day to tidy your desk, sort out your filing system (hard and soft files!) and generally organise things.

Go for a walk

In most engineering departments and firms, there is the possibility of taking yourself off for a walk to “inspect” something. Honestly, I used to work someplace there was a nice, out of the way Nitrogen tank that required regular inspections. On particularly bad days, I’d inspect that damn thing 5 times a day…

There’s nothing wrong with removing yourself from a frustrating situation and getting some fresh air. Or even just some distance…

Promise yourself a treat for the end of the day

Chocolate is my go to. But there are loads of bribes you can offer yourself. A takeaway? Glass of something you fancy? Time with friends? Binge-watch your comfort telly? Go for a swim?

Whatever you really enjoy and get pleasure from doing – promise yourself that for the end of the day. Bribery works for a reason…

If things are really bad?

Cling on by gritted teeth. See how early you can leave today. Set a countdown on your laptop to see how long is left in the day. Stare into space for a while. Just do what have to do to get through the day. Then make sure that you get a good night’s rest and start afresh the next morning.

If the thoughts of any of this has you internally screaming that I don’t understand the weeks and months of horror, frustration, pain and suffering you have gone through? Get in touch. I do indeed understand that and honestly, there’s a limit to whatever anyone can endure before snapping. Come and talk to me before that happens!! info@engineerher.org is the best one to reach me on.

But for the odd days when you’re just not feeling it, try the above.