How to make your 9 to 5 office work more enjoyable?

There is no shortage of internet articles proclaiming the end of the 9 to 5 working week. But,（41）the reality for many of us is that our job is hard work, repetitive and often not particularly interesting. If you have to trudge into the office 9-5, 5 days a week, these are some suggestions to make work less of a burden and more enjoyable.

Maintain good relationships with others

The problem with an office environment is that you have no choice of the people you work with.（42）If your relationships with these people sour, it can make work a real pain. Therefore, work hard to maintain reasonable relationships with your work colleagues. Don't harshly criticize others, even if they deserve it. Don't take criticism too personally. Avoid arguments with loud and obnoxious people. If you find it difficult to get along with someone, force yourself to remember some positive quality that person has—You may be surprised at how much the situation is improved.

Be detached from the stress of your company

Many Companies have ambitious sales targets and profit margins. A corporate philosophy such as this can easily create a pressured work environment for their employees. However, you should feel that it is not your responsibility to take on this stress.（43）Why should you needlessly suffer so that the company can pay a higher dividend to its shareholders? Do a good job, but don't feel obliged to sacrifice your own equanimity for the excessive demands of your company.

Don't feel guilty for problems that are not of your own making

One of the most difficult aspects of work is dealing with customer complaints. These complaints are often not your fault, but it is you who have to suffer.（44）It is important to remember that it is not your fault that your company is understaffed or trying to cut corners. In these situations we should never feel guilty, but, calmly and politely direct customers to the right channels for complaining.

Spend 10% of your time doing something productive for yourself

If work is boring there is a temptation to waste time reading, surfing the internet, and participating in unproductive social networking.（45）The situation is so commonplace that many employers resort to banning Facebook, etc. However, rather than surfing aimlessly why not do something productive? For example, developing a blog, and finding an alternative income source to your current job.