My Guide to Having a "Big Girl"Job

Anyone who has talked to me or seen any of my social media knows that I started what I call my "big girl job". I drive to an office, I have a boss, real hours, my own responsibility, I am actually getting paid, and it is IN MY INDUSTRY. Granted I am on the very bottom of the totem poll and may only be here this summer, but it is a different kind of work than nannying all summer.

So here are some of my tips to surviving a "Big Girl" job.

Dealing with Snacks:

I don't know about where you work, but my office is STOCKED with snacks and some are healthy choices and some are really really not.

I find myself reaching for the yummy snacks I wouldn't buy for myself but this ruins my dream of eating healthy this summer SO my advice: instead of reaching for another snack FILL UP YOUR WATER. Honestly you should be peeing ALL. THE. TIME.

Reason 1) Water is good for you and you should be drinking 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water a day!

Reason 2) Most of the time you reach for a snack you aren't actually hungry - you are bored or have a false craving

Lunch:

This kind of relates to the last one, but I can't tell you how many times I have forgotten to eat lunch because I don't take a solid lunch break, don't want to go out and spend money, forgot to bring one, or just scavenge the office for food. The solution to this is having a SOLID plan of when you are going to eat and what you are going to eat, that way your "in-the-moment" self doesn't have to make a choice, but can rely on past you!

To do list:

Every job is different but how mine has been working is my supervisor gives me a list of things that need to get done, I finish them, then ask for more. My advice: go above and beyond. Finish the list then look around for what else you can do! Anticipate needs, get ahead of the next day, etc. Organize something, prepare something, go above what the bare minimum list says - it will go a long way.

Surviving the commute:

I like to schedule friend phone call catch ups for my morning and evening FOREVER long commute. When listening to music while tired, show tunes are GREAT because its a show, a story, it keeps you interested and you can easily sing along. I haven't tried yet but I know a lot of people like to listen to podcasts or audio books. I also like to take my morning commute to center myself for the day. Process life, say a prayer, take deep breaths - all these sorts of things. I also use my commute to drink my breakfast (Thanks Arbonne Protein Shake! #yummy) and my first fizz stick of the day so that 1) I can sleep a little longer and 2) I am ready to start as soon as I get into work.

**Remember a snack for the drive home!

**Pee right before you leave the house and right before you leave work!!!

The Perfect Desk:

My desk is currently a temporary folding table BUT I do have a list of things I think you need to be successful and ready:

1) Laptop and CHARGER (a device that you feel confident and comfortable using)

2) Phone and CHARGER (you need a phone charger - honestly it may be worth investing in a portable charging block - especially if you can't be plugged into a wall during the day)

3) A note book ( I know I know, old fashion you say "can't I just take notes on my computer" but here's the deal - 1) you retain it better when you write it down 2) it is so much more satisfying to cross something off then to delete it 3) It doesn't look as rude as typing on your phone or computer 4) They are cute and you feel professional 5) they don't die)

4) Reliable Pens and a Sharpie! (I also for some reason end up needing a sharpie - just get one of those double sided fine point and thick ones! Also you need 2 reliable pens one black the other doesn't matter - you will need them!)

Extra things:

-Extra bag of fizz sticks (seriously I cringe every time I see a co-worker reach for another red bull or soda)

-post it notes

-Gum/mints

-Headphones

-Personal calendar

-emergency girl kit

-easily pack-able and transportable bag

-Paper clips

So Many People:

My first couple days I met so many people and I did not retain their names to their faces and what they do for this company. So I started writing it down. If I knew the name existed, maybe I could connect it to the person! It has also been suggestion to associate the name with someone else you know who has that name. AND my biggest advice - say their name back to them and maybe twice if you have to.

Real interaction in the office:

Them: "Hi I'm blah blah"

Me: "Hi I'm Rachel, nice to meet you"

*conversation with the other people around the table*

Me: "Wait, I'm sorry I already forgot, what is your name?

Them: "haha, no worries - blah blah"

It is OKAY to ask again! Also listen around the office for what other people say hahaha.

Attitude:

There will be things you are asked to do that you just don't want to do. Or you may set something up and then be asked to take it down. Things change and things are needed and you just have to go along with it. What makes you different is your ATTITUDE about. No complaining, No sarcasm, and No excuses. Every day is a new day so come in with a smile. But also remember that every interaction is a new interaction - make the choice to take a breath before engaging and approach with a positive light.

I am constantly learning ways to do better at my job - that's another thing! Always be learning. If you aren't learning something new then you have either out grown your position or aren't trying enough. Each job is different. Some day I will have a Production Assistant Survival guide haha!

~Be You

Rachel