When Have You Had The Most Fun At Work?
Have you ever had a job where it was simply fun to be at work? Where you caught yourself looking forward to getting there and almost dreaded days off because you had to go home? What was the attraction?
I asked that question as an afterthought in a class a few weeks ago and was bombarded with reactions! Some of the people started smiling at memories, others looked at me as if I was crazy, one person said he had felt that way about every place he worked but his current job was his all-time favorite. (I think his boss was in the room.)
I rephrased to get a better response: When have you had the most fun at work? That was the right question! Everyone had stories of times when work was the best it’s ever been. In the process of talking about those they made lists of common themes or situations that caused work to go past tolerable and even enjoyable, all the way to fun, fun, fun!!
- Working with close friends.
- Having a romantic relationship with someone at work. (I didn’t put restrictions on what they could list!)
- Having a close team in which everyone had a strong role.
- When the boss was also a friend, at least at work.
- Having enough work to stay busy but not so much as to be overwhelmed.
- Right after getting a promotion or going to a choice assignment. (That often didn’t last long!)
- Accomplishing something significant.
- Getting a lot of valid recognition for work.
- When everyone seemed to get along and there was no conflict.
- When there was a special project and everything came together easily.
If you’ll notice, there was no mention of a nice office or the most current technology, making a lot of money, or goofing off but still getting paid. Mostly, having fun at work involved relationships in one way or another and getting something positive accomplished.
Ask yourself the question. When have you had the most fun at work? Who was part of it? Enjoy those memories! Consider contacting the people you worked with at the time to tell them how much fun you had with them and that you appreciate their part in it.
Can you make your work more fun? Is there any way to recreate some of that fun in your current work, if you aren’t having fun now? You may not be able to create a situation in which you look forward to work and don’t want to leave, but you might be able to add fun, great relationships and memories to carry with you after this assignment or job is over. Give it a try and let me know how it goes.
The most fun place I worked: Here, in this same assignment on this same shift, only it was eight years ago. I was single (not complaining, but it made a difference) and we had a tight crew and a great boss. To me, this was like play instead of work. I still have the t-shirts we had made for our shift. Now you can’t people to even cooperate with a cake for a birthday. So, you’re right, it’s the people part I remember.
I think those ferrets look mad more than happy, but what do I know?
Comment by Mike | August 6, 2009
Sarasota Motors, 1988-1995. We should have paid them we had so much fun. I made life-long friends. It was a combination of friends and having a lady boss who treated us like we were her own kids. Good memories.
Comment by Eric Sandoval, Jr. | August 7, 2009
My most fun place was Grand County Fire Rescue from 1997-1999. It wasn’t even like work. Then one person left and was replaced with someone who was always getting upset about something and nothing was ever the same. All of us left after awhile.
I like your website and hope to meet you some day! Terry
Comment by Terry D. | August 7, 2009
Hi Tina! I think coworkers are important but the person in charge can make work heaven or hell. The person in charge can bring people together or make work so bad everyone becomes isolated in their own unhappiness. I’ve seen it happen several times.
Also, I wanted to tell you that yesterday I called someone I used to work with to tell him I had good memories of our time working together. He has been in ill health and he said the timing of my call was perfect. He was a great person to work with and I’m glad I got back in contact. So, thanks!
Comment by R.P. | August 8, 2009
OK, I’ll play. Laramie Wyoming, working for the city, 1978-1985. Without a doubt the most fun I’ve ever had. The people I worked with were my heroes then and still are. Our boss was a good guy but mostly let us run the show because he knew he could trust us. Are you going to tell what your most fun job was?
Comment by Wiseacre | August 8, 2009
Hello, I recently attended a Cops for Christ meeting in Albuquerque and they suggested we get your manuals on church safety and security. Thank you for your work in that area, it is needed.
I’ve enjoyed your whole site and wanted to make a contribution to the list of fun jobs. All work done for the Master is fun to me, but prior to entering the ministry I worked at a large dairy in the advertising department. Our office was among the most warm, encouraging and fun places I have ever been around. There seemed to be almost no territorial attitudes between people and both the managers and employees worked together as a close team.
God bless you in your work!
Comment by W.L.M. | August 8, 2009
Tina says: Thanks to all of you for your comments. I hope to get more on this topic! I changed the photo from the otters who looked a bit vicious to pigs frolicking in the mud. Probably the most realistic thing would be to have otters and pigs frolicking in the mud while looking vicious. 🙂
Comment by TLR | August 8, 2009
Howe Elementary, Pittsburgh, PA. It’s never been as much fun as it was then. Thanks for the great presentation at the JCAA event. My table agreed it was just what we needed to start this year!
Comment by TeacherMom | August 8, 2009
First, I don’t think things are as bad as Mike says here! (But I agree about getting people to cooperate.)
Second, my favorite time was when I worked as an intern for the Salt Lake City and County EMT program in 1997. I was just there for a year but I’ll never forget it. It was so much fun to be part of that group! I wish I could get a tenth of that fun into work now. If I think of a way I’ll write to you! 🙂
Comment by denisek | August 9, 2009
Working in the Crime Lab with Bob Nicolleti, 1970s-1980’s.
Comment by Nano | August 10, 2009
Tina says: Thanks again to all of you. I’ve sent emails to say hello.
Nano, everyone who ever worked with and for Bob Nicolleti has always had tremendously high praise for him. As a young officer I thought he was a scientist who was working for DPD in the crime lab, because everyone spoke of him with such deference! I understand he’s doing well and living in Arizona. Thanks for commenting!
Comment by TLR | August 11, 2009