Keeping the Fresh, New Feeling In Your Job
That Fresh, New Uniform Feeling
In 1972 or so, women officers on the Denver Police Department were given navy blue shirts to replace the white Ship and Shore blouses we had worn with our skirts prior to that time. In a few months, the skirts changed to pants (men’s pants, which didn’t fit very well, but which worked until we got women’s style pants later.)
You can almost see me saying, “Take my picture!” I was thrilled to have that crisp, new shirt and could hardly wait to get to work. Most of us have had that feeling about work, at some point. Sadly, it goes away quickly for many people and occasionally is hard to dredge up, even for the most motivated. Here is a way to freshen your thinking:
Tomorrow, pretend it is your first day on your job. Wake up excited to start, just as you did on whatever date you started. Get to work and organize your desk or supplies or locker or whatever you work with. Look around at your work space as though you are new and getting things set up, just-so. Think about your salary and having steady employment and how much better that is than looking through the Employment Ads.
Whatever benefits there are about your workplace, notice them and appreciate them fully. Coffee machines, vending machines, kitchenettes, clean bathrooms, supplies, heating and air conditioning, are relatively new features in workplaces. Not all office workers have them and no one who labors outside has those niceties.
Of course, that won’t make the problematic coworker become pleasant and it doesn’t change some of the stressful situations, but it can help you think about the alternatives.
The bottom line is this: Now and then, metaphorically, put on your fresh, new, navy blue shirt and be happy to have a place to go to work.
I pretended it was my first day at work and decided to quit before I became more miserable. Ha ha! Just kidding and getting back at you for the times you’ve gigged me. Good article and nice pins! B.G.
Comment by notadonutfan | November 12, 2014
I think this is an excellent idea and I’ve shared the link at my work in a public school where it’s easy to forget why we started in the first place. You’re a very admirable person, I can tell. Thank you for your service!
Comment by Jan | November 12, 2014
What a fun photo and a creative way of using it!! I have already started appreciating some things to offset my gripes about work. You’re so right though, if they said I was fired I’d beg them to keep my job, so I guess I don’t hate it so much after all. Good thoughts!
Comment by Rita J. | December 9, 2014
I didn’t realize regular women patrol officers wore skirts like that, especially in Denver. I think I would have gone on strike.
Comment by Jan | January 9, 2015