When you're working a full-time job, finding time to enjoy the warm, bright summer weather can be a challenge. This is especially true for young professionals, as many of them are used to having summers off (or, at the very least, having a flexible summer schedule). But there's no need to feel trapped behind your cubicle walls. Go out and enjoy summer!
Here are a few tips for making the most of your summer while working full time.
1. Grab Some Foldable Chairs
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Keep a couple of foldable camping chairs at the office so you and a co-worker can catch some rays during lunch—whether it's in the park or the parking lot.
2. Keep A Beach Bag In Your Car
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Keep a bag full of summer supplies for your favorite summer activities. Having a bag (or, in my case, a backseat) full of towels, sunscreen, and swimwear keeps you prepared for anything. Friends hitting up the pool after work? You're covered. Once the clock strikes five, you can head to your destination of choice immediately.
3. Plan An Office Outing
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Plan an office field trip to the beach, the park, or the pool. Just do something fun so your brain can recharge and refresh!
4. Organize Group Walks
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Get a bunch of co-workers together and go on regular walks around town during lunch. (Or you could suggest a quick jaunt over to the ice cream shop.) This is a great way to get some fresh air, sunshine, and exercise.
5. Eat Lunch At The Park
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When you find yourself eating out, hit up places with a deck, porch, or patio of some sort. Obviously, eating out every day isn't really a feasible option for most of us, so look into alternative ideas as well. Pack a lunch and hit the park for your own little picnic.
6. Organize Office Sports
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Whether it's setting up an official office sports team or just hanging out with your colleagues a few times a week, playing sports is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather. Have a field nearby? Try setting up some slow-pitch softball games. Or see if you can get a basketball hoop for the office so you and a few co-workers can shoot some hoops at lunch.
7. Join A Professional Group
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During the summer, professional networking groups often have fun events like harbor cruises, pub crawls, and outdoor mixers. Find a professional group in your area and make networking fun this summer.
8. Have An Office BBQ
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Get your grill on! Talk to your boss about setting up an office BBQ. Ask everyone to contribute their favorite dish, side, or drink. Fire up the grill and relax! Hey, it's summer after all.
9. Wake Up Early
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Yes, yes, I know...waking up early is an incredibly painful and unbearable experience for some of us, but waking up even an hour earlier has its benefits—especially in the summer. Go for a morning run, putter around in the garden, or watch the sunrise with a loved one. Talk about starting the day off right!
10. Strategically Use Your Time Off
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Strategically use your vacation days around holidays. This way, you can make a potentially long weekend longer without having to use too much of your precious vacation time. Half days are also pretty awesome. It's amazing how much you can do with four extra hours! If you want an early weekend but don't want to burn up your vacation days too quickly, try taking a half day on a Friday instead of using a full day off.
11. Bike To Work
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If you're one of the lucky few who live within walking or biking distance of work, take advantage of it! Not only will you get plenty of fresh air, but you'll also save money on gas, which is always a plus!
There are plenty of easy ways to enjoy summer when you work a full-time job. So this summer, try out a few of these ideas and make the most of the sunshine and warm weather—while they're still around!
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I am writing a book about my career transition in 2006, that is still unfolding and developing. Through this reflective process, I am seeing so clearly transition is always in motion even if you are in the same industry and company for a long time.
When things outside of us change, we are changing too. Most times we are not even aware, unless it’s some tumultuous turn of events. I can remember being on such a high ride 1985-2000, while in broadcast radio. It was the best of times for business and our industry. It was fun, it worked for customers and clients and we all made money.
Subtly, things started to transition and change internally and externally: commissions, procedures, cut backs, smaller budgets, management, the economy, technology. They affected all of us, but we trudged on.
Transition to where it was going was already in motion. So, why don’t we pay attention to these early signs and shifts?
I could feel the “winds of change” pick up. Gusts of wind started blowing through our company. I was caught in the draft. After 20 plus years in media and 9 at the same company, I sensed impending big change. I wanted to ignore it, but it was hard to ignore the “cheese was moving.”
Who was I?
Sniff, Scurry, Hem or Haw?
At first I was Sniff-Hem. I was investigating other opportunities, but pining over that I was. Then, I became Sniff-Scurry and was eager to go out on my terms and find new cheese. I knew who moved my cheese! I knew it was time to move on. I was ready for the next adventure in my life.
Why can’t things stay the same I thought?
Because they can’t and they don’t.
I have learned to pay attention to and trust my instincts. When I announced I was leaving, people told me I was ‘out of my mind.' I smiled and said, "Maybe, but it’s going to change anyway.” It did, big time.
Enjoying this article? Here are 9 flawless reasons to subscribe to our blog.In looking back on this 4 year transition, I have learned 4 truths that have helped me keep the faith and keep going.
1. It’s never too late to transition. [Vision]
2. Don’t be afraid of change. [Courage]
3. Believe in who you are and the value of what you do. [Self-esteem]
4. Set yourself up to be successful by doing whatever it takes. [Perseverance]
What are some of the things you have learned during your transitions?
We are always transitioning, even when we are stable. Flowing with transition and making good things come out of it is a highly valued skill these days.
Deborah Shane is the Chief Motivator, Educator and Catalyst of the professional development consulting company, Train With Shane.Read more » articles by this approved career expert | Click here » if you’re a career expertPhoto credit: Shutterstock
