by Amanda on August 13, 2009

Those of us that are lucky enough to work in a creative environment are the envy of many office bunnies and often make us 9 to 5ers question our career choices. I think if you are lucky enough to have turned your love/passion/hobby into a reality that you are someone who can teach us all a thing or two about life and taking risks.

I thought I would ask a few clever people who have made the move to share some of their stories with us, but also I want to share with you ways in which you can find creativity in your everyday.

Ways to beat the 9 to 5 blues:

Make time before you head out the door to do what you love if only for 10 minutes:

• sketch what your morning hair looks like.
• take a photo of your breakfast and morning coffee.
• sit and stare at your favourite piece of art hanging on your wall.
• sing along to your favourite song as a morning pick me up.
• write your love or child a little love letter to cheer them up throughout the day.
• catch up on some of your favourite inspirational blogs and sites.

On your way to work you could:

• walk through the park instead of catching the bus.
• ride your bicycle and feel the wind in your hair.
• stop in at your favourite cafe for breakfast and read a novel.
• pick some flowers to sketch/photograph in your lunch hour..or give them to a co-worker and watch them smile.
• sing along to every song on the radio whilst stuck in traffic and when someone notices you, smile and keep on singing.

At work:

• Take a journal and write down your thoughts throughout the day.
• Throw your creative ideas on the table during meetings. You never know what may come of it.
• Start a book/music/writing club with co workers.
• Add a bit of your personal style to your work outfit whether it be through a splash of colour or some gorgeous shoes.
• Seek out other like minded people and discuss things you have in common other than work.
• Have themed morning teas.
• Change around your office space. My office is a class room and I make sure it is colourful, inspirational and pretty for the kids as well as myself. I’d go nuts sitting in a grey office all day!

Now depending on your job, there are some ways in which you could bring your love/hobby into your career. I teach Year 1 students and the way in which I have brought my other love into my career is by being the school photographer. I shoot all our school events and often shoot the kids whilst they work for the school newsletter and photo slides that I make up. Through this I’ve actually had a few of my photographs printed in the local papers.

I work with the student media team and teach them how to use the school cameras for their student newsletter. It’s all very rewarding. I’ve also brought photography into my classroom by using it to teach writing. The kids love it!

Perhaps you could use your talents to help with office newsletters and presentations. People have so many more talents than just the job they do from 9 to 5. Get the courage to ask your boss if you could share some of your other talents at the office!

How have you shared your talents with your workplace or co-workers?

Read Keri Smith’s Ways to Infuse Your Work with Your Personality

p.s. The cupcake, vintage and whispy Polas are now available in my print store.

Related posts:

1. Ways To Explore Writing With Kids
2. CREATIVE EVERY DAY
3. Ways To Inspire Kids To Love Books

Categories: Cafe Life, Creativity, Photography
Tags: Creativity, Working