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Adjusting to the 9-5 office work life

T

Two Words

Member
I'll be starting my first full time office job as a software engineer intern over the summer. I worked a part time job over the Winter and Spring as a software engineer intern, but that was limited to 20 hours a week. I did work full time during the Winter break at this part time internship, and working long 9-5 shifts definitely felt....different. I could feel myself desperately wanting to leave around 2:00 PM. I enjoy the work, and I like what I am learning. I think I'm just not used to working long regular hours since I've always been a part time employee. Anybody have any tips on adjusting to long work hours?
 
Get used to it. Welcome to the real world. Be happy if you can support yourself on 40 hour weeks because tons of people out there are doing 50-60.
 
Take lunch somewhere else. Every day at noon I go to the coffee shop across the street and focus on my own things (writing,reading,etc.). Having that break in between the two chunks of time really made the 9-5 more bearable as I transitioned into it.
 
If you do enjoy the work you should be fine for the most part. If at all possible put lunch right in the middle of your day so you don't have that long afternoon stretch.

Get up and take a walk if you need to (and if it's culturally acceptable). It's a good idea to stand up and walk a bit every hour for a variety of reasons. Segmenting the day like that might help.
 
You'll get used it. This is the grind most non super rich folks need have embraced since civilization started.

Have something to look forward after work.

Take your lunch outside your desk. Desk eaters are a sad bunch.

Cultivate work friendships.
 
I mean, you just do. Best advice is to make sure to take your breaks/lunch and don't let people guilt you into working during those periods.
 
I think building some routines into your day is a good plan. Basically finding ways to break the day up and get back a little energy. It could be as simple as getting up and grabbing a cup of coffee or water mid morning just to get away from your desk for a few minutes.

Since you mentioned losing focus around 2pm that might be a good time to take a 10-15 minute break and take a brisk walk, it'll refresh you to get outside and get your body moving a little.
 
Over here it's 9-6, but you just get used to it. Take little breaks to break up the long hours whether it's to get coffee, look at the news for 5 minutes, or just talk to a co-worker for a few minutes before going back to work.

If you job is a bit flexible, ask to come in early and leave early. My previous job allowed me to work from 8-5 or even 7-4; I loved it.
 
I've always had to work 8 to 5 (or later). The first month out of college was a challenge for me, but once you start going to bed at a reasonable hour and take the schedule seriously, it become routine. Again, that was a big adjustment for me since I could easily stay up until 4 AM every night/morning at the time.
 
Memento_Mori15 said:
Over here it's 9-6, but you just get used to it. Take little breaks to break up the long hours whether it's to get coffee, look at the news for 5 minutes, or just talk to a co-worker for a few minutes before going back to work.

If you job is a bit flexible, ask to come in early and leave early. My previous job allowed me to work from 8-5 or even 7-4; I loved it.
Click to expand...

9-6? NYC right?

Man, I hated that. Technically I'm 9-5 now but I exceed a lot depending on my work load. But I hated 9-6 in principle.
 
it takes time but you get used to it. you also start doing a lot of private stuff at work or surfing aimlessly to pass the time.
 
Aye at least you aren't working the weekend. Also when you get to do a 6 hour day after getting used to the 8-9 hour schedule it'll feel so good. You'll leave energy it the wazoo.
 
I left good money so I could go to school to escape the office grind. Then my education meant shit to me. So I re-entered the culinary world. The moral? Don't worry where life takes you.
 
Two Words said:
I'll be starting my first full time office job as a software engineer intern over the summer. I worked a part time job over the Winter and Spring as a software engineer intern, but that was limited to 20 hours a week. I did work full time during the Winter break at this part time internship, and working long 9-5 shifts definitely felt....different. I could feel myself desperately wanting to leave around 2:00 PM. I enjoy the work, and I like what I am learning. I think I'm just not used to working long regular hours since I've always been a part time employee. Anybody have any tips on adjusting to long work hours?
Click to expand...

Software engineering?

Expect hours that are more like 10-6 or than 9-5.

Software engineers do not get to work early as a general rule.
 
It's just a thing you get used to with time. If you're hating every minute and watching the clock all day, though, you may want to try to find another job.

9 to 5 is a luxury, too. I do 8 to 5.
 
Talk to us when you start the 6-8 lab work life because you are trying to get your work published in a high impact journal.
 
Been doing it for about 3.5 years total.

it only gets slightly easier over time. get a side hustle. generate passive income. find a way out.
 
Set little milestones.

Like 1 hour until I go to the bathroom.

1 hour until lunch.

1 hour until X coworker leaves so X number of hours until I get to leave.

Etc...
 
Syriel said:
Software engineering?

Expect hours that are more like 10-6 or than 9-5.

Software engineers do not get to work early as a general rule.
Click to expand...
But then also you can expect 9-? during crunch times.. Probably not for interns, but I do hate the philosophy that because you can do your work from almost everywhere, you're expected to work at home more often (the upside to that is you can WFH more too though).
 
You get used to it.

8 hours really isn't that long of a workday. Goes by quick if you keep busy

I like to divide it up in my mind between pre lunch and post lunch chunks.

I take lunch 5 hours in, and then when I get back I just have 2.5 hours to go
 
Bsigg12 said:
This is me as well. In at 6:30, out at 2:30.
Click to expand...
More or less the same for me. In at 7, out at 3. All about work-life balance. Nothing more depressing than leaving for work in the morning in the dark and getting home at dark.
 
I never could get used to it, now I work remote.

EDIT: Totally agree with eating lunch out though, that helped when I was in an office
 
I started working full time for the first time this February. It's not too bad. Especially if you have stuff to do but aren't feeling rushed. My problem is getting used to no long vacation breaks. I was already working during the summer but got at least three weeks worth of complete freedom in between work and classes.

Gaz_RB said:
Take lunch somewhere else. Every day at noon I go to the coffee shop across the street and focus on my own things (writing,reading,etc.). Having that break in between the two chunks of time really made the 9-5 more bearable as I transitioned into it.
Click to expand...
Yes, having lunch cut my day in half makes me feel much better. Even if you bring your own lunch try to eat it somewhere else.
 
It's tough at first but eventually you'll get used to the schedule and can even sprinkle in going out during the weeknights and throwing gym in there as well.

Just be sure to not think that your weekends are meant to catch up on everything you missed out during the week. Relaxing and being lazy isn't a crime. Especially when it's still your first career job or internship.

Best wishes.
 
I was in a similar boat a few weeks ago after starting my first 9-5 (well 8:30 to 5 to be exact).

Most important thing so for IMO is try and get a decent sleep each night. Working after only getting 4-5 hours is crappy. You can totally do it, you'll just feel like shit.

Likewise dont sleep in too much on the weekends so your sleep cycle doesnt get jacked.
 
Software? 9am?looool. The earliest I go in is 10am and then leave at 4 or 5. Exempt of course. As long as I get the task done I am gone.
 
Take breaks, walk around, and socialize with co-workers. Use whatever benefits you're given (e.g. healthcare) to get out of the office from time to time. Some days will feel long. Others short. If all days feel long, you should re-evaluate your workplace.

We software engineers tend to become very attached to our work, and forget that we're workers with rights. I'm currently working 9-5 (with flex) in a highly unionized workplace, and it's the best thing ever.
 
go in early leave early is great advice, if its possible at your job.

i go in at 6:30 and leave at 3:30. I find that extra time when i get home to do what i want makes grinding away at work more bearable. it helps if you like the people you work with also.
 
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