A surprising thing happened when I started down the path to quit my day job.

Instead of leading a less appealing life at work, I felt I actually thrived. My job turned into something more deliberate than delegated.

The confidence I gained knowing my time was temporary let me design a job I enjoyed more than ever before. With a shifted mindset, it was easy to tweak my routine.

Tables turned: What would happen if you gave yourself permission to quit?

I’ll bet you would:

• Never accept more work than you can handle.
• Speak up for ideas you believe in or think are a waste of time.
• Find ways to make your remaining time at work something you can actually stand.

So why wait? You can make the decision to start breaking up with your day job right now.

Or, if that life isn’t for you, you can still make the daily grind a little more deliberate and enjoyable. For starters:

Stop saying yes to everything. Or, say yes more slowly. Click the link to learn how.

Set limits and stick to them. I frequently turned off email at work so I could single-task, a productivity tip from the lovely Leo. It really worked. So did leaving the office at the same time everyday. The work will still be there tomorrow, but you can’t get back a night spent with your family.

Quit asking for permission to do everything. Take initiative to do things you think are a good idea – start a Facebook page, form an advisory board, meet a freelance writer for coffee to exchange ideas for the next magazine issue. Instead of asking permission, let your boss know what you’re doing and why. They’ll tell you if they prefer a different approach.

Listen to music. Pandora saved me from going crazy during the sitting, sitting, sitting that is cubicle life.

Take responsibility for your own moods. If you are in a creative slump, go for a walk around the building. Take a notebook into the breakroom and brainstorm a new approach to an old routine. Ask your boss for a new project or more responsibility. Try to delegate or quit the soul-sucking tasks.

Request a flexible schedule. My position allowed me to work from home two days a week, which only happened because I asked.  Here are some work from home benefits to consider:

• It increases employee moral.
• It is a benefit that does not cost the company money.
• Less gas to commute is kind for the environment.
• Quieter, cleaner work space.
• If necessary: Ability to increase productivity by x% due to less distractions.

Submit your request in writing and say “telecommute” instead of work from home. Next, design the details. What will your hours be? What technology will you need? Will your kids be home for any portion of the day? What will be expected if they are home sick? Finally, request a meeting with your supervisor to talk it over. If you can’t work from home, how about a compressed work week, job share or going part-time?

Be positive. Don’t be the Negative Nelly I-hate-my-day-job employee. There is just too much to be thankful for. For instance, the people, pets and hobbies you love.

Seek inspiration. I think reading sites like Zen Habits and The Happiness Project can make you a better employee. Don’t feel guilty getting an inspiration fix (for a few minutes) on the clock. Find your bliss.

Make sparks.

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Photo by bcmacsac1