Reviewed/Written by Craig Hoffman 
My long work day got the best of me one late evening. I spent a good number of minutes griping to my lovely wife. I complained about my company, my boss, my coworkers, and even my lunch. 

“What would you like me to do about all that?”
“I don't know. Sympathize? Empathize?”
“What difference would that make?”

“Heigh-Ho”- The Seven Dwarfs, Disney (1937)

Workers around the world can relate to this classic tune. The daily slog can get the best of even the most dedicated of employees. 

Home Is Not The Office

Years ago, it was difficult for me to separate work from my home life. For the record, I have a good job. That is a rare thing in Japan these days. Trust me, there are tons of people in Japan who struggle to make it every month, especially in these tough times. I know I am fortunate. But, boys and girls, I work for my moola.

It is a grind I used to bring home with me every evening. But, this is not a whiney post expecting sympathy from you. Working hard is the reality of modern Western life for just about everyone not named Bill Gates.

“Take This Job And Shove It”- Johnny Paycheck (1977)

Despite all the trouble in the world, there are tons of jobs in America these days. There is no better time to likely walk up to your boss and break into this classic song. But make sure you do have another gig lined up first.

Work, Work, Work

I tended to bring my work (issues, drama, and frustration) home. It annoyed my lovely wife and family to no end. So I stopped talking about my work life. That made my family happy. But there was a problem. I was a mental marshmallow on the inside. 

Constant thoughts of work made my home life difficult to enjoy. It took a fair amount of effort to hide my distress from my loved ones. Thankfully, I am an easy going guy, so I was able to control my emotions. Plus, a cold beer now and again didn’t hurt either. 

“9-5”- Dolly Parton (1980)

The definitive anthem for working people everywhere. Although these days, it is tough to pay the bills here just working “9-5.” Perhaps, it is time to write a new song titled, “The Work Day Never Ends.” 

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

Still, I remember looking in the mirror one morning and thinking,“This is it?”
And my reflection said, “Yes.”
As my reflection; like my greying hair, escaped down the drain.

“She Works Hard For The Money”- Donna Summer (1983)

Sadly, many people still look down on people who have service jobs. It’s important to remember that not everyone ends up a doctor, lawyer, or even with their dream job. Hard work is to be applauded, and the struggle to keep the lights on every month appreciated.

Time To Ask Better Questions In Life

I went in search of a better way. I read a great story about a dedicated family man who worked hard for his wife and family. He crushed himself at his job. But he also was a content husband and father at home. I envied him. His secret?

Every evening, he would symbolically hang his work problems outside his door like a wet umbrella. Then, the man would enter his home to focus on his wife, family, and personal happiness. It seemed stupid. Still, I had nothing to lose. So the next day, I did the same. And it worked.

“It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere”- Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet (2003)

Drew Carey once said, “Oh, you hate your job? Why didn't you say so? There’s a support group for that. It’s called everybody, and they meet at the bar.” 

These days it’s difficult to hang out at such places, but there will soon come a day when disgruntled working stiffs everywhere will be drinking together again!

Big Changes Over Time

Slowly, I talked less about work, and I spoke more to my wife and family. Too, I found time to do “all the writing” I had been dreaming of doing. To be sure, it did not make my job some amazing career for me. 

Make no mistake, I grind away. I have about 12 hours of work and travel ahead of me today. That’s reality here for most people who want to eat more than cup ramen for dinner. Yet; I take solace that my daily grind now starts and stops at my door.

Final Thought: Having a good job!: 5/5

Craig Hoffman is a music graduate of Ohio Northern University and The University of Akron School of Music. He also serves as the Icon’s Japan correspondent.