Do you have fun while working? You may call what you do for a living a job, you may call it a career, you may call it an occupation, you may call it a lot of things, but do you have fun at least some of the time at whatever it is you do to pay the bills?
Let me tell you a little story and give you an illustration of something that I have seen in the past that has me thinking about enjoying my job regardless of whatever I’m doing.
Have you ever seen a Sign Spinner? Can you visualize these highly energetic people that I’m talking about? These are those people that are placed outside of a business (usually a small business) that have a large sign with a message directing potential customers to visit the business they are representing. A Sign Spinner is somebody that is actively engaged in encouraging people to find out more about what the business has to offer.
These Sign Spinners are simply completing the task of spinning a sign and attracting attention… that’s it! They are doing what their title is – they are spinning a sign. They are often dancing, they tend to have a lot of exaggerated movements, they generally wear bright clothing and they almost always have a big bright smile. I even saw one of these Sign Spinners one time singing! They look so happy and they appear to be truly enjoying themselves.
It’s fun to watch these sign spinners as some of the tricks they do with their signs are pretty amazing. And now the folks watching are aware of the business behind them. The attitude and the skill of the Sign Spinner has worked.
Only the self-absorbed or completely oblivious wouldn’t notice the positive attitude and energy of these Sign Spinners. The funny thing about these Sign Spinners is they probably don’t get paid a lot of money. For whatever reason, they have embraced their task at hand and see it as more than an occupation but a mission and a passion.
Chances are, this person did not wake up one day and say, “I think I’d like to be a professional Sign Spinner.” Or, maybe they did, I don’t know. It really doesn’t matter. They are owning what they are doing at that given moment and are making the most of it.
So, what does this have to do with running an online business? Well, I’m glad you asked!
Working in any field of business, whether it’s your own business or you’re working for someone else, is not always going to be fun. It’s going to be work and sometimes work is difficult and challenging. I know I don’t have to speak about this much as we’ve all been there.
Jobs are sometimes difficult for a number of reasons. Sometimes we have a poor leader, sometimes the task is challenging, sometimes we are not properly trained to do the job, sometimes we really just don’t want to do the job and sometimes we’re just having a bad day. What I have discovered over the last 30 years in leadership positions is that it is not always the job that is difficult, but sometimes our approach and our attitude towards the job.
Just like the Sign Spinner in my example above, I have been around employees making a significant income who have been miserable. And they seem compelled to spread their misery to their fellow coworkers. I have also been around employees in organizations making a very low wage who are happy and content to do what they do every day, and they too have a contagious energy among their peers.
Some jobs are perceived by the worker as menial and mundane. On one occasion I was talking to an employee who was very dissatisfied with her job not because of the job but her negative self-talk thinking that she did not make a difference.
We sat down over a cup of coffee in my office and discussed her job. Yes, it was one of the lower paying jobs that we had at the organization, a job that required some skill but not advanced education and a job that not a lot of people wanted.
However, I drew it out for her on a white board and showed her how her “small” job influenced the entire company. When I showed her how her task supported the mission and vision of the company, she was shocked. I was able to show her that if she did not do her job, even though she perceived it as being insignificant, the company would potentially suffer, even to the point of staff not being paid. She had no idea just how important her job was at the company.
I followed up with her approximately a month later and she was one of the happiest employees we had at the facility. She made it a mission to make sure that she did her job as best as she possibly could. She changed her outlook and mindset. After a short time, she was promoted to a Team Lead and received a nice raise. I have shared this story many times as I talk about employee satisfaction and company culture.
It never ceases to amaze me how many times people think that what they are doing is not important or, as I said before in this example, insignificant. Thats rubbish! YOU are valuable! YOU can contribute! YOU are significant!
Every task is significant. Every job is important. Every person has value and has something to offer! When I first started this online business I had no idea what I was doing. And for the most part, I’m still learning. It is difficult at times and it is often confusing.
As I mentioned in my last blog post, it is easy to go into a slump until something happens that gets you out of that slump. When I look at the big picture I am proud to know that what I am doing does provide value to my customers. That makes all the difference to me.
As the owner of this online business, I am responsible for everything. And, I like it that way! Said another way, I am responsible for my own success and I choose to embrace that responsibility. However, if I can be totally honest, sometimes it is not fun. Like when you lose your data as I’ve discussed before, or the systems fail, or you’re perceived as something you are not by those that do not support what you are doing, etc. It can be a challenge to stay motivated.
But just like that sign spinner I’m going to embrace my job and do the best I possibly can. I’m going to remember why I am doing this job and the benefits that it will produce. I am confident in this program and its success has been proven time and time again. I’m going to make it 
fun. I’m going to find things that are enjoyable about my job and hang on to those things when times are tough.
For example, during the day I love to joke around, I love to playfully tease my pretty wife, play with my grandchildren and tell a whole lot of bad dad jokes as is evident by how I end each blog post. Seemingly, none of these things have anything to do with my business. But they do! They absolutely do! They help shape my attitude and how I approach things so that when I turn on my computer and I start to work and I communicate with my potential customers, I’m in the right state of mind to assist them in becoming successful. That is what will make me successful. I am choosing to have fun at work!
Owning your own business allows you the opportunity to do things that you would not normally get to do if you went to a regular 9 to 5 job. I can’t count the number of times I was able to drop what I was doing to play with my grandchildren when they popped over for a quick visit or chase my dog around our house or do a number of other things just because I have the flexibility that I’ve longed for my entire career. Am I making the income that I made at my former job? No, not yet, but I am certainly on my way.
Another good part about that is I have control over when I work, how I work and earning potential – not someone else. On my website in the About Me section I introduce myself with this statement that I truly believe and I truly own – “To me, success is not determined on what I have, but who I am, what I represent, what I can give back and how I can serve.” If I live that statement the money will come but more importantly, I will be content and I will sleep well at night knowing that I’ve done my best.
Yes, I give myself permission to have fun at work! Completing whatever my task is, whether it be perceived as incredibly important or perceived as just spinning the sign trying to get someone to come to my business. I will enjoy it and I will make the most of my situation.
Let me ask you a very serious question. Do you give yourself that same permission? I hope you do! If you don’t, I hope you get to a point where you are able to enjoy what you are doing regardless of your situation.
My wish for you is that you will be the best Sign Spinner ever in whatever you choose to do in business and in life!
“A day without laughter is a day wasted—especially at work!” – Charlie Chaplin
“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.” – Mary Poppins
And of course, a few VERY BAD Dad jokes:
How do construction workers have fun at work? They “raise the roof”
Why don’t accountants ever have fun at work? Because they always find things too taxing!
Until next time, STAY FRESH, Friends!
**If you are curious about this process and wish to know more about an affiliate marketing business, please subscribe to my newsletter here to learn more. And please continue following my blog. My hope is not only to create the freedom I so long for but pass on what I have learned to others who have similar aspirations.
I love this! Every year around tax season, a person dressed up as the statue of liberty stands outside the tax office dancing as they hold up the sign for the business. Here in Pennsylvania, it’s cold in March and April, so dancing warms the body even as it releases endorphins.
As we bring value to those we serve, we also serve our own need to make a difference. Content creation is a worthy contribution to the world! We just need to focus on the thing and avoid distraction! Each new day is an art-form waiting to be expressed in our own unique way.
You have mastered your own unique approach and we all love it and you!!
Hi Kate – It really is fun to see these people all dressed up and enthusiastic about what they are doing. They really are doing a great service for the business that they are promoting. Your comments about value are spot on, in my opinion. We do need to make a difference and a contribution to the world. Avoiding distractions is a challenging thing and sometimes a distraction is good but it’s best to stay focused especially one running your business. Thank you for your very kind comments about my approach. I decided a long time ago to just be me. Have a great week, Kate!
Ernie as an Accountant I do find things taxing at time. Thank goodness my filing season just ended. I truely enjoy meeting all the people and see how their lives have gone over the past year. Very clever using the sign spinner to raise the roof on our blogging activities. Here here.
Hi Scott! I do find those sign spinners very clever on how they generate interest or at least some sort of observation to a business that I would have never noticed unless they were doing their thing. I guess that’s how we get ahead it’s getting other people to notice us. Thanks for your review and comments on my post and have a great week!
Hi Ernie,
The way you described the Sign Spinner really got me thinking about how much our attitude can change how we approach our work. Your story about helping that employee realize her value really stood out to me, so many people don’t realize just how important their role is, and it’s amazing how a mindset shift can make such a huge difference.
I also love how you’ve talked about the flexibility of running your own business. Being able to take breaks to spend time with your family or just enjoy the freedom that comes with it is something I can totally relate to. It’s clear you take pride in what you’re building, and even when things are tough, your focus on finding joy in the process is so inspiring. Thanks for sharing this, it’s exactly the kind of reminder I needed today!
Meredith
Hi Meredith – YES! You and I are totally on the same page in reference to attitude and mindset. This is one of the things that we can totally control yet we let outside influences control how we think about things rather than just doing the things we know we should do. That was just a lot of words I said instead of just saying be mindful and do what you know what is right. I do love the flexibility of this business and can’t wait until I have more of it so that I can continue to do the things that I want to do. You for your visit to my post and I wish you a very productive day and week ahead!
I love how you shared that story and tied it into having fun at work! It’s so true that even the smallest jobs or tasks can have a huge impact, and just changing how you look at things can really turn it around. Comparing running a business to being a Sign Spinner is genius! It shows that even when things get tough, finding joy and embracing every part of the process is key. This blog post has really motivated me, thank you Ernie.
It’s super inspiring that you know how important it is to enjoy the journey while also seeing the bigger picture, even when things feel small or hard. You’re showing how passion, ownership, and keeping a positive vibe can lead to both happiness and success.
You’ve got such a great mindset, no wonder you’re smashing your goals!
Hi Sarah – YAY, I am so happy to see when you visit my blog post! I truly appreciate your comments and your sincerity. I do try to have a lot of fun during the day and do try to make the most of my time. These sign spinners are a reminder that it is possible to have fun no matter what you are trying to accomplish. Just wish I had their energy… ha ha ha! Thank you for your wishes and for your friendship. I wish you a fantastic week!
Hi Ernie,
Great post and so true! We tend to look at some jobs as menial. I don’t know about you, but if garbage collectors decided to stop doing their job, you’d see a city start to have some serious stinking issues!
I’ve always loved the work I’ve done – mainly because of the great mentorship I’ve been blessed to have in pretty much all of them.
It does get complicated when you do your job and upper management “forgets” to tell us how good of a job we do and how important it is to the good functioning of the company.
Hi Marc – I hear you and agree with your thoughts on mentorship. A lot of people get mentorship confused with leadership. It can coexist if you have the right person with the right mindset willing to not only lead but mentor. It does get complicated when upper management does not realize what they have in an employee. Rather than mentor and lead the employee, some of these managers just don’t see and cultivate the potential right in front of them. Thank you for your thoughts and have a great week!
You always come out with the most amazing stories to compare affiliate marketing with. The sign spinners – just brilliant. I always think they are so animated cos they’re bored but your take on it has opened my eyes.
Hi Andy – You are too kind! I do like coming up with stories and trying to compare them not only with my business but with other aspects of my life. It truly is how I communicate most of the time and sometimes it drives my family nuts. But hey, that’s just me and I’m going to do me. I hope you’re having a great week and I look forward to not only reading your posts as I follow you but also watching your success!
Ernie, yes – it was the Best Darn Team. Oh I didn’t mean that team…yes in 1979 I was part of the best darn team at a Burger King. But more so, I’m talking about the career I had as a reporting specialist – and man did we have fun! Almost daily there was chit-chat over the cubicles while we got our work done and done well. And I place responsiblity for that positive attitude on all of us on the team as well as a most excellent leader. He lives in Texas now BTW.
This is a mighty fine pep talk that you laid out – this whole blog post. And I’m proud to call you friend and colleague. Please take no offense but it gives me great pleasure to pay you back for putting me in the four figure club. And I’ll continue to work to be the best darn sign spinner and in time – revel in both of our successes.
Hello Friend! Yep, having fun at work is not only important but… fun! Why not and why not be proud of enjoying your home away from home, right? Having cubicle buddies like you makes the day go by a lot faster and a lot more enjoyable. I’m a big fan of appropriate banter in the workplace as I do believe it fosters teamwork and camaraderie. I am also proud to call you a friend and a colleague and I can only imagine that you can spin a fantastic sign. Thanks for your visit to my blog post and wishing you a very successful and productive day and week!
What a refreshing and motivational post! Your analogy of the Sign Spinner is a perfect metaphor for how we can all approach our work, regardless of what it is. It really highlights that it’s not always the task itself, but our attitude and mindset toward it that makes the biggest difference.
It’s easy to get bogged down by setbacks, but maintaining a playful, open attitude—as you’ve done—can make the journey much more fulfilling.
Thanks for this.
Hi Eleanor – Thank you for your visit to my blog post and for your nice comments! You make a good point in that it’s not just about having fun but it’s about having the right mindset and attitude. If my attitude is in check and in the right place it makes it that much easier to have fun and makes it easier to seek out the fun in my work. You are right in that it is easy to get bogged down by anything that is uncomfortable, but sometimes playing around a little bit helps to ease the tension. Thanks again for your visit and have a wonderful week!
I definitely give myself permission to have fun at work. I know that most people in the world, and throughout history, have had very little choice in what they do. They have to make the most of it. But there’s a small group of people, and I’m very lucky to be one of them, have a lot of choice and a lot of opportunity. We may not always be able to do exactly what we want, I don’t. But even if nothing changes, my life is pretty great, and I know I need to appreciate and enjoy it right now.
Hi Nathan – This is so great! I’d love to hear that you are content, that you have fun and that you appreciate life! I wish more people would have that same mindset and attitude. You’re post not only helped to make my day but gave me hope that there are more people like you who appreciate and enjoy life! Please continue to have a wonderful week and thank you for your visit and for your comments.
Hi Ernie,
We should always embrace fun, no matter what kind of work we do. Attitude does change everything!
I tend to feel bad about some of the jobs I had in the past, as they were not as important, but I also notice that someone with a smaller role can impact other employees who might have roles with bigger responsibilities. we are all connected.
It definitely makes me think about how I can bring more joy into my own workday! Thank you.
Hi Alberto – I agree, fun should be embraced! Of course, there’s a time and a place for everything but if we can’t find the joy in what we do we must ask the question, “is it really worth it?” Thank you for your visit to my blog and for your comments. I’m glad to see you here and I also enjoy reading your blog posts. Have a great weekend!