Nicole Williams wrote a brilliant guide for women who are searching for the career of their dreams. What makes Williams’ article unique is her direct, hilarious comparison of work-love to intimate love shared with another person. In this spirit, she adapts typical “love tips”—such as playing the field, accepting an arranged marriage, or rekindling an old flame—to the world of work and career.
The article’s fourth tip, “bring back the love” to an existing relationship (i.e. career), inspired me to make a list of things I can do, as an undergraduate History student in my fourth year, to spice up my academic life when the pressure of mid-terms and research papers are dampening my passion for my subject:
1. Read or write in out-of-the-ordinary places. Try the stairs, in the kitchen, in a cafe, in random places at the university, at different branches of the public library, etc.
2. Buy a toy related to a historical period or person. Go to a museum gift shop or a fancy toy store and find something zany and cute to put on my desk.
3. Rent a film. Historical dramas (e.g. Braveheart), comedies (like History Bites), or TV series (such as Deadwood, Rome, John Adams, etc.) will add a new dimension to my learning. This will help a lot since I’m a visual learner and I enjoy Mel Gibson.
4. Use candles and incense to enhance a mood. Citrus is refreshing, lavender is relaxing, peppermint stimulates the mind, and jasmine energizes.
