Whether you love your job, hate your job, or need a job, work affects all of us in a pretty huge way. Maybe you need a little musical mid-week boost, maybe you just need something to listen to so you don’t have to hear your co-worker complain about how someone ate their strawberry yogurt. Whatever you’re looking for, this playlist has it. Get ready to work it.
1. Dolly Parton – Nine to Five
This working-class classic tells it like it is. Working is a grind, your boss takes credit for all your best work, but at least you’ve got steady pay and co-workers to commiserate with. It’s the musical equivalent of that Friday happy hour after a long week of meetings, emails, and battles with the office printer.
2. Britney Spears – Work
https://youtu.be/U9bPf_LVmHM?list=PLEVJ7uHVIZAHI6yKvJBNUXnBgK5ts7qda
Whether you have a full-time gig or you’re on unemployed and on the hunt, everyone gets burnt out from their daily grind. ‘Work’ is not only a banger, it reminds us all to strive for our full potential every day. Now get to work.
3. Billy Joel – Piano Man
Not only is this standard beloved by drunk karaoke patrons across the nation – it’s also a true anthem for anyone that’s ever worked a service job. While some might mistake the lyrics as sympathetic, any bartender or waitress knows the over-sharing regular all too well. Crank this ditty up the next time that guy with the ponytail that never tips starts talking about his ex-wife. Hospitality industry, we feel your struggle.
4. Donna Summer – She Works Hard for the Money
Next time your boss brushes off your idea only to take credit for it at the next company meeting, or your parents ask when you’re going to get a real job because they don’t recognize that part-time/side-hustle life – go home and dance to this song like you’re a misunderstood teen in an 80’s movie. It’s the antidote to feeling unappreciated.
5. Lou Reed – Don’t Talk To Me About Work
That feel when your friends and family won’t stop asking about your job search.
6. The Clash – Career Opportunities
Even when you’re desperate for work, there are probably certain jobs you’d prefer to others. Our jobs take up the majority of our lives, and we all deserve to do something that fulfills us. But if you’re working somewhere you can’t stand ‘cause you just need to make rent, we salute you. May this song strengthen your resolve and inspire you to find a better fit.
7. Bachman Turner Overdrive – Takin Care Of Business
https://youtu.be/1dSzaScsWh4?list=PLEVJ7uHVIZAHI6yKvJBNUXnBgK5ts7qda
Some days, it’s all you can do to finally stop hitting snooze on the alarm, put on some elastic waist sweatpants, and shuffle to the couch where you’ll spend the rest of the day snacking in front of Law and Order re-runs. But some days, when you’ve had just the right combo of coffee, multivitamins, and a rare good night’s sleep, you handle that to-do list and finish with enough time to make that Pinterest recipe you’ve had bookmarked for months. If that feeling were a song, it’d be Taking Care of Business.
8. Bruce Springsteen – Working on the Highway
This upbeat song has a surprisingly foreboding message – lose sight of your career goals and risk not only losing your dream goal, but also possible jail time. Ok, maybe the stakes aren’t this high for everyone. But if you’re looking to “lead a better life than this,” maybe start with a simple career change.
9. The Bangles – Manic Monday
Having a job is great for a lot of reasons. Our jobs give us money, maybe a bit of a social life, a way to stimulate our brains, and something to talk about on boring first dates. But sometimes our jobs make us crazy, and everyone needs to vent. Whether you’re heading off to work or up early scouring job boards for your next gig, this is the perfect jam to both console your Monday morning struggle and pump you up for your week ahead.
