The other day I was thinking about how many years of work I have left until I can retire. I became slightly depressed at the thought of working 38 more years (assuming retirement is at 67 for me). Then I thought about the next 38 years at my cubicle. It's not a very comfortable set up. So I scheduled an appointment with the ergonomic specialist at our work.
Mrs. Ergo viewed my setup and gave me some tips. She also ordered me a sweet new chair. The one I currently have must be from about 20 years ago and is terribly uncomfortable. And ugly. I might have to lock it up at night with a bike lock. Nice things tend to disappear.
Next she asked about my mousing habits. This is where I really needed some help. I'm always reaching for the mouse and it causes my shoulder and back to hurt. So she suggested I try learning to mouse with my left hand. I've been left mousing now for 2 work days. It feels pretty weird at first, but I'm getting pretty good at it.
Next she asked about my laptop and how I carry it. I am currently using my backpack, but starting end of June I'll need that for school. SIDE NOTE: I got into the Seattle U MBA Program! Yay! Back to laptop. So anyway, she is going to order me a special laptop backpack.
I had no idea that my company even offered these kind of cool work accessories. I suggest to all my friends to ask their work about getting ergonomic workstations. It sounds weird, but a lot of long-term injuries come from sitting at our desks for 40 years. So do it now.
