Not very long ago I worked in a job where it only took 15 minutes by car each way to and from work, door to door (and not just on a good day – I go against the traffic). Recently, I’ve been working in the city, and the commute is 45 minutes each way, door to door (and that’s if there isn’t some delay with the trains).

In essence I’ve lost about an hour each day, an hour where I would previously have done my gardening or made dinner. That one extra hour per day, considering your average 8 hour work day, works out to be 12.5% more time that you’re spend as you “go about your business” so to speak, even if it’s unproductive (reading or playing games while on public transport notwithstanding).

Think about that if you’re looking for work, and consider whether it might be worthwhile finding a job closer to home, even if it pays 12.5% less. You might find that the personal dividends well worth the sacrifice in monetary terms.

Fashion has got to be one of the most glaring evidences of the great gender divide. Men’s clothes are the so bland: watch a Hollywood red carpet and compare the styles and colours of what the ladies are wearing vs. the men. Wow. A variation on the suit. With colour *rah*.

Like so with work attire. Nothing says “business is boring” like a room full of men in pants and jackets, so why do we persist with it day in, day out? It’s possible to demonstrate professionalism and show respect for the workplace while dressed in something that reflects your personality – just ask a woman!

Granted, this advice won’t be possible for everyone, but seriously consider it if you don’t work in a client-facing role in your organisation. Check with your boss to see whether you can go mufti, even if it’s just Fridays.

In hot weather you could wear a comfortable short-sleeved shirt, then the office won’t have to have the aircon at “freezing” (women can leave their cardi’s at home); plus there’ll be less ironing, which saves time and – in some small way if this idea catches on – the environment (from reduced energy costs).

How much easier would your life be if you didn’t have to wear a “penguin suit” to work?