Is Dolly Parton still right on?

In “9 to 5”, Dolly Parton sings about being “just a step on the boss man’s ladder” and how the work world is “all taking and no giving.” In Joni B. Cole and B.K. Rakhra’s new book, “Water Cooler Diaries,” the reader gets a glimpse at a day-in-the-life of 35 women whose jobs range from “orthopedic surgeon” to “voice-over actor.” These 9 to 5 chronicles present a diverse perspective on a variety of professional experiences, and I loved not only reading about the range of responsibilities and roles, but hearing such different and revealing views on careers. While there are plenty of disgruntled employees, there are also many who truly thrive in their work environments.

While reading these accounts, it’s hard not to imagine what kind of day you might jot down if given the opportunity. Like many people, my days vary so much that there’s never a ‘typical’ day (that was even more true when I was a middle school teacher—adolescents have a wonderful way of defying expectations!). In my current role, I’m neither a career counselor nor a recruiter, so I love hearing how people who are in those professions spend their time.

If you’ve time and inclination, jot down a snippet about an hour in your day. Hopefully your account won’t include the dripping-with-sarcasm line: “working 9 to 5, what a way to make a living...!?”