20 Inspiring Songs For Your Work Week

The office could get boring. Who hasn't had a day where they slept at their desk or felt like they were going crazy from monotony? Or maybe you're dealing with difficult people and you need the motivation to keep going on.

Regardless of the reason you are looking to build a playlist, music is power. It can change your mood, bring old memories back, and serve as a form of self expression. You may not be able to always speak your mind, but a good tune or two can lift your spirits until you can. This list will keep you running forward until Friday night.

1. Unstoppable By Sia

If your boss is giving a hard time, this song will remind you that those who do what it takes always see the reward at the end. Even if it's not the boss, this tune can apply to any situation giving you a hard time. You may not be able to say, "I'm invincible" like Sia sang, but your determination to go forward can be invincible. That must start today.

2. I Can by Nas

This beat reminds us we can do anything we set our mind to. It also tells us it's not easy, and everything we worked for can easily be thrown away. The lyrics are directed at the young, but they are still relatable for the old. It reminds us we don't have to pretend to be something we are not. We, in fact, just have to work hard at what we want and not keep up with the Joneses.

3. 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton

This song is from the classic movie, 9 to 5. Even if you’ve never watched the movie, the song is still relevant. It's all about the daily grind and how companies don't care and so is the movie. The movie and the song hits the working life right on the nose. We work all day for rich people who don't care. The lyrics tell us the following truth:

"It's a rich man's game. No matter what they call it and you spend your life putting money in his wallet."

Yep, that's reality.

4. Re-Imagine by Sarah Ragsdale

This song is about the possibilities for our world. You don't have a lot of power on your own, but you can change your own little section of the world. First, you need to imagine how things could be again. Without a vision, how will you know where to go? This tune will remind you to go out and show everyone what you are capable of.

5. Sky Full of Stars - Coldplay

We all live for the night time because we want to sleep. Our days our so much brighter when we're not tired all the time. A lousy job beats us down until we literally can't wait for the sky full of stars. That doesn't stop us from dreaming about something better though.

6. Rise Up - Andra Day

This is a slow paced song that will wake you up while your in the shower. You don't want to wake up for work, but the reward at the end makes it worth it. We don't get up for the job itself. We get up for those we're providing for.

7. Strong Enough - Cher

This is a break up song, but at your job, it could be about the horrendous work culture the corporate world wants to keep. They want to promote people with less experience than you then refuse to give you a raise when you are one of their most valuable employees. Obviously your boss doesn't appreciate you. Amongst all the other things they did, you can keep a smile knowing that there is a place that will appreciate you.

8. Shine - Anna Nalick

Our time to shine comes at unexpected times. No one can be strong all the time, but we can give everything our best shot. When others put as down, we must let our light shine until its over.

9. Rise Up - Beyonce

This one was feature in the movie "Epic." It is for the bad day at work. No matter how bad things look and how mean the customers are you will soon go home. If life at home is hard, there are greener pastures somewhere if you are willing to fight for it. That's what this song is for.

10. Survivor - Destiny's Child

This is a throwback for when you are afraid to leave something behind. There are always new opportunities. Sometimes, we get so used to doing the same thing we stop trying something new. The song isn't about the office, but the message still rings. No toxic workplace deserves your loyalty.

11. Head Above Water - Avril Lavigne

In the wake of inflation, it takes faith to have hope and keep a positive outlook. Sometimes we live paycheck to paycheck and other times, we just sink. Remember that God will help you through.

12. Stronger - Kelly Clarkson

If you are struggling, it may seem like you just can't take it anymore. If you don't give up, you will see how it is all worth it. Kelly Clarkson is here to remind you that every challenge your survive makes you stronger.

13. Don't Be So Hard On Yourself - Jess Glynne

We are have an inner critic. Sometimes, the critic could beat us down long after the mistake happened. This is completely unproductive. All we can do is learn from our mistakes and move on.

The next time you remember this part of the chorus: "Learn to forgive, learn to let go. Everyone trips. Everyone falls."

14. Human - Rag n Bone Man

This is for the perfectionists. Sometimes we have to forgive ourselves. We are only human after all like the singer says.

15. Good Enough - Jesse Smolliet

This tune from the hit show "Empire" isn't about the daily grind, but the concept still applies. For some bosses, literally nothing is good enough. The song goes, "I'll never be big enough to pay your dues, but I keep trying. But you just keep making jump through hoops. What do I gotta do?"

Does that sound familiar?

16. She Works Hard For The Money - Donna Summers

This is the hard work anthem. It speaks to all single moms and other working class ladies. We all think we will be awesome dreamy people when we grow up, but the reality for many will be the daily grind. The sacrifice is worth it when those we love benefit. This song is a reminder.

17. Shiftwork - Kenny Chesney and George Strait

Work is a pain. Don't we all wish we had better shifts? Sometimes, it pays off. A good line from this song is: "Ten years man, I hated that work. I made a break with the money I saved. It took me to the beach to have a beer by the edge of the sea."

Your next vacation may be far off, but you will reap the rewards in the end. You might even be glad you worked after it's all over.

18. Workin' For A Livin'- Huey Lewis & The News

Jobs just don't pay enough. As soon as we see our paychecks, the bills take it away. At least this tune will remind you that people from the previous generation can relate. Inflation is the new buzzword and there's no end in site.

19. Five O'Clock World- The Vogues

The standard 9 to 5 shift is now demonized by social media, but this song still hits it on the nose. You should probably play this after lunch break because it'll make you want the day to end even faster. When they say, "I live for the end of the day," they say exactly how everyone feels.

20. Labour- Paris Paloma

"Labour" is a song for women who work hard for men who don't appreciate them. Sometimes, it's not the job that's the problem but instead, the people we come home to. It's heartbreaking to learn the person you love betrayed you by making you their slave. It becomes about their dreams and nothing about you. If that's how you feel, this song will remind you there are others like you.