think outside the box while sitting in the box

There is an eternal debate over nature vs. nurture. Innate vs. learned behavior. I would defend neither side on its own; however, I believe that most elements (definitive physical features aside) hail from a mixture of the two and without one the result would not have occurred in the same way. Environment plays a paramount role in the way you behave, react, and think. So what happens when you are forced to think creatively in a stifling environment? It's not the easiest thing to do but you have to think beyond your environment. You have to will yourself out of the conditions. Some of the most masterful works have been created in an isolated space devoid of stimulation or inspiration. Not the ideal situation but sometimes you don't have a choice. And the choice lives within your reaction to the environment.

They're gone pay us?

It's been said, think of your worst day in this industry and compare that with an imagined best day in any other industry. If your worst day is better you're doing ok. If not, maybe you need to rethink your career choice. I think I forget that sometimes. That they're actually going to pay us to do this. I can't imagine doing anything else. Despite the brain hemorrhages and progressing ulcers, I wouldn't choose another job. My stomach churns at the thought of sitting in a dimly lit cube crunching numbers all day. I will gladly take the premature grey hair, high divorce rate, and constantly having to explain what i actually do. Not many industries can claim that kind of youthful, naive dedication.