Posted on: October 7th, 2009 by Jeremy Jackson Sytner

A long long time ago, when I was young, workfolk seemed happier.

Carpenters, painters, window cleaners, gardeners, policemen all whistled as they went about their daily grind.

On the way to work, while at work, on the way back home.

Whistling was part of the soundtrack of my childhood.

What’s happened to these cheerful refrains?

Isn’t whistling the sound we subconsciously make when we’re happy and doing something we enjoy?

The craftsman, seemingly without a care in the world, blowing a random ditty as he carries out his work. Appreciated for his skills, a pride in his work and more than enough time to execute the task in front of him. Regardless if it’s a delicate piece of marquetry or a garden fence. Everything made with care and love.

The whistle is the sign of a perfect work-life balance too. Wonderfully brought to (animated) life by Walt Disney in his 1938 Movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Truth is, work life has changed. There isn’t time to whistle. Or subconscious desires are repressed. Are we not happy at work?

Wouldn’t be nice to hear whistling again?

I’m starting today.