punch a/the clock
1. To record the time of one's arrival to and departure from work, often on a specialized clock or other device. Be sure to punch the clock each day or there may be issues processing your pay at the end of the week.
2. By extension, to do work in general, especially a steady 9-to-5 job. I've always dreamed of winning the lottery so I don't have to punch a clock for the rest of my life.