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| two things about my job |
| 04.28.05 (11:53 am) [edit] |
1. I work in company's headquarters, and for a cube farm it's pretty darned nice. The cubes are actually made of wood, and each is separated by a large cabinet with file drawers, a bookshelf, and a teeny closet built-in. Along the hallways of the building's main floors, tables, chairs, and sometimes sofas are set up as casual conversation groupings. There's a very design-conscious focus about our business. So imagine how weird it was yesterday morning to be sitting at my desk, minding my own business (mostly), and becoming aware of the stench of fresh dogshit.I checked my shoes. I checked my running shoes. I checked my underarms. My co-worker one cube over peeked in at me. "D'you smell something?" "Yes!" I said. "I was worried I stepped in something!" We both made the motion to check our shoes, but no dice. Now, knowing I'm in the early stage of pregnancy, you can imagine how sensitive to smells I already am. So when I head over to the ladies' room and realize the smell is following me, my sense of *ick* turns to mild panic. What if it's me, somehow? What if I have to ask my boss if I can take an "I Smell Like Shit Day?" Later in the afternoon, I leave the building for a doctor's appointment, and discover that the landscapers are laying fresh mulch down all over the property. The smell of shit is overpowering -- no plain old cedar chips for this company! No way! Imagine my amusement when I return and find out from the receptionists that the stench is particularly strong in the CEO's conference room -- and his big business partner/owner (I'm confused) is in town for meetings. 2. We have two small, L-shaped kitchenettes on each floor of the building. Coffee, tea and hot chocolate are free. There is a machine for ice and filtered water, a vending machine with snacks, soda or both, and a large fridge/freezer for our use. Each kitchenette also has a double sink, dishwasher, and tons of cabinets for the company-provided dishes. Associates don't do their own dishes; there are cleaning personnel who come in several times a day to clean each kitchen, run the dishwasher, and return surplus dishes to the cafe. Anyway. We have a fairly diverse group of folks here. Several members of a particular background tend to meet up in the bend of my area kitchen's L a few times a day. I don't know if they're discussing work, or water cooler chats, or what. I always feel awkward when I come in to buy a soda or get some water or drop off my lunch dishes. The conversation inevitably stops, but they tend not to greet others at this time. It's probably more shyness than anything else. Often, they have been speaking in a language other than English, so I definitely don't know what they're saying (the only non-English language I know is Spanish, and even that's a little spotty). I always feel bad that I feel funny interrupting the group, but it also feels like I run into them at least twice each day, and I wonder why they gather there as opposed to one of the tables or sofas in the hallway. I feel self-conscious and wonder if they think I'm stalking them. I feel a little resentful that I have to maneuver around them to get to the fridge, the sink, the coffee counter, or whatever. And mostly, I feel weird for noticing that they're of a different background. I don't know why, but I do. |
posted by: Orange (reply)
post date: 04.28.05 (10:08 am)
I love the idea of having to go home early because you smell like poo!
Do you greet the lunchroom social group when they stop talking? Try smiling and saying hi, if you're not already doing that. Or try farting, because poo smells are always a great ice-breaker.
posted by: trekguy (reply)
post date: 04.28.05 (10:16 am)
Gosh, your place sounds great! Ours isn't bad by any means but nowhere near as nice as you make where you work sound. I really like the idea of the couches and kitchen area, similar to our headquarters in Dallas.
posted by: JT (reply)
post date: 04.28.05 (10:31 am)
Reply to: Orange
I do always say "hi" and a polite "excuse me" if I need to get past someone. It's just bizarre and awkward, mostly because I'm a social retard.
posted by: almsthvn (reply)
post date: 04.28.05 (10:46 am)
Ok, here's what you do.
Get a clipboard and a pen. Print out a blank Excel spreadsheet so there are little boxes.
Stand just far enough away where they can see you but not close enough to speak to.
Watch them a while, cluck your tongue or shake your head "no" and make some marks.
Repeat.
Ok, it won't ingratiate you with the group but it will at least amuse you for awhile :)
posted by: JT (reply)
post date: 04.28.05 (11:54 am)
Reply to: almsthvn
Have I told you lately that I love you?
posted by: jennjr (reply)
post date: 04.28.05 (12:40 pm)
Can I come work in your office? Sounds much nicer than my cube farm!
posted by: islandArtist (reply)
post date: 04.28.05 (11:02 pm)
I would totally 'call' them on their silence by talking to them. A Lot. I hate it when people stand around like hemmeroids especially in front of the amenities!!
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