10 Life Lessons The Office Has Taught Me
I basically pay Netflix $8 a month to keep re-watching The Office. I'm probably on my 7th time to watch the series in order, but who's counting? It started out as a procrastination tool my last semester of college but it’s now become part of my nightly routine. It's not that there's isn't any other binge-worthy show on Netflix - I just can't find anything funnier compacted into 20 minute episodes. In these last 7 times of watching The Office though, I've actually learned a lot that I've applied to my life in an office. I've summarized these lessons for you, my fellow millennials:
1. Your boss may be an idiot but it doesn't mean he/she doesn't care. Michael Scott is without a doubt one of the most offensive and ridiculous characters that television has ever seen but no one can deny that in the end, you still loved him because he truly cared about each and every person in the office (except Toby because he really is gross). For the record, my real life boss is in no way an idiot!
2. Office relationships can be complicated; tread carefully. Being in a romantic relationship with someone you have to see every day can be a hit (Jim and Pam) or miss/completely toxic (Ryan and Kelly). Whether your company allows it or not, you need to ask yourself if YOU allow it for yourself.
3. You'll spend the majority of your life with the people you work with. You may not get to pick them but you do choose your attitude toward them. In the end you have to find a way to work with your co-workers, even if they are evil snails.
4. Don't forget to have fun! Working 40 hours a week in a single building, sitting at a desk (probably in a cubicle) can crush a soul. Don't forget to fit in some fun every now and then.
5. Never burn a bridge. Unfortunately, politics come with working in any office. Remember to always be kind and choose your words carefully. Basically, just don't be Angela.
6. Don't be afraid to ask stupid questions (in the proper context). No one expects you to know everything, but it's always good to have an office confidant to hear you out when you have those burning borderline embarrassing questions. In the long run, it may save you some face in front of the whole office.
7. Dress modestly. Pretty self-explanatory; see image for more details.
8. Say what you mean, mean what you say. One of the best things you can do early in your career to master the art of communication. Everyone can appreciate someone who is direct and true to their word.
9. Learn to realistically analyze yourself. Being able to know your strengths and weaknesses as an employee is very important. If you don't have the first clue on what those would be, ask somebody!
10. Your first real job can be scary, exhausting, stressful but also rewarding. You'll always remember your first job out of school so savor this time, my friends. It won't last very long!
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Hi friends,
Announcement (sounds so formal, doesn’t it?):
It's the end of an era.
I’ve decided that, after nearly 8 years of telling stories of navigating life, this season of Windrose is drawing to a close.