Fun At Work

Zap and Kif

You've come to your job and there is an annoying person chirping about you, talking about things they deem important and hilarious. Then you realize that this is your job and it isn't as fun as life before.

The question becomes How do I deal with this horrible dilemma?

While there are a number of books that deal with this very dilemma, my advice is to have fun with it. Some people confuse fun with being a screw off. Those are not the same thing at all. An example of each to take place in which you walk into an elevator. Bear in mind that people normally walk in, turn around, push a button, and wait for the door to open on their floor.

• You walk in, push your button, but don't turn around. Continue facing everyone silently with your back to the door. Proceed to leave when the door opens.
• You run into the elevator, pointing at everyone, insisting that they are hamsters, before hitting all the buttons and running out.

Both of these examples seem strikingly similar, there is a difference. The first of those examples is a good example because it is formal, subtle, and doesn't require much energy. It also hinges on the psychology of the human mind that can't handle people breaching standard social conventions. The second example is awful because there is no charm or brilliance to it. It hinges on childish notions of weird that verge on insanity. In short, use tact. As for real world application, people are less likely to track down a quiet person than someone that acts like an idiot.

 Now you may be thinking to yourself That didn't help me out. What are some real-world examples that work and can help me out? Well allow the following three examples to help you out.

• Someone decides to discuss their favorite musician. They will more than likely say a current popular musician. This is your chance to discuss how amazing an outdated band/musician is. A few good example musicians that are skilled, but few people would actually admit to liking would be Meatloaf, Hall & Oates, Huey Lewis & The News, Nickelback, and Barry Manilow. It can also help your argument if you can quote a popular song by the musician you name. Squares know it's hip to be prepared.
•  Randomly reply to your boss in popular hip-hop lyrics or slang. A good example for this would be if your boss gives you a long list of goals to accomplish and finishes it up by saying, "Lets hit it!" You would immediately, and very seriously, ask, "Once we hit it, can we then choose to quit it?"
• Obscure history. Memorize one famous person or fact for the sheer purpose of name dropping them after randomly saying, "Doesn't anyone remember ...... ?" Of course, you may be asked about what that person did that made you think that. Choose wisely and not someone known predominantly for something bad because someone may know who that person or what that event was after all.

Just Remember: Your coworkers are like you. They have lives outside of work that they want to get back to. You are not all that different.


-Future_Man_3000


P.S. - If you have any questions you want answered, feel free to contact me by email: futureman3000@yahoo.com