Rats!

[SOS]

A few years ago there was a book published here in Holland called: 'How to become a rat?' The book was a sort of an auto-biography of a veteran of the office wars, and he made a fortune off it.
A rat was someone who, in the office, would be scheming and just generally make your life miserable.

I read it and I thought it was funny enough, but to actually see the people around you as rats? That was something of a bridge too far.

Fast forward a few years and man, have the rats gained ground. I changed jobs a few times, mostly in the same sector and I think I have by now encountered most of the stereotypes that thrive in offices. We have the guy who is a few years from his pension and who makes people believe he is management here while he is clearly not. We also have the 'introvert' type, who hides behind her being shy. Nothing wrong with that, but I seriously think that when another person would catch fire she would not even throw her cup of tea over them. In this case, introvert means actually can't be arsed.
We also have the person who pretends to be afraid of everyone and is making up conspiracy-theories because, clearly, everyone is out to get her.

There is two things I have been asking myself lately: 1) what stereotype am I and 2) how much energy is all this costing me?

[redfox]

Self-reflection is always a worthy thing.

[KayLR]

Funny, I was reflecting on the same thing this very morning. I have a new boss...well he's been here 7 months now. I have not established a routine with him; he's not around much and none of us here in the office feel very comfortable yet. But, I digress...he's a very nice and good person. He just prefers to work in the local coffee shop.

The reason for my reflection: there is another person in the office whom I simply do. not. like. She is a major suck-up, for one thing....this is something I've noticed big time since the new boss. But there are many other reasons. I don't find her trustworthy---that's the main thing. This morning I was trying to think of "one," just ONE thing...I like about her or feel is a redeeming quality about her. It was really hard.

And it made me wonder about myself---what is it about me that cannot even find one good thing about another person? Now that's uncomfortable.