Office Blogging

So, for the first time I'm writing a blog entry at my office. I feel guilty, but at the same time, if I had a ton of stuff to do, I would be doing that instead. Does anyone else work in an office where you're expected to look like you're working even if you have no work to do? I mean, honestly, if I have work, I do it. If not, what, should I sit here and stare at a spreadsheet that I'm not doing anything to? If you want me to look like I'm working, give me some F-ing work to do, otherwise don't give me crap because I'm reading CNN.com on my work computer. It's not like I'm checking out porn or arranging to overthrow the government.

Furthermore, what is with the whole 8-5 thing? I can appreciate it in some situations, like if you're in customer service, or have meetings or something, but honestly, if I'm not in the office, I won't be missed. And if I am missed, I have a cell phone and a laptop, so it is not as if I am unaccessable. The way I see it is this: If I do my job, do it well, and accomplish everything, and more than is what is expected of me, WHY do you care when I am or am not in the office? It's truly aggrivating.

Here is another thing about the office that bothers me: When co-workers arrange "drink night" and get offended when I don't participate. I'm sorry, it's not that I don't like you, but honestly, 40 hours a week is more time than I would really like to spend with even my closest friends let alone co-workers, and if I have something, ANYTHING to do that isn't drink night with you, I'm going to do it. It's not personal, so don't take it personally. And it's not like I'm the anti-social type, or that I NEVER go out with co-workers, but all you have to do is say no to someone once and you're a jerk....

One more thing, then I'm done. Dress codes. WHY? Ok, I mean, to some extent you need to enforce some type of dress code, as in you can't show up to work in a hoodie and sweat pants, but honestly, who gives a crap if I'm wearing jeans or khakis? What F-ing difference does it make? If I know I have an important meeting with an important cleint, I dress up. Otherwise, why are you giving me a hard time about wearing a buttoned shirt and a pair of jeans that costs three times more than the damn khakis I'd otherwise be wearing? And what if I had piercings or tattoos or something? Is that unacceptable? Well, legally it can't be so why is it legal for you to tell me what I'm allowed to wear? When I hear the phrase "business casual" my head just about explodes.

Wow, I just complained A LOT. Sorry for the rant ladies and gents. Just needed to get it out there.

Work...it's FAAAANTASTIC!

Disclaimer:  I have a good job, so I really shouldn't complain, but I'm going to anyway.

I am an engineer by trade.  I design the things that keep society running that no one thinks about, for instance, the plant that makes the water that comes out of your faucet drinkable. 

(Random side tanget:  It is bizarre to me that America spends billions of dollars a year treating drinking water, yes "drinking" water, to such an extent that it is clean enough, you guessed it, to drink.  Then, they buy a Brita and pour the water into a pitcher that they wash, wh

at, every 3 months or so?, and take out all of the things that keep the little gross things from growing in it.  Or buy bottled water which, for the record, is COMPLETELY unregulated and ma

y contain things like arsenic and other heavy metals.  Full disclosure, I use a Brita because there is the very real chance that your water service lines have lead in them, but for god sakes, wash the things will you?!)

Sorry, where was I, oh right.  My job is interesting, stimulating and quite frankly I go home at night feeling like I've contributed to society in a good way.  The problem, though, is the fact that even as an engineer you can't escape the bullshit that is office politics.  The engineering version goes like this:  Senior engineer guy comes up with an idea, you, the young junior engineer, come up with an idea that is more effective and cheaper to build, but you are completely discounted because, you guessed it, you're young.  But the worst part comes a few weeks later when Mr. Senior Engineer realizes that his idea is shit and yours is better, and then passes your idea off as their own to the person above them.  This happens.  A lot.  Now, I know this happens to everyone.  I understand that sooner or later I will be in a position to stop this, but right now, what the hell am I supposed to do?  I come up with a good idea, get shot down, only to have the person above me pawn it off as their own.  Do I rat them out?  How does it sound when junior engineer goes to big boss "That idea that senior engineer just gave you, that was mine and he stole it."  Would I be believed?  Worse, would it turn into one of those uncomfortable confrontations where senior engineer calls you a liar?  I mean, I would like to think that people in a senior position are above that, but they quite obviously are not if they're not above passing off someone else's work as their own.

Along these lines, I'm seriously considering a career change.  I think I may want to teach.  Yes, it would be a massive pay cut, but a student taking your idea and calling it their own is your goal isn't it?  And aren't you essentially responsible for your own destiny as a teacher?  I know, all careers have their downsides, but I look at myself and where I am, and think, if I'm doing this same thing 20 years from now, I will not be a happy person.