Honest conversations about the psychology of modern work culture
Some of the most meaningful friendships come with an expiration date. The waiter set our plates down. Deanna poked at her ravioli, not eating. Outside, the wind slammed against the windows hard enough to shake them. “My husband thinks I’m ridiculous,” she said. “Getting emotional about someone I’ve known six months. A work friend.” She …
Programming is an act of control — until it isn’t. The computer was supposed to be on my side. That was the agreement. I typed commands, and it obeyed. Simple. But like most relationships built on blind obedience, this one was destined for trouble. We’d been dancing this dance for years — me believing I …
People are staring at me. I’m sitting at LAX Gate 12 after a week-long vacation. I can’t stop crying. My flight home leaves in an hour and I’m overcome with sadness. As the tears fall down my face, a woman with kind eyes sits beside me and asks, “Are you okay?” I consider saying something …
“You’re right, but it doesn’t matter,” my sister Helene said. This was her response after I shared about my refusal to comply with a background check request. The company I worked for ran one when I was hired. A client wanted to run their own. I said no. “What do you mean?” I asked. “You’re …
Insomnia has never been convenient. At 2:13 AM in a Las Vegas hotel, it became unexpectedly enlightening. Pacing the carpeted corridor of the 23rd floor, I crossed paths with my colleague Sarah exiting our boss David’s room. She wore yesterday’s conference attire, hair disheveled, heels in hand. Our eyes met briefly before she hurried toward …
My boss stood in my office doorway, arms crossed. “Victoria, the client presentation needs to be completely redone by tomorrow morning.” “Absolutely! I’d be happy to make those changes for you,” I replied, my voice rising half an octave. “Is there anything specific you’d like me to focus on?” The words felt sticky-sweet in my …
