Honest conversations about the psychology of modern work culture
I didn’t set out to become the office weirdo who ate lunch in their car, but corporate survival sometimes means finding a place to hide. A silver Honda became my lunchtime sanctuary in 2004, complete with crumbs between the seats and a view of the sprawling suburban office park. The decision stemmed from pure survival …
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 …