Honest conversations about the psychology of modern work culture
The workplace demands more than just labor — it demands performance. “What are your weekend plans, Corinne?” my manager asked, coffee mug in hand. Her smile carried the expectation of enthusiastic sharing, of keeping up our daily performance of workplace intimacy. I had played this scene before. The script called for something upbeat — maybe …
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 …
“Are you even listening to yourself right now?” my sister asked over the phone. I had just spent fifteen minutes ranting about my coworker who consistently missed deadlines, forcing me to pick up the slack. Again. “You’re the one who recommended this book,” I replied defensively. “I thought you’d want to hear how I’m applying …
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 …