Introduction to ‘Workplace’ Section of this Blog

Despite the utter disdain I have for going to work, it is a fascinating thing to do. You are thrown into close quarters with people with whom you probably wouldn’t have any other reason to associate (and are expected to interact with civilly and productively), you have to operate under a very specific set of rules, and, if you are lucky enough to enjoy your job, get to work on rewarding tasks and projects. If you hate your job, there are probably few other places in the world where you feel so frustrated, shackled, demeaned, and annoyed. In either case (and anything in between), working gives rise to some weird situations, intensely emotional thoughts, and interesting insights directly inspired by being at work.

Very much in the manner of Studs Terkels’ Working and Coming of Age and American Dreams Lost and Found, as well as the more recent Gig: Americans Talk About Their Jobs (ed. John Bowe, Marisa Bowe, and Sabin Streeter)*, one part of this section will include interviews with people who work all manners of jobs. In the works are interviews with a salesman at a swanky car dealership, a recent college grad who started a home spray-tanning business with a friend, and a manager at a company that makes and supplies sports teams with uniforms. I have some questions prepared beforehand but I will also let the conversation proceed unhindered; interviews will be posted as soon as they can be transcribed.

(*I am not, of course, comparing myself to these legends, I’m just actively using their methods!)

I will also include pictures, drawings, musings, and anything else from or inspired by being at work. Though the random pictures will probably seem unrelated to anything, explanations will be included to at least put them in context.

If you want to talk about your job, contribute doodles and sketches you drew while time seemed to stand still at work, or do anything else work-related, please let me know and I can post it here!