Frank, you may have inspired someone, some corporate Yossarian, to finish reading this story, on his/her device/desktop, get up, pack their stuff up, drop off their lanyard/ID at the desk, and either hand in their notice OR just leave through the nearest door without a word, never to be heard from again.
It should. I'm 21 years old about to graduate college and head off into the workforce. This really warned me to not fall into the trap of putting work and money above everything else.
"It was of course, not a business, because corporations are not businesses, they are fiefdoms. Saying a corporation was a business, was like saying middle managers were leaders. It was like saying there was a free market when there was no hard money, he thought." - Ain't that the truth.
Great short story. Horrid way for Brad to go, though at least he left something behind even if it was just "bad vibes".
Excellent. 'Creeping dread' unlocked. Thankfully, I managed to escape such an office four years ago. Glad the memories of it are ghosts in my head and not the reverse. Congrats, Frank, on this tale receiving an honourable mention in the Lunar Awards!
Well dayum brother that was a brutal read on a Friday afternoon after a long week...
Remind me not to die at work. Please allow me to die on the way home or in the parking lot.
Don't let me be trapped in that building.
I just want to leave.
New fear unlocked!
Awful, wouldn’t it be?🤮
Frank, you may have inspired someone, some corporate Yossarian, to finish reading this story, on his/her device/desktop, get up, pack their stuff up, drop off their lanyard/ID at the desk, and either hand in their notice OR just leave through the nearest door without a word, never to be heard from again.
Edward, nothing would give me more joy! I wish I could shout from the rooftops that work doesn't love you! We are all being farmed!
Please shout from the rooftops, Frank!
Another great one from Frank! Chilly af.
Thanks Andrei, always happy to brighten people's day!
I think this is the most horrifying thing I’ve read on Substack for a while
This makes me happy
It should. I'm 21 years old about to graduate college and head off into the workforce. This really warned me to not fall into the trap of putting work and money above everything else.
Never give em everything. This piece was as much for me as anyone. And always remember,
"You are not your khakis."
Will do 😂
Beautifully horrifying
Thanks Clint!
motivational, scary, and beautiful all at once - well done
Well said
I’m 41, this wonderfully written post scared the crap out of me, in a good way. Only 26 years til retirement, woohoo!
Haha thanks SLART. 26 years is a long time for dreams to still happen!
It is indeed! That's why I'm starting right now. I'm going to poo on my bosses desk in the morning.
LOL
And he was a few hours from retirement, too...
Don't wait for retirement, live your life to the fullest right now.
Great short, Frank. Masterful.
Thank you 🙏
Yes 🙌
"It was of course, not a business, because corporations are not businesses, they are fiefdoms. Saying a corporation was a business, was like saying middle managers were leaders. It was like saying there was a free market when there was no hard money, he thought." - Ain't that the truth.
Great short story. Horrid way for Brad to go, though at least he left something behind even if it was just "bad vibes".
Thanks for reading, Redd! He did indeed leave his mark.
Well, yeesh, that was horrifying. . I'm glad I work from home.
This made me laugh 👌
Marvelous! Well done and congratulations.
"The things he had left undone." Such a powerful realization. Great story! It has literally made me sad for Brad and for myself.
Excellent. 'Creeping dread' unlocked. Thankfully, I managed to escape such an office four years ago. Glad the memories of it are ghosts in my head and not the reverse. Congrats, Frank, on this tale receiving an honourable mention in the Lunar Awards!
Wonderfully written and thought-provoking. Thank you for sharing this.