This is probably the third time I have had to study for an exam while writing a blog. It just might be. (My mom just came into my room to tell me about her day. It’s always nice to talk to her after a long day.) On to the blog…
What I get from mushfaking is “fake it til you make it.” I thought about this, and I’d have to say that my experience with mushfaking is probably a process I am still in right now. I’m talking about working in an office. I worked at SeaWorld prior to the job I have now, and before that (and still on some weekends when I need extra cash) with my brother who is a general contractor. So, I had no real experience in an office setting, or just sitting down for such a long time. I never dressed “business casual.”
That all changed when I started college. I figured it was time to look for a job somewhat related to my major. I ended up stocking inventory and cleaning for KPBS. I made it.
No, but really. After a few months of being the “facilities” manager (managing great people...just myself) I had an opportunity thrown my way. I had mentioned to my supervisor that I enjoyed working at KPBS, but that I had wanted something more fulfilling. She knew what I meant, and told me she’d let me know if she heard about any openings within the organization. She hooked it up.
She introduced me to my current supervisor, and here I am now. I help manage the KPBS Events Calendar. I have my own email signature with a KPBS logo and all that cool stuff. The thing is, this is where I meant to start my blog. Ever since I started my desk job (around 2 years ago now) I’ve been trying to find out what an office job is supposed to be like. I still don’t know how to dress. I get by with khakis and some polos. I still find it weird running into people at the watercooler. I didn’t even know water-cooler conversations were a real thing. I still don’t feel like I “fit-in” in an office. It’s weird because I keep telling myself I have to get used to it. I am a marketing major, so I assume offices will be a normal part of my life. I have yet to figure out how exactly I am supposed to act in office. Maybe I’m overthinking it?
I see people looking busy, and I wonder if I look busy? Should I look busy? Is there such a thing as looking too busy? When is it appropriate to get a cup of coffee? Why is it so hard to find a dress shirt that fits?
I guess I’ll have to keep at it. I can’t expect to be the next Don Draper overnight.
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Too funny. When do we stop feeling like we're faking it? I'm not really sure. I used to always feel like I was faking being a teacher, but now I only feel that way sometimes. Unless I'm around people who have been teaching for 20 years. (That doesn't really inspire confidence, does it?)
ReplyDeleteGreat post. EF