The Pocket Rocket at the Next Desk
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If you ever suspect your boss is monitoring your attendance, it’s probably because he is.
By 'attendance', I am not referring to whether you’re present, sick, or on holiday. I am referring to a spreadsheet tracking your arrival time, toilet breaks, trips to the water dispenser, and the dreaded 'lunch break', which I have renamed the 'lunch grab' due to the fact that it seems to be a full on race - who can get their lunch, eat it the quickest, and be back working within the shortest period of time. Disturbing yet, true.
The Chinese 'Pocket Rocket' I work opposite puts me to shame, everyday. She is a workaholic. If I arrive, at 8am, she got there at 7am. If I leave at 8pm, she leaves at 9pm. Most unfortunate for me is that she works weekends too, which I so far have avoided unless an actual emergency occurs. The dreaded Blackberry also goes on holiday with her. Needless to say, it doesn’t go with me, ever.
Last week the Pocket Rocket had a headache so I merely suggested she drink not 'more' but 'some' water.
"But then I'd have to go to the toilet!" she screeched.
So much for eight glasses a day.
This is why every time my water bottle is empty, I have to race to the water machine like Sally Gunnell on the track, and every time I need the toilet, it’s a full on dart up the corridor.
I am glad to report when it comes to arrival and departure time, my performance is admirable, however, I find the 'lunch grab', a struggle.
As much as I should conform to the company standard and join Club Prêt (next door to the office), the buttons on my trousers might just pop off one day with that regime. So my lunch grab is a full on sprint off down the street, and my secret to success is 'the loyal lunch man'. Thank goodness I made friends with the management of this establishment. I call ahead to give him the five minute warning and this man never disappoints. He sees me run through the door and waves the salad box at me. He is my hero. Without him, I would have stood in line for 10 minutes, and most probably be, 'jobless' due to my 'excessive lunch breaks'.
Life would have been much easier as a fitness instructor.
The Chinese 'Pocket Rocket' I work opposite puts me to shame, everyday. She is a workaholic. If I arrive, at 8am, she got there at 7am. If I leave at 8pm, she leaves at 9pm. Most unfortunate for me is that she works weekends too, which I so far have avoided unless an actual emergency occurs. The dreaded Blackberry also goes on holiday with her. Needless to say, it doesn’t go with me, ever.
Last week the Pocket Rocket had a headache so I merely suggested she drink not 'more' but 'some' water.
"But then I'd have to go to the toilet!" she screeched.
So much for eight glasses a day.
This is why every time my water bottle is empty, I have to race to the water machine like Sally Gunnell on the track, and every time I need the toilet, it’s a full on dart up the corridor.
I am glad to report when it comes to arrival and departure time, my performance is admirable, however, I find the 'lunch grab', a struggle.
As much as I should conform to the company standard and join Club Prêt (next door to the office), the buttons on my trousers might just pop off one day with that regime. So my lunch grab is a full on sprint off down the street, and my secret to success is 'the loyal lunch man'. Thank goodness I made friends with the management of this establishment. I call ahead to give him the five minute warning and this man never disappoints. He sees me run through the door and waves the salad box at me. He is my hero. Without him, I would have stood in line for 10 minutes, and most probably be, 'jobless' due to my 'excessive lunch breaks'.
Life would have been much easier as a fitness instructor.
Here Is The Writer : Accidental Accountant
Accidental Accountant is a twenty-something City girl parading the trading floors of investment banks, wondering everyday how she came to be here. She has been playing the corporate game for the last five years, has a passion for fashion, a fondness for partying, and a love/hate affair with City life. If you’ve ever thought you didn’t quite fit in, welcome to her world (and feel free to get in touch).
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