My #ScottAdams Story
In the 1990s, I worked as an office temp. I logged a lot of hours in a lot of different offices, and I had an instant and accurate way to sense how dysfunctional and toxic a workplace was as soon as I walked in.
I took note of how many #Dilbert comics were pinned up, and where.
If I saw one or two #Dilbert comics scattered around, I knew people had their gripes and complaints about their co-workers, but it was nothing too serious.
1/
If virtually every cubicle had more than one #Dilbert comic pinned up, I knew everyone working there disliked each other. The atmosphere probably wasn’t going to be too terrible for me as a temp, but I wouldn’t want to work there permanently.
2/9
Whenever I saw a disproportionate number of #Dilbert comics in one cubicle, I knew to avoid that person. They were clearly the asshole in the office, and they were usually on a hair trigger. I once saw a cubicle that was practically wallpapered with Dilbert comics, including several where he had labeled the characters with co-workers’ names, and then pinned them on the OUTSIDE of his cube. Yikes! Steer clear of that dude!
3/9
If there was even one #Dilbert comic pinned up to a communal bulletin board, watch out! The hatred went from workers up AND management down.
God forbid someone had used the photocopier to enlarge it; that meant they wanted everyone to see how much they hated everyone.
In this last situation, I would usually call my agency at the end of the day and ask if they had any other assignments.
If I saw Dilbert plush toys, I’d just tell my agency I couldn’t continue the assignment.
4/9
