I seem to have this same conversation everywhere I go. My PhD lab, my postdoc lab, my industry position, and now here.
I think this is a good thing. People have always assured me that it is, right after they've said that it feels like I've been here forever. In my current job I think (hope?!) it means that I'm involved in lots of different projects, interacting with lots of different people, and my colleagues have got used to me being around to provide bits and pieces of grants, manuscripts, and all kinds of other things.
Of course it could just be because I'm a major chatterbox (just ask Propter Doc!). I'm a people person, and I like to come in on a Monday morning and chat to people about their weekend. This isn't really a social office, but I've done a reasonably good job at getting to know people, asking about their families and outside interests and all that.
My upcoming one-year evaluation is going to say one of two things:
1) I'm like a comfy sofa - absolutely vital to the running of the whole household, or
2) I'm like that hideous lamp we got from Auntie Mabel - annoying and distracting, but useful in the darkness of
I personally think you're the comfy sofa and I'm sure your evaluation will reflect that.
ReplyDeleteI'm voting comfy sofa too...as long as you don't take to wearing plaid or hideous flower print! :-)
ReplyDeleteI think if they were going the hideous lamp route, they wouldn't have told you that it felt like you'd been here for forever. As that would be highly insulting. So, I'm going with the comfy sofa contingent!
ReplyDeleteHmm.... comfy sofa... not sure... how 'bout stylish patio lounge chair instead ? :-)
ReplyDeleteAs a coworker, I would vote totally comfie sofa. Except that doesn't quite capture the energy and vitality you bring to a workplace. Maybe something more along the lines of a coffee machine or kettle - totally necessary for success, and something which contributes to the imagination and positive vibe of the rest of the team?
ReplyDeleteAs a coworker, I would vote totally comfie sofa. Except that doesn't quite capture the energy and vitality you bring to a workplace. Maybe something more along the lines of a coffee machine or kettle - totally necessary for success, and something which contributes to the imagination and positive vibe of the rest of the team?
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Mermaid! You rock! And I won't even delete your duplicate comment 'cos it's so nice it's worth reading twice.
ReplyDeleteThank you to the rest of you too! Mad Hatter, it's called tartan, not plaid though... and I don't actually have any in my wardrobe! Okham, patio furniture gets used for a few months and then left out in the rain for the rest of the year...
Okham, patio furniture gets used for a few months and then left out in the rain for the rest of the year...
ReplyDeleteWell, but it's much higher quality time....
I think you will be the coffee table, people gather round you and are relaxed in your company,there is always an interesting conversation and a magazine or two too read, a source of information and inspiration
ReplyDeleteOkham, very true. Maybe they'll switch me to a part time contract :-)
ReplyDeleteUHDH, I like it, I like it a lot! Thanks!
A comfy sofa with a built in tea kettle :) Quite possibly in bright kayak colors :)
ReplyDeleteI am good at multitasking. Yesterday I made orange pekoe tea, fruity tea, and filled my water bottle, all at the same time.
ReplyDelete