# Workplace griping, anyone? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 12, 2010, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401 "2010-11-12T06:39:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 169
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2012, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3362 "2012-04-08T04:53:40Z")
When did there get to be so much micromanaging, nitpicking bullshit in workplaces? Or has it been there all along and I’m just finally becoming aware of it? ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2012, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3363 "2012-04-08T14:09:41Z")
> [@vivalostwages](#): > > When did there get to be so much micromanaging, nitpicking bullshit in workplaces? Or has it been there all along and I’m just finally becoming aware of it? I was getting micro-managed before you were born, ya greenhorn. Seriously, I would have the boss literally leaning over me, hand on the back of my chair, critiquing what I was doing (on an early Macintosh, so, mid-80s). Yeah, same boss who’d see me leave my desk, think “He can’t just waste time! I’ll make this break time billable to a client.” and follow me down the hall, asking me for an update on a client’s project… …and into the restroom, and stand outside the stall, still peppering me with questions. ---
**Author:** ![living\_in\_hell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3d9bf3/32.png) [@living\_in\_hell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/living_in_hell)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2012, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3364 "2012-04-08T16:33:54Z")
My coworker keeps trying to incorporate “The Secret” into workplace discussions and meetings. Enough said. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2012, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3365 "2012-04-08T17:41:08Z")
> [@living\_in\_hell](#): > > My coworker keeps trying to incorporate “The Secret” into workplace discussions and meetings. Enough said. Tell her, “It’s not much of a secret if you keep blabbing about it.” 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![adhemar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3da27b/32.png) [@adhemar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhemar)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2012, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3366 "2012-04-08T23:59:53Z")
> [@living\_in\_hell](#): > > My coworker keeps trying to incorporate “The Secret” into workplace discussions and meetings. Enough said. mine too! ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3367 "2012-04-09T04:15:10Z")
Is that better or worse than incorporating “Who Moved My Cheese?” ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3368 "2012-04-09T16:26:46Z")
I’m freezing. If you walk around the central core of this office, the other side is perceptibly warmer. Tomorrow, I swear, I’m going to wear my long underwear again. This is ridiculous! HVAC engineers have had more than 60 years to figure out how to set up ductwork and blowers in closed environment office buildings, and they STILL can’t get an open office layout to maintain an even temperature throughout. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3369 "2012-04-09T16:32:06Z")
Are you SURE? They might have set it up that way on purpose, you know… ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3370 "2012-04-09T17:01:50Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Are you SURE? They might have set it up that way on purpose, you know… I’ve been in quite a few office buildings, and they’re ALL like this. Maybe it’s a conspiracy. ---
**Author:** ![blondebear](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blondebear/32/1022_2.png) [@blondebear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blondebear)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3371 "2012-04-09T17:11:44Z")
Note to coworker: When I say I’m not interested in hearing anything about OJ Simpson, that \*\*does not \*\* mean I’d like you to come over to my desk and tell me all about how his son is the real killer. ---
**Author:** ![vivalostwages](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/d07c76/32.png) [@vivalostwages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vivalostwages)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3372 "2012-04-09T17:54:31Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > I’m freezing. If you walk around the central core of this office, the other side is perceptibly warmer. Tomorrow, I swear, I’m going to wear my long underwear again. > > This is ridiculous! HVAC engineers have had more than 60 years to figure out how to set up ductwork and blowers in closed environment office buildings, and they STILL can’t get an open office layout to maintain an even temperature throughout. I suspect that you are in a building where I work part-time. There is a freezing cold room and as soon as you walk out the door, it is much warmer and nicer. The thermostat in the freezing room does nothing. We get ourselves hot drinks and blankets. Yes, blankets. ---
**Author:** ![Kimballkid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b5a626/32.png) [@Kimballkid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimballkid)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3373 "2012-04-09T18:11:01Z")
> [@blondebear](#): > > Note to coworker: When I say I’m not interested in hearing anything about OJ Simpson, that \*\*does not \*\* mean I’d like you to come over to my desk and tell me all about how his son is the real killer. Until your post, I didn’t even know OJ had a son. ---
**Author:** ![saje](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saje/32/3631_2.png) [@saje](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/saje)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3374 "2012-04-09T19:01:19Z")
Look, I know you feel like hell, or you wouldn’t be here in the waiting room. But when I give you a sheaf of papers to fill out and sign, it’s not just to keep you busy while you wait. So yes, you DO have to fill out all of them! ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3375 "2012-04-09T19:02:10Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > I’ve been in quite a few office buildings, and they’re ALL like this. > > Maybe it’s a conspiracy. They are indeed. I don’t think I’ve ever worked in an office that had a nice, moderate temperature all the time. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3376 "2012-04-09T21:34:31Z")
> [@flatlined](#): > > My work rant: The Most Annoying Person in the World is now in my office. When she’s not talking to me or anyone who happens to be around, she talks to the air. Loudly. And she repeats herself over and over and over. Does she do it in English or in Spanish? I don’t think my mother is in Texas, but maybe she lied to us about having plans to stay at her sister’s for a few days… ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2012, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3377 "2012-04-09T22:07:40Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Does she do it in English or in Spanish? I don’t think my mother is in Texas, but maybe she lied to us about having plans to stay at her sister’s for a few days… Wait… if your mother is my mother, then **we’re sibs!** ---
**Author:** ![Cheez\_Whia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d26b3c/32.png) [@Cheez\_Whia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheez_Whia)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2012, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3378 "2012-04-10T00:01:01Z")
> [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > They are indeed. I don’t think I’ve ever worked in an office that had a nice, moderate temperature all the time. That’s because they don’t install the damn things for the comfort of the people who will use the system. They install it the cheapest possible way. Assholes. ---
**Author:** ![Buttercup\_Smith](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/buttercup_smith/32/473_2.png) [@Buttercup\_Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buttercup_Smith)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2012, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3379 "2012-04-10T01:47:04Z")
Does stress cause zits? In the nose? This is the most painful thing I’ve had in a while. Finally got rid of the runs I had for almost a month due to a combo of stress from work and Zoloft. Stopped the new script I had been taking almost a month and finally getting back to normal. My job is making me sick.:mad: ---
**Author:** ![flatlined](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/eb9ed0/32.png) [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2012, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3380 "2012-04-10T04:34:48Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > I’m freezing. If you walk around the central core of this office, the other side is perceptibly warmer. Tomorrow, I swear, I’m going to wear my long underwear again. > > This is ridiculous! HVAC engineers have had more than 60 years to figure out how to set up ductwork and blowers in closed environment office buildings, and they STILL can’t get an open office layout to maintain an even temperature throughout. I can walk 5 paces and feel the difference in the comfort levels at work. I think its because the people who work on the heating/cooling systems don’t work where I do. Their offices are always nice. > [@Nava](#): > > Does she do it in English or in Spanish? I don’t think my mother is in Texas, but maybe she lied to us about having plans to stay at her sister’s for a few days… I’d be nicer if I thought it was your mother, because that means she would go away before December. TMAPitW also talks to her computer. LOUDLY. The worst part is when she only hears part of a conversation I’m having with someone and jumps in SHOUTING her advice that has nothing to do with what we are talking about. Today, I was talking to my clerk about sealing the plastic over the books with duct tape and TMAPitW came running to shout her opinion about sealing the door to the new darkroom. We both just stopped and looked at her. She gave us her opinion 3 or 4 times and when I told her that she could call facilities with her moving suggestions, got her feelings hurt and went off and pouted. At least she’s quiet when she pouts. **Buttercup Smith** , I know that stress does strange things to the body. I know that its hard to find a new job, but I think you should start trying to do so. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2012, 9:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401/3381 "2012-04-10T09:06:12Z")
> [@digs](#): > > Wait… if your mother is my mother, then **we’re sibs!** There’s a theory that my mother snores because that means not shutting up while asleep. “Does not shut up” is a pretty accurate description; “does not ever shut the bloody fuck up” is the one used when we’ve spent more than a few hours with her. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401.md?page=168) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/workplace-griping-anyone/560401.md?page=170)