Are You Suffering from the Office Zombie Mindset? Discover Today!
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Chapter 1: The Office Zombie Phenomenon
Office zombies are prevalent in our workplaces.
When we consider our perspectives on life, work, and finances, we encounter various personality types. This article is the second in a series that explores these different types and their defining traits. None of these categories is inherently better or worse than the others; we simply have diverse ways of being. The aim here is not to pass judgment but to provoke thought. Take it lightly, and share your thoughts if you find any of it relatable. :)
Recently, I enjoyed binge-watching The Walking Dead. It provided me with entertainment during my frequent flights, and I still have one season left. Please avoid spoilers in the comments! While it was an enjoyable distraction, I realize I could have invested that time more wisely. As I often remind my kids: focus on moving forward and don’t dwell on the past, or you may run into obstacles.
Returning to The Walking Dead, there’s something captivating about those undead beings. They shuffle through life, consuming and striving to dominate by attacking anyone in their path. They fight merely for survival—these soulless, human-like entities lack dreams, hopes, or aspirations.
Meet Josh
Allow me to introduce you to Josh. He is a 40-year-old, married father of two boys. Josh has spent 18 years working for the same company, having secured the position through a friend's referral right after college. He earns a decent salary that allows him to live comfortably, albeit without extravagance.
Josh has gained a bit of weight since abandoning his gym routine last year, attributing it to his busy schedule, which includes managing work, a wife, and two children. He believes in prioritizing family time. His pastimes include browsing Facebook, watching football and Netflix, and enjoying a few beers.
Don't Overwork Yourself
Josh arrives and departs from work punctually. He dislikes tardiness but is also unwilling to work unpaid hours like some of his more ambitious colleagues, who seem intent on impressing the boss. This is why they get promoted—not necessarily due to merit. Josh isn’t one to engage in such sycophancy.
It’s possible Josh harbors some resentment; he hasn’t received a promotion in years. He often feels overlooked, believing less experienced coworkers surpass him and reap the rewards of his efforts (or at least that’s his perception).
Always in a Bad Mood
Josh tends to maintain a negative attitude. He frequently grumbles, though he may not realize it. His workplace provides ample reasons for his complaints: excessive workloads, tight deadlines, and endless meetings. The office temperature is either too cold or too hot, the canteen food is unsatisfactory, the coffee is subpar, and parking is a challenge.
At home, all he craves is tranquility after a long workday. Unfortunately, the noise from his sons, the heat in the house, and bothersome neighbors disrupt his peace. Even the beer isn’t cold enough!
Confronting the Reality of Job Discontent
Josh needs to acknowledge the truth: he despises his job, his boss, and most of his coworkers. However, he avoids confronting this reality. It seems ingrained in him to wake up each day, endure a job he dislikes, and return home after eight hours—always in a state of dissatisfaction.
Considering Change
A friend once mentioned that his company was looking for someone with Josh's skill set. However, Josh didn’t have the time to update his resume—it felt like too much effort. Plus, switching jobs always carries some risk, right? His resume has remained unchanged since he first landed his current position 18 years ago. His LinkedIn profile contains only basic details, yet he still receives frequent messages from recruiters, which he complains about and ignores.
What Lies Ahead for Josh?
Josh's outlook is straightforward: at his current rate, he will pay off his mortgage in ten years. In 25 years, he anticipates a comfortable retirement. His ultimate plan? To remain an office zombie for another 25 years—void of any significant hopes, dreams, or expectations.
Did you find this narrative engaging? If so, you might also appreciate the article on the Hamster Mindset. Thank you for reading; I hope you found this piece entertaining. Feel free to follow me for more insights on personal development, money management, and investment strategies.