A Day in the Life: Office Space Moments

Today is my first day back in the office after a 2 week break. 

There are a lot of people still out on vacation this week so I get an extra couple days to play catch up before things get hectic around here. I've been sitting here daydreaming most of the morning...reflecting on the past year and how much I've grown in my career...and laughing to myself thinking about some of the craziness that occurred at work in 2012.

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I'm an HR Manager. And like any job, being in HR has its perks and an equal amout of challenges. I won't bore you with all of the challenges, but I will share that I have had more awkward conversations in the past 8 years as an HR professional than in the entire 20+ years before that. 

{Exhibit A}

Employee: Hi, I like your hair like that.

Me: Thank you.

Employee: Have you seen that Chris Rock documentary, Good Hair?

Me: Um, yeah...yeah, I have.

Employee: Oh, OK. Yeah, that was a good movie.

Me: *blank stare*

Employee: Well, nice chatting with you.

Me: Likewise. *as I roll my eyes*

This really happened, y'all. If you've seen Good Hair you know it's a documentary/comedy about the extreme measures black women take to ensure their hair looks good. I wasn't offended by this employee...I actually thought it was kind of funny that he saw me and immediately thought about that movie. Never a dull moment, I tell you...never. And you MUST maintain a sense of humor.

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{Exhibit B}

Group of employees: _________ (insert really inappropriate discussion topic)

Me: *Pretend I'm ignoring the conversation*

Employee: Sshhhhh...HR is in the room.

Me: *Continue to pretend I'm ignoring the conversation*

This actually happens all. of. the. time. I'm actually considering changing my name to "HR". 

I'll leave you with this. Because, unfortunately, this kind of stuff really happens in Corporate America. Every single day. ;) OK...maybe not this blatantly obnoxious...but pretty darn close.

Would love to hear about your Office Space moments. Do share!