What would it take to get me to work in an office again? Seriously?
This Joel on Software article (of Fog Creek Software) got me thinking about this a while ago and Web Worker Daily reminded me again today. Maybe I just had a string of bad experiences, but I honestly don’t think I’ll ever want to re-enter the traditional workforce.
When I was much younger—in high school and college—I never had a vision for myself beyond going to school and then finding a job. That’s what my parents did. That’s what everyone did. Perhaps it was the way I was raised or a lack of imagination. But whatever it was, the thought of being an entrepreneur, being self-employed, never even entered my consciousness. Now that I’ve had ample experience working for others and a helping of self-employment I can say that, so far, being self-employed is better. Much better.
Now, obviously I haven’t worked everywhere, but to go back into an office by choice… Well, it would have to be an amazing place. Google comes to mind although they’re sounding more and more like a cult. The article above mentions all of the things I would consider minimum requirements. But the author also talks about what I consider the most important requirement. In fact, this one may trump all the others: being treated with respect. In a business setting that means employers should set goals and employees should be compensated for achieving them lawfully, ethically and efficiently. Period.
Unfortunately, this is what’s known as living in a fantasy world.
The fact is, as a company grows, it becomes increasingly difficult to measure individual performance. If a one person company succeeds or fails you know who to blame. But who do you blame in a 50 person company or a 30,000 person company? The consequence is that employees aren’t rewarded for results. They can’t be. Instead, employees are paid for putting in hours.
It’s the reason companies have rules for when you are supposed to arrive at and leave from work, when and how long your lunch break is, vacation and sick time, and the requirement to appear perpetually busy even when there is nothing to do (especially when there is nothing to do). It’s why office workers feel guilty when they call in sick and why parents miss little league games. It’s why, despite the fact that you stayed late on Friday to ship your company’s product on time, you can’t take Monday off without getting your boss to sign a permission slip. It’s why employees who don’t slave 80 hours a week aren’t considered “team players.” And it’s why annual performance reviews include a section for attendance and feel like such a farce.
It’s constant, disrespectful supervision.
Regardless of the perks, working for someone else means being treated, to varying degrees, like a child. Sure, I could see myself working in an office again. But only if I’m treated like an adult and fairly compensated for the value I create for the company. That employer will have to realize that respect is more important than a good parking space, free lunches and an on-site gym.