Who else has that one colleague who does absolutely nothing at work, yet somehow, they’re everyone’s favorite? You know the type: rolls in late, always chatting, laughing, and somehow still manages to stay on the good side of every senior and manager. That colleague? Yep, that’s the one. Well, guess what? I just learned about "personality hires"—people brought in not for their skills but for their vibe. Yes, you read that right. They brighten the office with their jokes and lovable energy. Meanwhile, I’ve been slaving away like I’m auditioning for "Employee of the Year" and nobody told me I could’ve been a personality hire all along. Excuse me, what?!
The Corporate Trap: When Being a Workhorse Isn’t Enough
After years in the corporate world, I’ve finally cracked the code. You know how they say hard work pays off? Yeah, they lied. Being good at your job just means you’ll get more work, while Mr. or Ms. Personality is off getting all the glory (and probably a company-paid trip to Bali). These are the people getting promoted, taking the cushy assignments, and being praised for their vibes—not their spreadsheets. And here I am, diligently doing my job when all I had to do was be likable. Couldn’t someone have clued me in on this sooner?!
My New Strategy: More Smiles, Less Stress
So, here’s the plan. From now on, I’m doubling down on office politics. I’ll be the one bringing baked goods to work, laughing at the boss questionable jokes, and maybe slipping in some compliments here and there. “Oh, Susan, did you always have that glow?!” Yep, I’m playing the game. It’s time to kiss a little more butt—respectfully—and bake a few more cookies. You want hard work? Sure, I’ll do the bare minimum, but now I’m focusing on getting liked. After all, that’s where the promotions are at, right?
Or Maybe… Just Maybe… Hard Work Will Pay Off?
But let’s not lose hope completely. Maybe—just maybe—hard work will actually pay off in the long run. Perhaps there’s still a place in this world where dedication is rewarded, and promotions aren’t given out based on who tells the funniest joke. Am I being too idealistic here? Maybe. But hey, I’m open to being proven wrong.
What do you think? Is it all about office politics and being everyone’s favorite, or does hard work still matter? Share your thoughts below! Talk quick before I start baking cookies!
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