Monday, 04 January 2010

  • Career Woes: Michael Scott Syndrome



    I love The Office. It's hilarious, full of John Krasinski, and most of all: true.

    One of the truest aspects of the show is the fate of the boss, Michael Scott, who we learn throughout the series is not as stupid as everyone thinks—he's just working the wrong job. Formerly the top salesman of his company, Michael never should have been promoted to management.

    Every time Michael has to handle a boss issue, like picking a health care plan or obeying the company's sexual harassment policy, he's a mess. But when he's meeting with important clients or otherwise pushing paper (his company's product), Michael is a superstar.

    I know, I know, it's fiction, but I think Michael Scott's plight is very relevant to the working world. Top employees tend to get promoted—but just because you're good at one job doesn't mean you're equally suited for the next rung on the ladder. All prestige aside, you might be happier with a pay raise at your current position.

    I haven't had too much work experience, but I suffered from a mild case of Michael Scott Syndrome during my time on my college newspaper. While working there, I ascended from writer to editor, which meant less time doing what I loved the most—instead of interviewing subjects and crafting articles, I was busy correcting grammar and checking for plagiarizing. I was still pretty good at fulfilling my editor duties, but I missed writing so much I wound up signing up to write several articles a week anyway, which meant I was always overwhelmed and slowing everybody down. Overall, I probably should have just stayed a writer.

    What do you think of Michael Scott Syndrome? Has it affected you or anyone you know?

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