Why I Like To Telecommute

I was thinking back on the days when going to work meant getting up before dawn, directing everyone out the door at the same time while still half asleep and then fighting traffic only to spend nine hours in a room without a view. I like that I now telecommute and can set my own pace. The best part of working from home though is not having to deal with annoying co-workers. Have you ever dealt with co-workers from hell? There is usually one you come across every day that sets your teeth on edge, making you want to scream.

The Backstabber:

While you may not recognize this one until it is too late, beware: they are out to get you. To most they appear friendly and benign. This is the one that will invite you out after work or join you at lunch, just being nice. They will find out everything they can about you and file it away. When you least expect it, WHAM! The next thing you know the boss calls you in to say he heard you are spreading rumors about so-and-so and not being a team player. As you sit there stunned, you remember the conversation with the Backstabber over a beer venting about the person mentioned. You are now in a situation of having to defend yourself over a rant you should have kept private.

The Climber:

Using the backs of others to step up the ladder of success, the Climber wears combat boots masquerading as slippers: they will crush you if you are silly enough to stand in their way. Nothing and no one will keep them from their ultimate goal. With their eyes on the prize, they will lie, cheat, steal or promote themselves so blatantly, you wonder if they shouldn't hire a publicist. Their brilliance just shines through that brightly, don't you know. They will be the ones volunteering to spearhead every company function while giving the actual work to others. Do not worry though they will get the kudos for a job well done while you were the one slaving away. You can recognize this one easily. He is the one always one step behind the boss, like a puppy dog chasing after its owner.

The Clueless:

Are they really that ignorant or do they have the art of pretense down to a science? The Clueless cannot ever seem to remember what their job duties are. Or how to use the copier. Or where to find the supplies. Or how to use the phone. Or well you get the idea. Once you've heard the phrase "Oh I didn't know that" for the umpteenth time, you begin to wonder how they manage to get dressed and find their way to work every day. When most of us are in a hurry to grab a snack at the vending machine on the way back to our overflowing desk, they will be the one standing there with a vacant expression trying to figure out which button to push. The most amazing thing is they still have jobs to come to every day.

The Flirt:

Never bashful, the Flirt zeros in on the up and comer or the one with the say so. Riding coat tails is what they do best. If they spent as much time actually working as they spend teasing and flirting, the production output of your department would soar. Unless you have an "in" with someone of importance, you can ignore the batting eyelashes and uber compliments. That's usually a sign the flirt has been on a recent reconnoitering foray and forgot to turn the switch to off.

The Lazy:

The Lazy is easy to spot. He or she will be the one constantly chatting with everyone, laughing out loud, and accomplishing nothing throughout the day. With their cell phone permanently attached to their face, you can also find them dutifully surfing online for their own personal pleasure. Funny, but that's the only thing "dutiful" about them. The work will continuously pile up because they are too busy wandering aimlessly to actually accomplish anything. What they do manage to work on will be sent off without a second glance to make sure it is correct, and everyone knows they are not the ones to come to should questions arise. Like the Clueless, it is a wonder they still have a job to come to and goof off with every day.

The Attitude:

These are the ones who think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread. After all, how did the work place ever function before they arrived? They always have the right answer, always know the best way of accomplishing any project, but nine times out of ten, they are nearly as clueless as the Clueless ones. The Attitude is quick to remind everyone of how great they are, and how much work they produce. Their pride is evident. In order to retain any shred of sanity, stay far away from this one: especially when they let off steam.

What kind of personality have you worked with that annoyed you?