My first opportunity in the real world was as an intern with a big (8, now 4) accounting firm. While on an engagement with a very significant client, I had lunch with the rest of the audit team consisting of a senior and two junior consultants. Since we had to pay for our own meals at this time, we chose to imbibe at Wendy's. I ordered a small meal because I tend to be a slow eater and wanted to leave a good impression with our "boss", the senior auditor, by being attempting to showcase my exemplary conversation skills. Unfortunately, I chose to have a bowl of chili with extra cheese and onions. Although the beans probably would have been sufficient to cause some minor embarrassment, the cheese actually caused me the most problems because of its naturally gooey nature. Imagine for a moment, how difficult it must have been to pull the stringy cheese out of my mouth as it continues to remain intact all the way to the bowl. It even leaves you with that weird "hairy" feeling that you didn't get all of it even after you pull the last remaining strands. Although the senior tried her best to ignore my challenge, I know it made her uncomfortable. What truly saved me in this ordeal, (yes this is a positive story with a great? ending) was the lunch choice of one of my other junior audit colleagues. Instead of selecting another great meal from the menu board, he choice to bring his bag lunch with him.
To which he got immediately reprimanded that bringing his homemade concoction was just plain "unprofessional." Not only that, but she felt, although interns, we were still paid handsomely, and should be able to afford a decent meal, even if at Wendy's. In the event that we would be eating with clients, she would immediately have taken that bag lunch and threw it out or sent the junior auditor crying home. Needless to say, I was utterly shocked that she brought up this perspective with such rigorous passion! My junior friend however continued to munch on his home prepared sandwich and seemed mildly amused, but nonetheless seemed bothered.
From this day forward, the poor sap decided to pay for his meal and never brought up this situation again. I now reflect on this story, as I have many times, and realize somehow the trauma of this situation has remained with me, because I cannot recall any occasion where I brought my own lunch to work. I also realize much too late how absurd the thought was to publicly admonish someone who was trying to save a few dollars on a paltry salary or chose to maintain a certain nutritional diet. Unfortunately, I have to publicly admit that I am now that ugly senior, and have looked unflatteringly at those who do tend to bring their lunches to work at my place of employment. I can be having a lunch meeting, and as soon as I see that lunch bag come out, I'm just ready to scream. Instead, I just cast a slight downward glance as I eat my cafeteria special while shaking my head disapprovingly and referring to my lunch-bag carrying denizen as a "plebeian" who will never advance to the next caste as long as I am able to offer my opinion during promotion periods. In fact, I would even stoop to taking a bite out of the sandwich while the person steps away to wash their hands or gets a soda while leaving the meal in a vulnerable and visible spot. When they return, they become so disgusted that they will typically through the "damn" thing away, while I secretly laugh on the inside as they generally suspect the wrong person would take a germy bite out of their artistically assembled sandwich.
I will continue to do so until I rid the world of these unprofessional bag lunch people!
6 comments:
I work at a much different place. We have a cafeteria here and there are those employees who, instead of walking in with a bag of lunch, will walk out with a bag of dinner.
It is a bit ironic that the protaganist of your story would look so disapprovingly at a bagged lunch after leading her team to a venue that specializes in serving lunch in a bag. The real embarrassment to the senior is clearly derived from the act of bringing in an outside lunch. Quite likely this could have all been avoided had the senior in question acted just a shade more professionally and dragged the troops to Chili's instead.
Actually you do bring up a valid observation. I'm not sure how "professional" it is to even eat in a fast food franchise. What is "image" anyway? Why do we feel obligated to behave in a certain way, dress in a certain fashion, speak in a certain tone, etc.? Almost seems like the marketers are taking over America. The writing was on the wall when $100 jeans became the sought after fashion statement. The premium was obviously for the strategically placed tear and shearing which likely will reduce its overall life, so you will have to buy another in two months.
I, personally, am waiting for the pair of jeans with tears exposing the derriere. That way, I can tell the fashion designers and rest of the universe what I really think of them by mooning them!
An ounce of image is worth a pound of performance. Believe me, based on my performance, I must have one terrific image!
Image masks your insecurities. Your insecurities are based on your manhood.
Translation: Teenie Weenie
Yet you're the one who has to go by the name "Mr. Huge"? Hmm.
Reflection of my generosity.
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