Better Off Dead

If I were alive, I would be loath to walk in to this building each day, staring at the same gray fabric, detachable walls. Hearing the throbbing, relentless murmur of hundreds of voices all speaking at the same time.

If I were alive, I would stand up and walk out of this place, where I am sure I do not belong. I would fight and claw my way free. I would ride all of the corpses like a wave, outside to where the air is fresh and the light is real.

If I were alive I would rage against the constant insults to my intelligence by my superiors who are only so by title, not by wisdom and performance. I would be eager to question any and all redundant processes, seemingly designed only to challenge my patience and understanding.

If I were alive I would free all co-workers from their cubicle cages and incite them to flee their oppressive existence and seek challenges and enlightenment in a more cerebrally conductive environment. I would encourage free thought and individual expression, not uniformed abbreviated corporate speak and nonsensical company common thought.

If I were alive I would speak freely to anyone and everyone who made inquiries of me. I wouldn’t simply read verbatim statements designed to remove all humanity from the very people hired to be the physical representative of any given company. I would be friendly and responsive to their needs, assisting them with their concerns and questions the best that I can.

If I were alive I would resent the meager wages that I earn for a job that takes so much away. I would resent the changes to my personality that inevitably happen when forced to face the lowest common denominator of people on an hourly basis. The callus and contemptible manner with which I deal with strangers, just assuming they are as worthless and incompetent as the people I deal with in my workplace.

If I were alive, I would do anything but just sit and stare at my screen, counting the seconds until my shift is up, smiling when I am supposed to smile, partaking in small talk with people I wouldn’t normally speak to. Answering redundant, obvious questions as if they were legitimate and deserving of my consideration. Waiting for the day to be over so I can breath again.

If I were alive I would do all of that and more, but I am not alive. I am in customer service and as such, I believe I am better off dead.