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Workplaces and offices are their own ecosystems. And, frankly, it can be a real jungle in there, dear Pandas. Among the forests of cubicles and the plains of open-space hot desks, in between the towering water coolers and coffee machine islands, you’ll find the natives. They’re industriously typing away on keyboards and working so hard, they’re making their mice squeak. They’ve exchanged cozy bonfires and the sounds of nature for warmly-glowing screens and headphones full of strange sounds. And they look a lot like you and me.

Office life comes with its own quirks, jokes, dreams, and even nightmarish problems to tackle. Anyone who’s ever worked in one knows that there are just as many bizarre cons as there are pros. But what would any workplace be without any humor? We thought we’d bring a smile to your face, so today we’re featuring the popular ‘Employee Tears’ Instagram project and its relatable work memes.

Quite a few of these had me giggling so hard, I had to excuse myself and be alone for a few minutes because of how close they hit to home. Grab yourself a big cup of coffee, a donut or two (or a healthier option if there are any around!), and have a see for yourselves, Pandas. Don’t forget to upvote the memes you liked the most and be sure to share them with your friends. Preferably during work hours so they can catch a break!

More info: Instagram | Twitter

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    Last week, I spoke to cloud engineer and data analytics consultant Kierra about switching careers, figuring out if we need a fresh start, and how we should view job satisfaction.

    The expert, who helps people pivot into new roles, told Bored Panda that employees should think about changing careers "when they’re bored, feel like they’re undervalued, or feeling like work is causing their mental/physical health to suffer."

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    Chucky Cheezburger
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A-forking-men... This makes it harder to set actual, realistic goals for people that want to have a life beyond working.

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    Chucky Cheezburger
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Appreciation is best shown through compensation...

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    River Webb
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    skip the olive oil, that person needs to be in pain

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    "I think it’s rare to feel certain [about career change], especially when your financial stability is on the line but it’s important that you always advocate for yourself, even when it might not feel 'great,'" Kierra noted that it’s difficult to know if your decision to switch jobs is objectively right. However, you have to do what feels right for you, even if things seem scary.

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    Kierra said that open and regular communication and consistently checking in with employees is what managers should aim for. 

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    the child
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    found it https://www.boredpanda.com/stolen-office-lunch-shrimp-fried-rice-zak-toscani/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

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    "Asking at least biweekly will allow them to learn how each individual on their team works and what is important to them in their career. This can help the manager to adjust what goals and tasks the people they manage should work on… to get the best out of their role and to maximize their career,” she told Bored Panda.

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    In Kierra’s opinion, job satisfaction is very subjective. However, things like a higher salary can help motivate workers to do better. 

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    River Webb
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    or having a meeting when it can be settled via email

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    River Webb
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    hi Rachel, I have lost control over my life. Cancel everything

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    "Most would probably say money [increases job satisfaction] since it’s needed for survival, but there are many people who are out there doing what they love even though it might not pay well. In reality, I think people want to work a job where they feel appreciated and heard in all aspects (from career goals, innovative ideas, compensation, etc)," she said.

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    Thinker Dell
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And when the whole house is burning, they ask you why didn't you say something earlier. When you say you did, they ask you for e-mail proofs. Then they make you admit the whole thing was your fault.

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    Valisbourne Spiritforge
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is because the US is no longer a country, it's a corporation and the almighty dollar is king.

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    The expert added that managers and the companies themselves ought to be the ones helping motivate their employees and keeping them interested in their jobs in the long run.

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    "Perhaps one should try to find roles where there’s lots of opportunity for growth and internal transfer in the event you would like to try something else," she mentioned what the employees can do themselves.

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    Al Cook
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No matter what your salary, I think we'd all agree with this!

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    So, dear Pandas, which of these work and office memes were your favorite ones? Have you ever worked in an office? If so, what were your most and least favorite parts about the whole thing? Let us know in the comments. Meanwhile, if you’re in the mood for some more memes about work, you can check out Bored Panda’s articles here, here, and here.

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    Valisbourne Spiritforge
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Haha, the whole 'commitment to working' thing. I work with a guy who spends 16 - 20 hours a day at work. He's SO proud of it and thinks the company likes it too (I'm sure they do). Sadly, if he'd just shut his mouth and stop socializing, he'd get everything he does all day done in about 4 - 5 hours and be a happier person.

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    Emperor Kitten
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What job could possibly require a masters degree in Social Media!?

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    CLG
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Leaving them isn't the problem, it's the finding a new one.

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    Richard Hunt
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember of dreaming about making the amount of money that I'm starving on now 😶

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    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got bollocked by the manager of the other office for not recognising him on the phone and asking for his name. The reason I didn't recognise him was that I had only started that morning, being a temp while the usual secretary was on leave. But he didn't recognise that I wasn't her... And yes, for the whole month I asked him his name, every day. Because my job was to transfer calls to the person I was actually working for with the name of the caller, not to pander to the inflated egos of twats

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    Serial pacifist
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok, who's daddy? I would like to be the grandpa who sits in the armchair and watches TV all day.

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    River Webb
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ride or die is the mentality that almost every company has

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    TitanFoxX
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, but people who respond quickly also want it of their todo list. You are not the only one who is busy. Besides, you have no idea how much time people already wasted before their email reached you :-)

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    Al Cook
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually that's not true in most places. Though there are legally mandated holiday accruals in most permanent jobs, the actual dates you take off must be agreed at the company's discretion.

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    troufaki13
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They also offer you a chance to look at their brand new super expensive sports car

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    rspanther
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the same look I give the when the boss says do it this way and you saying it won't work, and surprise it doesn't work.

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    River Webb
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    we need something to fuel our nightmares

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    Ozacoter
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That reminds me to the place where I worked for the first time. When I left they were demanding a master in biology/vet, fluent spanish and english and minimum 6m experience for free internships!

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    Al Cook
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think its safe to say, everyone of working age in an office environment, has done this AT LEAST once. Some people I know seem to make it part of their daily routine!

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    Andy Acceber
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep. I once had a woman go on an absolute tirade that our private business didn't have a Christmas tree in the lobby. It was the weirdest complaint, but she was livid.

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    Ozacoter
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got in trouble for using popcorn instead of raisins to fill one toy for our primates. Popcorn was allowed dont get me wrong, but that toys description said raisins so my f****d up coworker (who tought that was my boss) made a huge issue out of it. The toy was just a log with small holes in it to hide food. You could theoretically put anything that fits inside, from seeds to peanut butter. But no, the example said raisins so I am a monster for puting something else.

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    #41

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    Ryan Deschanel
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And then, you remember it means you are now unemployed and broke... And your secret snacks were still in your drawer.

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    Chucky Cheezburger
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jeez gawd I feel this so damn much....I dont CARE about whatever the hell you're yammering about Just please Shut. The. Fork. UP!!!!!

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    River Webb
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    honestly, a carrot has better time management skills than me

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    #53

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    Mazer
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh but dying at work is the ultimate payback

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    Al Cook
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, this is f*****g ridiculous. I've looked into banning this, but it's legally tricky and hard to enforce.

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    #57

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    Raven Sheridan
    Community Member
    4 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Finally, a job I'm qualified for! Now if they actually expect me to work... Well, that's a different matter entirely.

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    WilvanderHeijden
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Given that I have formulated my explanation in a way that is understandable even for a comatose asparagus, I assume further correspondence on this subject is superfluous. Kind regards, "

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    WilvanderHeijden
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read somewhere that more American people are starting businesses. I guess a lot of them realised that you earn much more if you are the boss.

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    Ryan Deschanel
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "We are a family"... Translation : "I expect you to dedicate your entire life and energy to my own pleasure, and you should get used to gaslighting, guilt-tripping, and cult-like team-building bullshit."

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    #65

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    River Webb
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    people say to expect the unexpected, but never to expect the expected

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    #66

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    Raven Sheridan
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "If you hate your job, you don't just quit. You just go in every day and do it really half-assed. That's the American way!" - Homer Simpson.

    #67

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    Ryan Deschanel
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Until HR remembers that they can't control your life oustide of work and you will sue them if they ever try to punish you.

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    #69

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    Libstak
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow that even looks like the work snitch that I worked with...

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    Kanuli
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We are free...as long as we can live with the consequences...or accept them anyway.

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    #74

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    ZAPanda
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    unless I CC the boss in the clear so you see that she/he/they got CC'ed.

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    #75

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    Valisbourne Spiritforge
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd love to have a work space half this cheerful. Our company banned everything like this from desk space as being "unprofessional". Somehow, the managers batman office didn't change though.

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    TitanFoxX
    Community Member
    4 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Here in NL, Europe, it is illegal to block day off requests, unless there is a very very VERY important reason to do so.

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