Anyway I decided to write about an all too familiar situation. I think the movie Mean Girls made it super clear, as well as the TV show Malcolm in the Middle... and really a bunch of other references.
That time where you're not sure which table to sit at and which person to converse with. One of those days where there's no written rule that limits you where you could be but somehow you still feel you must tread the waters carefully. As if the first table/chair you choose will be that one defining moment of your high school (or other) career.
It's been a month since I started at my new job and its pretty interesting seeing how this division in the lunch room works. There's around 30 people in my department. By far, I'd say the division is cultural at first. People of the same ethnic background eat together; probably to talk in the same language and share the same familiar food. Then there'd be the gender division (mostly for those who don't belong to a large ethnic group). But its funny coz its not like the girls talk about girly things while the guys talk about manly things. In fact both groups can sit together and enjoy the same conversation but for some reason each are just tight knit as separate groups. Now the last group would be the smokers who has to use their break time wisely. Being in the graveyard shift means every entrance/exit in the building has an alarm and can only be deactivated at a certain time and location. So these guys rarely have time to eat during break. Instead they go for breakfast together after work which I must say is really awesome. I haven't hung out with work people outside of work because we're all just too tired and wanna sleep or have to go to our next job.
Outside of the lunch room though is different, everyone still works together. Not always harmoniously as one would like to think. For instance, many complaints have gone around this past week. I'm pretty worried how the group chemistry would be once some people are let go (failing the probationary period) or if some more people are added. I think its still a bit early to change the dynamics of it all but sadly its not my call.
Anyway, I'm just glad that out of the 30 people I work with, I can clearly say that I enjoy working with about 7 of them, 20 people I am good working with (meaning we each do our job properly but I don't enjoy their company as much) and 3 that I seriously wish I never have to be with. I'd say those statistics are looking good.
