Tag Archives: Workplace Angst

Here’s Why I Need You to Work 18 Hours a Day: And Not Whine About It

SHORT STORY/SATIRE – ‘The ‘conference room’ was a corner of the studio floor with big glass windows, seven bean bags, and toys scattered around. Raman Ronadhona had taken a bean bag next to a stuffed bulldog. The Founder-CEO, the 30-something Chaman Chaturkumar, stomped in and plonked into a huge tan bean bag shaped like a chair. He had a frown on his face and didn’t look happy.’

Why People Are the Next Big Tech

Our age is swamped with technology.  From robotics to smartphones; from e-rickshaws to international space stations; from CRSPR-Cas9 to Solid State Drives. Human ingenuity and science are being rapidly encapsulated in complex algorithms and packaged into dense devices and executive routines. Governments and corporations are ramping up R&D budgets to create or acquire the nextContinue reading “Why People Are the Next Big Tech”

The One In Which Gulliver Is Bored and Calls Newton for Advice

Destiny washed Gulliver up on the shores of the island nation, Lilliput, a kingdom ruled by minuscule intellectuals. Gulliver’s ship was wrecked during his long voyage. Floating on a rotting plank, he was desperately seeking terra firma. It was a blessing that the tropical storm that thrashed him one night also deposited him on theContinue reading “The One In Which Gulliver Is Bored and Calls Newton for Advice”

Question of the Sinner Stomach

Burning eyes and shallow my breath.A knocking buzz constant my head.Revolting against inertia deathly,Limbs, spine, heart and belly.The brain begs and begs for mercy.I put foot down–ever so gently,\”Just a few more hours and we\’ll be done.\”\”One last push and this\’ll be won.\”But, we are here, in an interrogation room.Not being bailed out anytime soon.TorturedContinue reading “Question of the Sinner Stomach”

The Communion of Rocks

I was once drafted Into a communion of rocks. There was a war out there Between various pointless blocs. A war between rocks, Rocks dumb and inflamed. They fought with words, empty words that blamed. A rookie soldier, I, Among leaders of rank nonsense. It all seemed alien to me— Somewhat touchy and tense. AndContinue reading “The Communion of Rocks”

Paper Tigers

Tiger, tiger, burning bright; Made of paper, serves you right. Tongue of steel but fluffy butt;All you can give is a paper cut. Proud of rank but courage scant;Your middle name is psycho-phant. Questions aplenty, answers none;If we question, we are done.Silent footsteps and hidden claws;Playing us around with wicked laws.When its good, you scowlContinue reading “Paper Tigers”

Hierarchical Sloth

\”What the fuck is this?\”\”What? This is the final product.\”\”You\’re going to sell it like this?\”\”Yeah. What\’s wrong with it?\”\”This is crap! This is bullshit, man!\”\”Hey, it\’s been approved by the top-management. And we don\’t have time to re-do it. We have to meet our targets, the retailer is waiting for stocks, the designer hasContinue reading “Hierarchical Sloth”

Tedium

Tedium, Sisyphean tedium Still, in the middle of the PacificHot afternoon sun and pin-drop silence Slow…dead slow…Calm…dead calm… Not a ripple in the skiesNot a gust in the waters Breath sucks molten leadThoughts pushing shut synapses Steady beat of a sluggish heartNoisy gush of thickened blood An unending rhythm that doesn\’t changeA drummer in aContinue reading “Tedium”