The Complications of Expressing Oneself at Work

The name of the game in most any workplace–traditional corporate juggernaut or froufrou startup–is generally always stiflement. Stifle your opinion, stifle your fashion sense, stifle your entire personality. Whatever happens, do no speak the truth and do not ever allow your employer or co-workers to get what could be described as “too close.”

But the problem with suppression is that, unless you’re Albert Fish and can quietly handle your issues by shoving a rose stem up your genitals, a desire to express your true feelings will inevitably boil to the surface. And when this happens, it is entirely possible that it will result in your sacking–especially if the F word is used in visual or verbal communication. Then again, there’s also that Russian roulette chance that those surrounding your cube might just respect you more for it–and/or stay the fuck away from you to avoid getting in the crossfire or your rage. We all know HR isn’t going to intervene.