©2004 Harvey H. Warwick III

Don’t trust in smiling faces who say “hi” when you walk in
And ask you if your weekend was okay,
And don’t believe the sign above your desk that bears your name:
It might be taken down after today.
And don’t think you’ve arrived and that you have no need to worry
If it happens that a bonus comes your way,
For the workplace is your enemy, and every day you go there,
You’ll find you’re in the middle of a fray.
All job security has now become an oxymoron,
A distant fading memory of yore;
And even if you think that you are giving all you’re able
You’ll suddenly discover they want more,
So work like it’s your very last chance, for at any moment
They may come and escort you to the door.
And if you find they want you to come back to work tomorrow
You’ve done all you can do—don’t ask for more.
Don’t line your desk with pictures and mementos of your family
If the desk itself does not belong to you:
They just become another thing you have to pack and carry
If suddenly you find your job is through.
Take only what you need to work, and bring it home each evening.
You’ll find this is the best thing you can do,
For you may have to move from place to place while you are working
And where you’re going to wind up, you’ve no clue.
Don’t let the fact that no one else seems to be working fool you
Unless they say it’s time to take a break
For you may find they’re working while you’re sitting doing nothing;
Not looking busy is a big mistake.
Your future there may be decided by someone you don’t see
Who keeps accounts of every move you make.
So make sure that you leave behind an excellent work record
A reputation that you cannot fake.