I wanted to laugh, but found myself aghast. My husband will never be allowed to retire. He’s too busy trying to educate the twenty-something hires. They don’t last long. They don’t like the hours, the dress code or the old people. And they especially hate working.
I wrote this story before ChatGPT, too. I have a feeling that the phenomena of people not wanting to work will become even greater now that they feel that AI can and should do work for them.
"But because Whitcomb Advertising’s staff worked and lived in their offices on company-provided life support, they remained in the same office until their very last day. Home, office, and hospital rolled into one."
It seems there are many corporations that would love to have this scenario.
"Personnel" was changed to "Human Resources" which became "Human Capital".
They tell us how they think of us.
Thanks, Bill, that bad boss got what was coming to him.
“Home, office, and hospital rolled into one.” My God, that’s chilling.
The assassination might not change anything at the company. If whoever takes over agreed with Whitcomb’s policies, then more old people will be stuck in those conditions.
Let's hear it for 96-year-old Shirly May who continues on from her "work bed". Work bed! I don't know why that oxymoron struck me so funny, but I choked on my morning coffee. Then I realized I am writing this comment from MY work bed. ( Perfect last line, too, Bill.)
I keep a laptop by my bed not because I'm chained to my work (am I?), but because my cat often traps me there for hours, so I figure I should turn that into productive time.
Work beds are often good, comfortable places to get stuff done. (except maybe for Shirly's.)
Wow! I wasn't expecting that ending! But he's got to go so that's took care of him!
Thanks, Christina. Exactly! It's bye-bye bad boss.
Reminds me of the bad boss I had a few years ago!!!
Oh no! I'm glad that it's an ex-boss.
I wanted to laugh, but found myself aghast. My husband will never be allowed to retire. He’s too busy trying to educate the twenty-something hires. They don’t last long. They don’t like the hours, the dress code or the old people. And they especially hate working.
I wrote this story before ChatGPT, too. I have a feeling that the phenomena of people not wanting to work will become even greater now that they feel that AI can and should do work for them.
Deliciously dark humor and a great twist ending. Loved it. Great story!
Thanks, John. I'm glad you liked Old People Working and especially the ending.
"But because Whitcomb Advertising’s staff worked and lived in their offices on company-provided life support, they remained in the same office until their very last day. Home, office, and hospital rolled into one."
It seems there are many corporations that would love to have this scenario.
"Personnel" was changed to "Human Resources" which became "Human Capital".
They tell us how they think of us.
Thanks, Bill, that bad boss got what was coming to him.
My pleasure, Jenise!
Well, that’s one way to retire. 😉
Feed me chocolate and I'm happy to work forever.
Yikes. I don’t like chocolate that much. I am trying to hang on for two more years. Then I am outta there!
“Home, office, and hospital rolled into one.” My God, that’s chilling.
The assassination might not change anything at the company. If whoever takes over agreed with Whitcomb’s policies, then more old people will be stuck in those conditions.
It's a sad state of being.
Always interesting, and great twists!
Thanks, Donna. I had fun writing Old People Working and I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Just fantastic!
As I get older I always wonder if there will be a spot for me in the workplace. This got me thinking...
The waters get murkier as we age.
Makes me appreciate the idea of having robots in the workplace. The ending was unexpected.
Thanks! Robots are coming, whether we're ready for them or not.
I'm glad you liked the ending.
Your surprise endings never disappoint
Thank you, Sharon.
Let's hear it for 96-year-old Shirly May who continues on from her "work bed". Work bed! I don't know why that oxymoron struck me so funny, but I choked on my morning coffee. Then I realized I am writing this comment from MY work bed. ( Perfect last line, too, Bill.)
I keep a laptop by my bed not because I'm chained to my work (am I?), but because my cat often traps me there for hours, so I figure I should turn that into productive time.
Work beds are often good, comfortable places to get stuff done. (except maybe for Shirly's.)
Wow! I’m not a fan of violence, but he needed that! (Your surprise endings are the best.)
Thanks Gail. I'm glad you enjoyed Old People Working, and especially the ending. He was not ever voted best boss of the year.
Whoa! I definitely didn’t see that ending coming. I’m thinking you could turn this into something bigger. Maybe a series.
Thanks, Scott. Ideas are percolating in my head now.
I'm glad you enjoyed Old People Working.