Why Every Office Plant Is a Metaphor for My Career
Have you ever looked at an office plant and thought, “Yep. That’s me”? No? Just me? Cool, cool. Let me explain.
I arrived at work this morning, bleary-eyed and clutching a coffee that was already lukewarm, and my gaze fell on the ficus in the corner. It was leaning slightly to the left, leaves a little droopy, and honestly… I recognized a kindred spirit.
1. The Over watered Period
Some days, the plant gets too much attention. Someone sprinkles it with water every hour, moves it into the perfect light, whispers motivational quotes at it. That’s me on days when I over commit to projects, reply to every Slack immediately, and drink three lattes before 10 a.m. It’s exhausting, and it doesn’t actually help me grow. But sure, look busy while you drown.
2. The Ignored Phase
Other days, nobody looks at the plant. Dust collects on its leaves, sunlight is just a memory, and it kinda shrivels in silence. That’s me after a week of back-to-back meetings, feeling invisible, unsure if anyone even notices my existence. But I’m still here. Technically alive. Barely thriving.
3. The Toxic Coworker
Every office has one: the colleague who thrives on drama and steals all the water (attention) for themselves. The plant next to them? Leaves turning yellow, roots exposed. Me, working next to that person? Same energy. You try to flourish, but someone keeps taking your shine.
4. The Occasional Miracle
Every so often, something magical happens. A new leaf sprouts. You remember to water it exactly right. Someone compliments it. Maybe you get promoted, or finish a project without crying in the supply closet. Tiny victories. They’re fleeting, but they count.
And that ficus in the corner? By the end of the day, I was staring at it again and thought: maybe we’re doing better than we think. Maybe we’re not just surviving. Maybe we’re… growing. Slowly. Inelegantly. But still.
So next time you see an office plant, give it a nod of solidarity. We’re all just trying to photosynthesize in this fluorescent-lit hellscape.
For those of us in the sad plant club. Available now.