A Fin-tastic Coworker

At my last job, I had a surprisingly special coworker: an office fish. Petting it — or trying to — became my daily act of rebellion. My little colleague sent me devious mind signals: “Let’s make tea together!”, “Want to take a walk?”, “The weather’s great today, why not leave work a bit early?” I’d wander around the office, browse grad school applications, or carefully brew tea, imagining my aquatic friend nodding in approval. My fishy companion taught me how to outswim monotony.

The work itself was repetitive, a parade of cramped rooms and sterile details copied from one project to the next, all to make money for already-wealthy developers. It was floor plan after floor plan. Sometimes I wondered if my fish friend felt the same boredom, or if it was secretly cheering me on as I tapped my pen and pretended to be 100% devoted to the redlines. Perhaps it found comfort in the simple rhythm of swimming back and forth, reminding me that even the dullest waters could sometimes be endured. Its little bubbles shared a quiet protest with me at my stark white desk.

Why did I stay? Rent needed paying. But maybe a job isn’t just about bills and deadlines. It’s these stolen moments, secret friendships, and small joys. Petting my tiny coworker was my daily act of mischief, gently firing the office, one sip of tea and one tap of a fin at a time. Maybe we all need a little fish to pet.