Joining late

Ashwin Goyal

Aug 16, 2024

“Sorry, I’m late,” he said, forcing a casual tone. “The last meeting ran over.”

"Your calendar was free," someone pointed out.

"It was in person," he quickly added.

"You know I sit next to you, right? You didn’t move."

He leaned in. "Nobody likes a snitch, asshole."

Flattening hierarchy

The company prided itself on its flat hierarchy. No titles, no ranks—everyone was equal. First day on the job, someone leaned over to him. “So, what’s your level?” He blinked, surprised. “Uh, we’re all the same, right?” They shook their head. “Sure, but... what’s your real

Maintaining the routine

“I have to go,” he announced, almost panicked. “Go? Now? It’s only 9:30!” they exclaimed. “No can do,” he said, eyes wide with urgency. “If I’m not asleep by 10:02, my REM cycle will be thrown off, and then my whole week is shot.” They stared,