Experiences That Prove Work Can Get Crazy: Bets Gone Wrong, Unfortunate Boss Utterances, and a Harrowing Ransomware Attack
Work can be full of unexpected and sometimes bizarre events. In this article, we share three such experiences that prove how unpredictable and sometimes hilarious our professional lives can be. From a bet gone wrong to a boss's shocking expletive, to the harrowing experience of a ransomware attack, we delve into stories that will make you smile, cringe, and maybe even learn something valuable about resilience.
Bets Gone Wrong and Mispayments in the Workforce
One memorable experience occurred over a decade ago in the waiting list department. I made a daring bet with the ladies from another team that our respective teams would qualify in an upcoming sports tournament. In exchange for their team losing, I agreed to undergo a bilateral orchidectomy (the removal of both testicles), a drastic and life-changing operation. Thankfully, my team managed to win, avoiding the drastic outcome. What followed were some comical moments that illustrate the camaraderie and merriment of coworkers. After receiving an appointment for a BSC wax, a minor preparatory surgery, I got an appointment for the orchidectomy for the day after the tournament. However, they canceled the latter due to our team's victory. My letter confirming the cancellation was received the day after work, leading to my showing up at the clinic after work, only to be informed that the surgery had been canceled. This experience left a lasting impression on me, making it clear that bet-making is not something I should engage in again.
Professional Learning from a Mid-level Boss
My first job outside the academic setting was with a small company specializing in offshore navigation for oil exploration and pipe laying. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) was a highly professional and well-attired woman known for her impeccable taste in business attire. To my young, impressionable eyes, she represented the epitome of success and professionalism. One day, during a discussion with my boss about the reasons for losing a contract, the COO blurted out, “Well I’ll be dipped in shit!” Startled by her colorful language, I looked at her, and she chuckled, explaining, “I grew up in the oil patch, so I have a few more colorful ways of expressing myself.” This experience taught me that people have diverse backgrounds and comfort levels with language, and it’s important to be conscious of these differences.
Harrowing Ransomware Attack: A Day That Will Be Forgotten Soon
One of the most memorable but harrowing experiences was a ransomware attack that occurred last year. On November 18th, we began to experience network issues around 9 AM. We couldn't even access the internet, and by the afternoon, we were told to shut down all laptops and avoid connecting to the network. The reason for this was that the state government of Louisiana was under a ransomware attack. Several public agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), were affected, and services were halted.
For several hours, we waited for a resolution, but as it became evident that it would take more than a day or two, the majority of us left for home. I connected to my laptop from home and managed to work remotely. By the second day, we were still waiting for a resolution. While it was a difficult period, it did have its lighter moments. My husband's birthday fell during this time, and we managed to celebrate early. We had a lovely celebration with oysters and wine for a birthday dinner, which provided a much-needed joyous break from the chaos. This experience highlighted the importance of backup systems and the need to quickly restore services to maintain business continuity.
In conclusion, work can be as unpredictable as it is challenging. From making risky bets to learning from our bosses, and dealing with unforeseen technical challenges, these experiences have shaped us and enriched our professional journeys. While some of these stories may seem trivial, they all underscore the importance of resilience, communication, and adaptability in the workplace.