5 Best Companies we will never work for — Vibewire.net

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5 Best Companies we will never work for

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submitted by Nicolette Lorraway last modified 2008-02-01 10:46

Graduation is a stressful time for all of us. While most of us are leafing through the newspaper sorrowfully, wondering what is to become of our student life, there is hope. Let Nicolette Lorraway make your life just that little bit easier by dredging through the grungy depths of the job market on your behalf and presenting the five best companies that you will never have the pleasure of working for.

Ranging from the ultra-hip to guardians of the entire galaxy, these are the organisations which exist only on the big screen. The kind which, when the lights come up and the credits roll, inspire us to look at each other and sigh, ‘Gee, I wish I worked there’.

. ACME

Is there anything this company doesn’t do? The ultimate all-rounder, ACME Corp’s manufacturing prowess ranges from parachutes to mouse-traps to the always-handy oversized anvil. They even deliver to the desert with lightning speed. Perfect for anyone wanting to catch that wascally wittle wabbit.

. Hanso Foundation

If we have all learnt anything from the popular series Lost, it’s that we all love an organisation with an air of mystery. And what better than an ambiguous medical institute on an equally mysterious forgotten island? These mad scientists capture and imprison whichever unlucky visitor happens to land on their shores, and armed with syringes and some clever mind games, they not only probe and pet their visitors, but confuse them (and us) terribly too. With its labyrinths of darkened futuristic hallways buried underground, mind-boggling surveillance apparatus, and submarine, you too can feel like James Bond with a stethoscope.

. The Jedi Order

I realise this is not really a company, but it certainly provides a very appealing career prospect. Yoda and his crew of oddly-shaped misfits monitor and control the entire universe, acting as guardians of the galaxy, defending the innocent and having a great time doing it, too. Superficially, this may be seen as the perfect job, offering perks such as world-domination, action, and lots of travel. And on top of that, you get to be quite nifty with a light-saber. However do keep in mind that constantly being away from home on work trips and strict regulations on celibacy may quickly grow tiresome, apart from the fact that there is also something nauseating about an organisation which is so sickeningly virtuous. And plus, due to an over-use of virtual hologram messages, there is practically no opportunity to steal stationary. But do beware, as such thoughts place you in precarious position to be overcome by the Dark Side. Pick your side carefully, as this is not a competition you want to lose.

. Empire Records

This ultra-hip record store is a classic tribute to the rock and roll lifestyle, and especially tempting for those of us who know that the corporate world is simply not ready for us. Do not fear if your musical knowledge is sparing, all you really need is the right hipster attitude. Appropriate lycra and leather uniform is probably also helpful. Grungy, dirty but full of love, your work colleagues may well become an extension of your family. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a roof-top party?

. Monsters Inc.

For those of us who enjoy April Fools Day just that little too much, this fun company may provide the perfect position. Be aware that the compulsion to scare children is almost as important as a fear of them. Working with monsters is not for the faint-hearted, but certainly does have its perks. Firstly, you will never again need a ladder to reach the top shelf. And secondly, you are blessed with the ability to stroll into anyone’s bedroom at a whim. Try to restrain from doing this too often, however. You may be surprised by people’s dexterity with a baseball bat.

original image by le dieu licensed by Creative commons 2.0

Team-lead for Web Messenger Scattergories Division?

Posted by Nicole G at 2008-01-10 14:27
It's a funny period that post-graduation, beginning-of-the-rest-of-your-life time, imagining the vast success and recognition you will drown in throughout, what is bound to be, a stellar career. The only problem is; what is it exactly you will be recognised for?

Regardless of role or industry, the harsh truth that exists, for most of us, is that we will spend the next 40 years behind a desk between the hours of 9-5, Monday-Friday, counting down the minutes till that Friday afternoon knock-off vino. And while lots of companies, these days, actively pursue ways in which to retain and enrich their employees lives, preaching work/life balance and resort holiday rewards programs, the resounding reality remains to be; you will be bored and frustrated by endlessly repetitive administration, the antiquated practices and hierarchies of most organisations and that person irritatingly clearing their throat to your left every 5 seconds. All this without even a thought to the workplace politics.

While, unfortunately, it is unlikely, in the next couple of millennia, that any of us can become Scare Division Director for NSW or Jedi Master in training, some roles you can aspire to are: Managing Director of Coffee Breaks, Expert of Inventive Web Search and Team-lead for Web Messenger Scattergories Division (TIP: based on an honesty-system so pick your counterparts carefully). You will now enjoy fruitless hours to energetically email that friend you were kind of relieved to loose contact with or if it is a particularly slow day; your parents, and, for once in your life BPay all of your bills before the overdue notice.

Take a deep breath that first pay check makes it all worthwhile!

Great article Nicolette, two thumbs-up!

Hmmm..

Posted by Nikki F at 2008-01-21 02:03
not sure if i could stomach the cutsie clan at empire records (my how that movie has dated). i could definitely handle those crazy kids at championship vinyl however...