What's your business sign?

It wasn't a scene from "Horrible Bosses". Your new manager used to be one of the boys in your department until the promotion. You've been working hard these last few years, and you're reckoned that you would be the better candidate for his job. There were moments that you resented him, but you couldn't show it to anyone in the workplace. You sensed a teamwork during the busy hours. You would admit to a camaraderie between your colleagues, such that you haven't planned the next midweek boozing. It happened during a break. You thought a little fun won't hurt at all.

An academic career was waiting for you, but you have a change of heart during your final year in the university. You didn't doubt my tutor, who kept on telling you that teaching had lots to offer. It would be many papers, which amused him. It could be the examinations, where you would get a blank stare. (He didn't see it as a joke.) Long hours. He recounted his holiday in Scotland instead. For a moment, you wished to be the center of attention. You liked some students from the next generation to be the man who inspired them in their alma mater. As long as it won't be Donald Trump's kin.

What would be the business sign for an academician? Someone who had time to dust off the table and check out the window (if it's polished). Your colleagues chuckled, and you would consider it as a compliment. (Those who studied literature could have a sense of humor.) How about the other fields? They were all ears:

CEO. You could be the most brilliant employee in the office. Alas, you hardly understand the manual on using a fax machine. You might turn out to be the lucky one instead.

Consultant. Everyone thought you knew it all. Experience wasn't a question. What they didn't know was your lack of specific knowledge. You were smart to use acronyms, which would cover up your lack of experience. So far, so good.

Management. A cut-throat environment, which a wolf of Wall Street would fancy his chances. But you were incapable of making a bold career move. You became defensive about it, as you would cite the number of meetings you attended during your tenure. (It turned out that you lost count of it.) And you would hint of your budding romance with your fellow manager(s). You might remain in the middle for the rest of your life.

Customer service. You could have taken control of your own life and succeed in your chosen endeavor. But you were contented to be in the customer service. It turned out that you prepared for it (with a little help from your parents). You were continually passed up, and you don't mind at all.

Marketing. You chose it because you fancy socializing and drinking. This would be the job description (of your position).

You wondered if your other colleagues (from the other departments) heard your laughter until you recalled a meeting with your new manager. He wanted you to familiarize with his new role in the workplace. You looked forward to it, believing that nothing changed much in your department. Or so you thought.