Monday, July 28, 2008

What a Betty

Every office is full of various personalities. While everyone is different, there are a few personalities prototypes that a Working Girl can find almost everywhere she goes. She may even find a little bit of herself in these women, which is probably why they drive her crazy:

Betty Business - Betty shows up to work early, doesn't take lunch and stays late. Whether she's doing it to impress her boss(es) or really has that much work to do, she's serious about her job. Betty's a nice girl, but she doesn't have too many friends in the office, mostly because she's working through lunch and working past happy hour. But because of that, she's a favorite among the higher-ups. Sometimes her business savvy comes off as being a little ruthless because, after all, she is looking out for herself and her career.

Debbie Downer - Oh Debbie. Something's always got her down. One day it's the weather, the next day it's her boss or cube-mate. She's the wrong person to talk to when you're having a bad day, because she just might make you feel worse. Debbie doesn't smile much and you sometimes have to wonder how she got hired in the first place. She must be a genius at excel because she certainly wasn't hired for her positive attitude. 

Networking Nancy - Nancy takes networking to another level. Her lunch calendar is booked through September and she likes to spend one-on-one time with everyone in the office. You don't have to talk much at a lunch with Nancy; she loves to talk, mostly about herself and where she sees herself in 2 years, 5 years or 10 years. She wants you to know where she wants to go, just in case you can help her one day. 

Superficial Sally - Sally is not one of your closest friends at work. In fact you don't really like her and you're pretty sure she doesn't like you. Whenever you see her, which is usually in the ladies' room or on the elevator, she's sweet as sugar, or tries to be. "How are you, sweetheart?" she asks. "I love your, [long pause] your shoes, so cute," she comments as you think to yourself, "When did they hire Regina George?"

Chatty Cathy - We are all familiar with Chatty Cathy. She loves to talk, even more than Nancy does. A conversation with Cathy usually starts with a simple topic, like what she did over the weekend, but before you know it, she's gone off on 12 different tangents and you have no idea how you ended up talking about the Mommy & Me class she took with women who get facelifts. Cathy is also the queen of TMI. She tells whoever will listen about the time she had to cut her husbands toenails or how much her son pooped today. The best thing you can do is avoid conversations with Cathy altogether. The second she gets talking, you're done because Cathy does not follow normal conversation ending etiquette.

88 comments:

Ginevra said...

don't you have "newlywed [her name]" too? the one that every 5 words she speaks says her husband's name at least once? whatever you ask, whatever you are talking about, she is like "oh yeah, true! yesterday [husband's nicname]...". aaaaaa, it makes me feel nervous.

Ken Duck Geraths said...

I think that you need a vacation!. Or maybe a non-office job. Love it keep it up, and when will WG2 bee back?

Tricia said...

Never make eye contact with Cathy - NEVER!

Great post!

Liv Bambola said...

Oh my - you have the stereotypes down to a tee! My boss is a combination Chatty Cathy and Debbie Downer...can be rather frustrating seeing as we share cubicals =S I'll be on the lookout for the other types at work now :)

Just A Spoonful of Sarcasm said...

HOW TRUE!
I have known every single one of those co-workers you described.
Makes me wonder which category I fall into. I'm quick to think I'm in the "cool & normal" category of co-workers.
Happy Blogging!

Jessica said...

What sucks is when you realize you might be one of those people. After gine's comment, I have a newfound concern that I might be that "newlywed Nancy" girl.(Not my name, but sounds better than Jessica) Thanks for bringing it up gine, I'm gonna try to work on that...

Ashley said...

This list is so accurate it's scary! I fear that I may be more Business Betty than any of the other personas - which scares me a little to see it in writing.

But we can't forget Procrastinating Patty who will do anything to avoid doing actual work, including coming to your office to bug you. Ties in very closely with Chatty Cathy.

esmeralda Williamson-Noble said...

As you said, it is what is within us already that is mirrored back and aggravates us.

KP said...

completely hilarious...and so true. During my summer internship I was definitely betty business because it allowed me NOT to deal with the debbie d's or chatty c's...!

Eternal Worrier said...

I can see all those people right now, including one in the mirror!!!

Essentially Me said...

I don't work in an office, yet I work with all these lovely ladies. And I hate them all.

Anonymous said...

I love this! you need slacker sarah and angry annie... and blaming beatrice (who wants to blame every little thing that goes wrong on someone else)

Anonymous said...

LOL! I work with hubby and father inlaw...we are accountants. Just the 3 of us in our office. I am def a Debbie Downer and hubby is the Chatty Cathy. No wonder FIL keeps his door shut and locked!

Boondock_Saint9000 said...

I realized I am a combination of those...Yikes!! In my officer we have Lingering Lucy (hangs around your desk and tries to talk to you even when answering a phone...ya know, the kind of person who doesn't get the freaking hint!! But he's a guy..lol!

krenayw said...

So this one got me thinking...Since Im the only one in my office....am I all of the people rolled up into one? Scary thought!!!

Kaylee said...

So true! And somehow cubicle cultures bring out the worst in these workers...

Anonymous said...

Love this! You captured them all very well. I used to work in an office and now at a school...same people just a different environment. Oh...and I always seem to encounter "Negative Nelly". Thanks for the chuckle!

Anonymous said...

Probably more so than any, I'd be Debby Downer...but she's the quiet one, right?

Ashley Kay said...

HILARIOUS!

BTW, how would you call the girl chatting and blogging all day long? Because that would totally be me :)

Ashley Kay
27brokendreams.blogspot.com

bookboy28 said...

I hear ya! As a forty-one year old who still lives with his parents, I don't have a name at work because I can't keep a job long enough. You can call me Layoff Larry.

savor - silence - savor - cin said...

it's funny to see that no matter what state you work in, or what industry you are in - the same people are out there. and we all experience the same crap in one way or another. here's to a great Monday morning, that has already gone down the hole for me!

Cin

Unknown said...

haha PERFECT!

Mojo said...

ditto on slacker sarah... extra frustrating when you have to work with her on a project. even more irritating when no one seems to notice how little work she actually does. oh god, i'm starting to sound like betty... luckily my worktime blogging keeps me from truly claiming that title

E.Rae said...

Hilarious!
I don't work at an office but in an all-bar-one female school. We definitely have all those people and you've got them down perfectly.
What about Gossiping Gertrude though? Because if she doesn't quit it soon I might become Angry Annie!
Fantastic Blog.

Katie said...

ahh this is the best blog of note I've ever seen!

Anonymous said...

Uh oh, I might be a but of Chatty Cathy...oopsie.

What about Cat Lady Carol? Because seriously...there is a lady here at work that is obsessed with cats. She even cried once while telling us about the plight of cats in America. She recently had to put one of her cats to sleep and asked me to proofread a 2 page (yes, 2 page) eulogy she wrote for her "darling baby". Oh dear...

Sal said...

Thanks for the entertaining, witty and intelligent banter. As a Working Girl of the Betty Business persuasion, it's refreshing to see that everyone feels the tribulations of cubicle politics and that chivalry is still an etiquette worth noting for any independent women and the men who pass in and our of our lives. Working Girl will remain a staple on my Blog List!

Gucci Mama said...

When I was working (I'm a stay at home mom now, thank God) I had every single one of these women in my office. Oh, SO glad that's over.

Mona said...

I love your categories sweet!

Nonni said...

And which one are you???

Mio said...

How about "Nerdy Ned". The geek how knows everything.

KarenElizabeth said...

I have thoroughly enjoyed your blog. Especially this one, there are so many people in my office that fit those descriptions. Keep up the awesome blogging!

KimberlyBlog25 said...

The women in my office aren't the ones with the typical personalities. It's the men. The crotch adjuster, the child molester, the creeper, the "still want to be young"...the men in my office are the funny ones to pick out.

the free spirit said...

What about the young moms who love to talk about their kids to single, non-parent people (ME).
Seriously they can involve them in any conversation. And of course to boot they have the TMI syndrome so u get a dose of the kids food/poop cycle and talking/walking habits and so on and on and on..... Im so done with that..

Katelin said...

haha, love these. all so true.

clare4lyfe said...

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http://flippingoutwithclare.blogspot.com

Keep up the good work! Loving it!

LRB said...

OMG, these girls all sit around me. You've pegged them perfectly!

Tassie said...

so i'm not sure which one of these i am...i tend to talk about work, and most people come to me when they want to know what is going on...does that mean i'm a busy body?

Lori said...

oooooh, i despise the superficial sallys.... anyone who calls me sweetheart who isn't my mother or close friend is as fake as my hair colour!

Babingka said...

totally a riot! so funny! though i cant seem to place myself there just yet...

Unknown said...

Everything you wrote is on target re:What a Betty. This is my first time here, and I cannot wait to go back and read more. Plus: love, love, love your wallpaper!

Unknown said...

My first time here, you are so on target with this! I cannot wait to go back and read your other posts! Also, I love your wallpaper/background!

paferds said...

nice blog

Seeker Of Happiness said...

interesting, but it's true. there're many different person in office, but it's ok, I think I can learn from other's advantage.

Crispy Banana said...

HI-larious.

i think i can embody a bit of all of those traits. unfortunately.. lol

Anonymous said...

great post.....!!!!!!!!!!!

Athena said...

I'm a mix between betty & nancy. It's sad but true.

Ashley Venus said...

I just spent the last, oh IDK, 3 HOURS reading your blog! I'm in love with it! Keep it up and check out my blog (shamless plug) while you're at it pretty plz!

Anonymous said...

Love it!

The blog is so great that i might spend a couple of working hours on reading it.

damayna said...

haha.. totally true. though i'm afraid i'm starting to turn like business betty...here's my addition, "irritating irene". she just can't mind her own business.

Firebug4u said...

I find there are 5 different characters just like our five different fingers.
It is ironical people say "all five fingers are not the same" actually if all five fingers were the same then could have thrown the ball or eat by a Fork.

aydens mommy said...

oh the things i don't miss being a stay at home mom. I do remeber these coworkers form my workign days though i giggles a bit while reading this

Audrey (the Hepburn House) said...

Great blog! Hilarious!

Anonymous said...

Great post....I work with most of these people and a couple other annoying ones. Awesome site....check us out if you need some time to kill and you like Canadians
www.thedrunkcanuck.com

Unknown said...

Well this is by far the most interesting blog I've been through....

Don't mind ..I'm going to make it a part of the blogs i read....

pkay said...

This post was so cool. I do know people like these. All the comments are genius at the names. I would or can't think of any special names. But I know one person someone has mentioned. That is too funny. Love it. Great post. I will pass this along.

Pkayfit

also checkout http://physiquealicious.com

Cosmo chick said...

Love it, waiting in anticipation for the next one!

Just little Old Me! said...

Well I was bored at my office today (happens a lot!) and couldn't help but wonder how on earth people end up finding all these neat blogs (not a great internet girl. I only have computer access at work) So I went to blogger bound and determined to find out a way to search blogs. I of course ran into the top list which you were on!! (So jealous how do I get my blog there one day? Perhaps I need to be more spunky like you guys!!)
Anyway so of course I am SO in love! I am just a regular girl working away in the office too and the first handfull of your entries I have read describe my office to a T! We are full of negative Nancy and Chatty Cathy's (I often wander back to my desk wondering where on earth the last hour went and why I feel SOOOO tired!) after a Cathy encounter!!!
Thanks girls your blog is lotsa fun!!

Event Girl said...

Seriously great post.
I had the unfortunate experience of having a 'Debbie Downer' as a boss!
I referred to her as 'Droopie'.
She was just sad. So glad to have found your blog!

Anonymous said...

Crazy you should mention this. I don't work in an office yet. I'm far too young for that but even at my 'luxurious' fast-food job there are plenty of girls like the ones you specified and then some. I went into work today for a few hours to fill out some paperwork and found myself placing everyone in a category. It's scary to even think of what category i'm in and it makes me wonder whos all placing me in that specific one, or more.

Sara said...

I might get a summer job next year...I be reading your blog for advice! You're pretty cool!

-Sara

bucklewayup.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

These are great. As I am reading it, I am thinking about the women in my office and what they fall under. I am even thinking about women I use to work with! Ugh...high school will never end will it! =)

Anonymous said...

how sad is it that i know at least 3 of every person on this list...

so sad...

Alex Vita said...

Somebody needs to watch Office Space again very soon.

Anonymous said...

Ha ha, that's very interesting. I think I will keep these in mind for when I go and work in an office.
Even if this is a blog you are an extremly good writer!! =)

*Renee* said...

Hey Working Girl,

I randomly came across your blog & I love it :D! I saw this post and thought HOW TRUE this is, HAA HAA! LOL I definitely know all of these office types :)!

1 said...

OMG..I'm Betty Business.

**City Girl said...

ah! i love it! i know all of these types and i think i actually fit into all of the categories too, yikes! great post!!

Delena said...

I randomly came across your blog also and love it. I worked in an office for 27 years and now am retired. I knew every type of employee you described. I probably was at one time everyone of those characters also. How about
"Take the Credit Cathy," the old bird in the office (supervisor) who is as dumb as a q tip but takes all the credit for all the work and help she gets from everyone else. Sucks up to the boss with every chance she gets.
Also, how about "Stir the Pot Peggy" who runs around all day getting everyone all upset with each other over usually nothing!

The Outfit said...

FUNNY...but sad to say that I believe I may be a "Superficial Sally" knock-off! :):(?@#$

Kim said...

For the record, I was a Betty! Most Bettys are trying to get ahead -- fast. I was just a workaholic. I no longer have an office so I suppose I'm no longer a Betty. Now, I'm a stay at home mom and I get to lay on the couch and eat oreos all day! Right!

The Intoxicated Capricorn said...

oh dude, I am totally the combination of angry annie, blaming barbara (i like more than beatrice) and chatty cathy...

I totally start random conversations whenever I feel like it and dont want other people to have their word... LOL

however for good amounts of time i can also be Listening Lisa, a good listener the one you can go to for any kind of problem.

Most good days I am Listening Lisa

:p

The Shoenista said...

I absolutely love this post. I utilize "sally" for everything...big-foot sally for all the women with colossal size feet...testosterone sally for the ones a little on the masculine side of life! lol! but my fav is chatty cathy- that applies to sooo many people!

Sockit2me said...

Being a WB, I know these types and there are similar ones on the male side. Once where I worked, we had a male chatty cathy. We nicknamed him 33-7. Which, back in the day was the way on voice mail to go to end of message and delete.

I'm Just Me said...

So funny!! Great post :-) Don't forget about Drama-Queen Deborah... you know the woman who makes **everything** the end of the world- lil' miss sky is falling~ she's a guilty pleasure honestly- the drama and the gossip, it's like Free E! Network 40 hours a week.... ;-)

Mercedes said...

So true!

Desi said...

You are so..sooo right. Every office has them.

Polka Dot Princess said...

I love this blog! I know each and everyone of these working girls.

Miss Behaving [badly] said...

Fabuloous writing, until I read the very last one, the TMI freak. I'm really concerned about this now, as I like to eschew all sterotypes and play it all original like. I quit the office one day because we changed systems and I didn't feel like learning the new system, as I grieved for the old one (which I discovered all the tricks and bizzo for.)

Ok, I always get asked for TMI stories, cos I have a habit of getting into seinfeild moments (I'm not being glib, I seriously do, I am being frantic George right now, shit!) Anyhow, even though I hate being labelled, I do like a good character assessment, and would like to link to you now. I'm at Recovering Beauty and I will send my minons your way. I work from home now, so I am printing this list and placing it on my corkboard, so whenever I need comedic relief, I can read it and feel that cube workfarms are alive and well, without me being in them.

Found you on blogs of note, which I never click because it's always turns out to be a mummy blogger who makes pottery from Michigan, and there are always kids playing in snow. (Not that there is anything wrong with that)

Oh this is a long comment, I am sorry.
I really think long commenters are challenged, and now I look needy.
Ok, bye. Love the work you do.

HG
x

aaron said...

like everyone i know is a debbie downer! it's insane

Anonymous said...

This is a great self evaluation apart from the one reviewed by my bosses. I think I fall into Business Betty (although I don't come in early or work super late) but I am mostly business. In other offices I worked (not here) I've witnessed way too much chatting and not enough work while I was overwhelmed--used to burn me up. On the other hand,because I love fashion,I am always commending ladies and gents on their clothes or accessories. If I really like something, I say it. But if most of my non-business talk is complimenting, I wonder if I come across as superficial? Thanks for the reality check!

Polly said...

I loved the blog. It's very funny, but is there no Happy Helpful Hannah? It's wonderful that the office can accomodate such a wide variety of personalities - the glass ceiling stands no chance - Go Girls, Go!

FRITZ said...

So, all women who work fit into one or more of these categories?

Why, then, are they all so negative?

Why not empower women with "Dynamic Debbie"--not afraid to stick up for her own ideas, she's constantly thinking about new ways to improve on systems, increase profit margins, and bring more happiness to the office!"

Women are the problem for other women.

Anonymous said...

Interesting!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

i have all of them around me!!!

Ashvin said...

I just started work today and now i'll be on the look out for these categories of coworkers!!!!

Miriana Lajtman. said...

i loved this. i smiled the whole way.

Anonymous said...

wow lovely post u got there!