The Parking Spot

I work for a medium sized company that still has a small size feel. Which is pretty cool in general but it does come with its quirks. The parking lot is one of our quirks. There are no assigned spaces (other then for the executives) but people have their unofficial assigned spaces. For many people, their parking spot might as well have their name on it because they park there day after day, regardless of the parking spot availability. In fact, if you don’t park in ‘your’ space, people will question if you are even at work.

I have my own quirk, but it doesn’t have to do with a specific special space. I just like to park the luxury yacht in a spot that is protected as much as possible from door dings. So I like those spots on the edges of the lot, particularly if they are protected on the front as well as the side. The slightly longer walk required after parking in a back spot is no big deal. Also, by moving to different spots, I can create a little chaos by taking someone else’s space. Then they have to find a new space which causes a waterfall effect, putting everyone affected a little off for the day. One time I was even confronted (albeit in a friendly way) by a coworker because I took their parking spot.

So, a few days ago, an employee who always parked in the same spot, lost their job. Their spot, even though it is fairly near the door and a protected side spot, has remained open since that fateful day. I’m waiting to see how much time passes before someone else moves in. Call it a lesson in psychology!