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The paradox of having a stable job is how much of a blessing and a curse it may be. Quite like a toxic relationship, you feel trapped in it but you’d be far worse off without it.

What happens there is known to all: annoying colleagues, burnouts, reheated lunches, ruined Sundays and even worse Mondays, and that very brief sense of freedom that gives you false hope every day, Monday to Friday, at 5pm sharp. And regardless of how many times we could rebinge The Office, going to work IRL lacks that excitement. There’s no Dwight in sight, not even Toby. In fact, there may be Toby in the real workplace but that doesn’t add much fun overall, if any.

So today, we rolled up some of the most relatable and painfully accurate workplace memes to lift up everyone’s spirits. In the end, nothing helps as much as having a good laugh, so all you office-bound lost souls with back problems, have a good one.

#1

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Rijkærd
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Little??? Oh no! I go out and have a toast to myself for being smart enough to quit sooner.

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A global poll conducted by Gallup has uncovered that out of the world’s one billion full-time workers, only a handful, 15% of people, are engaged at work. It is significantly better in the U.S., at around 30% engaged, but this still means that roughly 70% of American workers aren't engaged. This comes as somewhat of a paradox, since a good job seems to be a thing that the whole world dreams of.

Millennials, individuals who were born between 1980 and 1996, seem to be especially demotivated. Most of them are coming to work with great enthusiasm, but the old management practices⁠—forms, gaps and annual reviews⁠—grind the life out of them. Unlike baby boomers, who thought of a job as “just a job,” millennials are more involved in their workplace, often finding their friends and love interest in that same workplace environment. But sadly, not many of them are lucky enough to say they like their job.

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So in order to find out whether learning to like your job is a solution, and when one should think of a change in career, we spoke with Christine Mitterbaeuer, a licensed and ICF-approved career coach and serial entrepreneur who shared some very useful insights.

“Being positive and content in life is a matter of which perspective you choose to adopt. In other words, how you choose to look at things in your life, such as your job, determines how you think and feel about it,” Christine said and added that you could have a great job and not appreciate it. This may happen “because your focus is on what’s not going well in your personal life.”

The career coach argues that similarly, you could have a boring or stressful job and be happy with it, because you’re looking at the bigger picture. “The bigger picture might tell you that this job is paying a salary with which you can feed your family, or pay for an education to get a better job afterwards. Knowing this and reminding yourself of this daily can help change your attitude to a positive one, and allow you to enjoy and appreciate your job a lot more.”

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#5

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Terry Tobias
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found an old paper that I had written in university about 20 years ago. I wrote about the theory that dyslexia could be related to vision problems, specifically problems with the saccadic eye movements that are used when reading. I was quite surprised to remember that I wrote it and that the neuroscientist teaching the class had been very pleased with it. I remember feeling like I must have cheated somehow even though I didn't. I'm still amazed at some of the work I used to do and how I felt like I'd be found out as an imposter at any minute. From what I've read, it's a common phenomenon, a lot of people think that way...but knowing that doesn't seem to stop the feeling.

Diana Buckland
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah the itty bitty sh*tty committee living in our head is very powerful. We are so good at beating ourselves internally we can't believe when we actually perform well...

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Kitty Dalla Riva
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I cried laughing when I read this. Same. My ability to sound like I know what I'm doing knows no boundaries.

User# 6
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been faking it for thirty years now. Only twelve more to go.

Nurichwersonst
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Incompetencecompensationcompetence... explains all my actions... 🥸😁

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#6

Accurate

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Andy Acceber
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If a job requires hours of your life to complete, it deserves a living wage. It shouldn't be that hard to understand.

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#7

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Mitchell
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am responsive but will always move the matter forward. What I hate is people who reply with a bullshit question or answer JUST to get it off their plate. Those people? I am super-responsive to. Back in your court, mate,

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When asked how important it really is to genuinely like your work, Christine said that many people live happy lives despite slightly or even majorly disliking their jobs. “Why? Because their focus is on other positive elements in their lives. Perhaps their boring job allows them a lifestyle which is great, perhaps a lot of freedom to follow their hobbies and passions outside work. Or perhaps they focus on all the positive things they can afford because of having this job, which makes them and their families happier overall,” she explained.

#8

Reminder That You Can Say No

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Andy Acceber
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I found that good bosses and even usually mediocre bosses will gladly accept a "no" if you give them an alternative. It's only bad bosses that completely shut down other options.

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#10

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Troux
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Ok, let me put this 'highest priority' with the 63 other 'highest priorities' I got today."

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For most people, the atmosphere and the people in the work environment influence their sense of wellbeing a great deal, the career coach argues. “This depends on how social vs. independent the role is, and how introvert vs. extrovert you as a person are. You could have a boring job but the nicest colleagues, and if socializing means a lot to your sense of wellbeing, then this atmosphere might be enough to make work bearable or even fun.”

On the other hand, “you might also be the type who prefers quiet time so you can focus on your work, so in that case, the atmosphere might not mean a lot to you.” Christine concluded that “it’s important to know yourself so you can place a value on your colleagues and the atmosphere before you accept a new job.”

#11

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#13

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LittleLiz
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah I much preferred spending 40 hours a week with people who made me feel angry and tired, having to tolerate abuse from people bigger than me, and not even getting to pick my own clothes

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#14

Awesome, Thanks Everyone.

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MyOpinionHasBeenServed
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL unless I'm directly spoken to that mute button stays on and I just click off right after. Thank goodness our meetings are not requiring us to facetime. I think they reduced the zoom meetings due to the old timers unable to pick up on how work it.

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#15

Truth!!

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Khavrinen
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Oh, and can you pick up a few of your co-workers who normally take the bus on your way in?"

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#17

Aaaand The Existential Dread Is Back.

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MyOpinionHasBeenServed
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've been tempted to pull an Elle Woods and buy some colourful fabric and sheers, and cover the cubicles in colour. Ah, alas, the more personalization you deck out your work space the more the boss will think your willing to practically moving in to live at work.

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#18

Lol It Really Be Like This

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#19

Well If They Say To

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James016
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone in my old workplace did this on his 3rd day. He went to lunch and never came back :)

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#20

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Chucky Cheezburger
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And the cost of insurance goes up 5 to 8 percent or more along with inflation so you bring home less than you did before the "raise".

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#26

Everyone In This Sub

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Artsy Bookworm
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First day of preschool, three year old me thrown out of class because seeing my face every single three year old in the vicinity starts crying.

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#29

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Firstname Lastname
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is the "customer just asked if it's free" laugh and the "we're totally making fun of the customer once they leave" laugh.

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#30

We Were Better Off As Apes In The Trees

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R. K.
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When did simple excretory and digestive body functions become offensive enough to get censured? No, we humans don't excrete, we p.s. on letters to the ocean :?

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#32

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#36

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PauWow
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont normally work out, but I'll make an effort to smack the person who'll tell me this nonsense. Jk, I'll probably just roll my eyes

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#37

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#45

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PauWow
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OooooooooooOooooOooooooh, good idea. I hate objectives.

#49

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#50

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SlartyBlartFast
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

then i remember that there will be medical expenses, eventual funeral costs and meanwhile the ever rising prices of.. well everything really

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#51

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#53

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#54

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#55

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#58

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SlartyBlartFast
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the expression that befits this picture is golden - someday I will eyeroll myself into another dimension.

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#59

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#62

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#63

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Jody Whitmarsh
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's called someone went on a job interview to slave for the company across the river

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#64

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#65

Normalise Lying In Interviews. Employers Lie All The Time.

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#66

I Hate Mr. Krabs

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#67

Saw This On Facebook (Browsing At Work) And Thought Most Of Us Can Relate.

Saw this on Facebook (browsing at work) and thought most of us can relate

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#68

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Andy Acceber
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um, she already looks more professional than most people at my work -- myself included. Full makeup, styled hair, fancy shirt, willing to talk on the phone...

#69

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#70

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#71

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Heather Vandegrift
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, no, no... The better mantra is "I Love My Paycheck... I love my paycheck...I love my paycheck". Even though it may not be enough, it's better than NO paycheck.

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#72

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NsG
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2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I don't know when this was posted, but let's pretend it was 2020 because it makes the maths easier. 15 years ago was 2005. Facebook launched in 2004; Reddit launched in 2005; Twitter launched 2006. LinkedIn launched in 2003. And that's just what people are calling social media today. Forerunners to these sites include AOL and LiveJournal (both around pre-2000) which were both forms of social media. Sorry Lydia, this is not as much of a stretch requirement as you think it is.

#73

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jBeachey
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Alan Rickman…now that I know, I can’t watch the Harry Potter series the same way ever again. I told you all Snape was a good guy.

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#74

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#75

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Mitchell
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ohhh, but show the face when you get to say “I replied already”.

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#77

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Andy Acceber
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know who this is or why she's crying, but if the photo comes from paparazzi, they really need to back off. It looks like she's not having a great day and could really use some space.

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#78

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#79

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Jody Whitmarsh
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

3 zoom calls, 15 emails, and a conference call to talk about efficiency.. meanwhile, I'm under the sink trying to replace a leaking faucet... really people??!! Y'all want me to work or not?

#82

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KatHat
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If people don't abuse this, I don't mind it. It helps to know that something's urgent if they actually save it for urgent things.

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#85

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#86

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#87

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June
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

* Don't get up. Remember to NOT get up. NOT GETTING UP. DON'T * (that's what I repeat to myself when I'm bare ass on zoom calls)

#89

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#91

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Evil Hornet
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When he stands behind my back and I do random sh*t on my PC to look busy :D

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#93

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Mitchell
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Common in many countries. What is irritating is when it’s their graduation pic from when they were 22 and they’re now 40.

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Me Oh My
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now, people are lucky if I so much as deign to look at them.

#97

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#99

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#101

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Cassidy ChillRose
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems like a rave, even if you are dead inside. I think the trade off will be worth it.

#104

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#105

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#106

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Naesil
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Naah 2 hour meetings that could have been 15 minute session by 3 people and then e-mail to the rest of the people, easy task to put hours in to while browsing the internet.

#107

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