I suggested replacing our daily stand-up meeting with a simple email update, but my manager said

that wouldn't be 'collaborative' – code for 'I like hearing myself talk'.

My boss asked if I had any 'passion projects.'

Yeah, affording rent.

My idea of a 'starter home' is buying a large storage unit.

And just living in that.

I've been doing the work in therapy to develop healthier coping mechanisms,

but so far, my go-to coping mechanism is just telling people I'm doing the work in therapy.