Say Goodnight to the Bad Guy

I received two calls after 8pm from a hiring manager with a potential employer in the past week.  It got me thinking about the “First to Leave” game offices play.

I really wonder if the person was really busy and that was the first opportunity to call, or it was a message that employees are expected to stay late even if they have nothing to do.

I played the “First to Leave” game for years with offices on The Hill.  I lost most of the time.  I just don’t believe in staying at a desk with nothing to do long after business hours so that you don’t get glared at or have negative comments thrown your way when you’re not around.

It makes me the think of that scene at the end of “Scarface” when Tony Montana tells the restaurant to say goodnight to the bad guy.  “You need people like me.”

That’s kind of how it works.  Everyone criticizes the first person to leave, but they are glad when someone finally packs up.  The second and third people to leave are immune from criticism, even when it’s usually five to 10 minutes later.

I am proud of always fulfilling the job at hand, even if it keeps me in the office after midnight.  But if I’m not doing anything, what’s the point?