As a graduate student in a demanding STEM program for five years, the protagonist finds herself at a crossroads as she prepares to move on to a new chapter in medical research. With a penchant for coffee to fuel her through long study sessions, she brought a thrift store coffee maker to work to ensure a fresh brew was always within reach.
Initially the sole coffee drinker in her team, the protagonist’s routine was disrupted when a new postdoctoral associate, Anne, joined the group in the fourth year. While Anne seemed amicable on the surface, her behavior in the workplace was challenging. Anne’s condescending demeanor and tendency to dismiss others’ input created a tense atmosphere, leading the protagonist to seek refuge in remote work settings.
Despite the strained dynamics, the protagonist found herself sharing her trusty coffee maker with Anne, who quickly became a regular user. Anne’s reliance on the coffee maker grew to the point where she stopped making coffee at home altogether, leaning on the protagonist for her caffeine fix.
Now faced with the decision of whether to take the coffee maker with her as she graduates and leaves the job, the protagonist grapples with conflicting emotions. On one hand, she acknowledges Anne’s frequent use of the machine and the convenience it provides. On the other hand, the protagonist reflects on Anne’s behavior in the workplace, which had contributed to her feelings of frustration and unproductivity.
As the protagonist contemplates the ethical dilemma of taking the coffee maker, she seeks input from others on whether it would be justified given the circumstances. Some empathize with her position, recognizing the impact of Anne’s actions on her work environment. Others suggest providing a heads-up to Anne as a gesture of consideration for her coffee-drinking colleague.
Ultimately, the protagonist grapples with the notion of entitlement and reciprocity in the workplace. While the coffee maker technically belongs to her, the question of whether to leave it behind for Anne raises broader issues of workplace dynamics and mutual respect. As she prepares to embark on a new chapter in her career, the protagonist weighs the significance of this seemingly small decision in the context of her professional relationships.
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