Last week while my family visited the zoo, I paused for awhile before snapping this guy’s picture. It was funny how a well-concealed critter like this reminded me of a work conversation I had more than 15 years ago, but he took me right back to that moment.
My teammate and I were concerned about some leadership changes that had occurred, and things felt very unstable in the building. Long story short- the new people in charge were pretty volatile. It was a yell first, ask questions later culture.
We decided that our goal for surviving the rest of the year was to be beige. We both just wanted to do our job and continue doing so to the very best of our ability. But, more importantly, we wanted to stay off the radar and go un-noticed in any and every way.
My little zoo friend shown above never moved or blinked while I stood there watching him.
I remembered how that felt, and as I thought about it, I realized I was glad my beige year didn’t turn into a beige career. We outlasted the bad behavior.
Looking back at those two young teachers that we were, I am proud of us for not giving in to the toxicity. We put our heads down and survived, but we didn’t make things worse, and while we let it temporarily subdue us, it didn’t change us or our values.
Stopping by an English Class on a Random Day 
I love how seeing this picture took you back to that moment. It’s such a strong memory that so many of us can relate to. I think it was a smart survival technique on your part! And I’m glad too that it didn’t turn into a beige career. Loved that line!
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What a great analogy! To connect that camouflage beige critter to having to try to be unnoticed at school is ingenious. How awful though to have to feel that way everyday at work. Thankfully it was only a year. Nice.
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A chance encounter at the zoo and you’ve time traveled back fifteen years! I’m impressed that you and your friend made a conscious decision to “go beige,” but not to “stay beige.” You put your heads down and survived and sometimes, that’s the best one can do. Love the quote at the end.
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What an interesting connection you’ve made between a trip to the zoo and an entire year of living “in the beige”. I wonder how you could extend this chameleon metaphor to other phases in your life….
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I’m with Fran above that really is a great metaphor for survival under the radar when in a tough situation. Extra kudos for not letting it accidentally become a career choice. Funny who the most incongruous things can take you back in time.
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This is a new way of thinking about “beige” for me but its a great metaphor (especially with your current zoo connection!) And you can reflect from years later, with freedom from that needing to be unobserved. Glad you made it through.
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