20. ROBERT FROST: The brain is a wonderful organ
This is my second Robert Frost quote (the first one is here). He seemed to have a knack for condensing the banality of office life into short and funny quotes. Listen, I’m not trying to be snobby or condescending to any of you that work in an office, so please don’t be offended by ‘the rat race sucks’ subject matter in some of my comics. It’s just something personal that I have to get out of my system – the final panel above is exactly what I looked like for nearly 8 years when I worked in an office. I had a good job, was making pretty good money and had no reason to complain (especially in today’s economy) – but I also knew that I wasn’t pushing myself mentally or creatively. The last year especially I noticed I had became more grumpy and moody (what us Aussies would call a ‘sad-sack’). Finally, as my 30th birthday approached, I realised I had to make a change and quit. That was only a couple of months ago so the memories of my job are still fresh and these comics provide a little catharsis for me. Don’t worry, I’ll post some positive and uplifting quotes later in the week!
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I wouldn’t worry about offending office workers. I do work in an office and that cartoon really does sum up how I feel sometimes.
That said, I think your earlier Robert Frost cartoon is even more accurate.
You are doing a great job with these. All the best for your post-corporate life!
This one is GREAT! I worked in a cubicle for just six months and the memories still haunt me. Worst. Job. Ever.
Had to laugh at this one. Brilliant, and as said, sometimes true.
Luckily though I haven’t had a job like this.
I’ve been stuck in an office for almost 12 years now. I like to say that at first, I stayed for the kids, then I stayed out of inertia, and now I stay because it annoys the boss more for me to stay than it would if I quit!
I would have probably ended it with turning the TV on, but the computer can be close enough.
Well my memory did work until the time I used Google – why remember those things in the books if you can read them anytime on the palm of your hand? Sometimes we really should consider relying on our brain more than we rely on our technologies.
i should say, my brain start working again right after i get home from work.
i am currently a banker. my background ? graduated from architectural engineering school. 
haha. imagine my brain who was all about colours and shapes, suddenly becoming an accounting mania.
i need courage actually, i work for the money, not for my soul. currently i’m collecting pieces of puzzles where the full figure will show my path, where i meant to be.
cheerio.
Good luck to you!
That is hilarious!! Keep ‘em coming.
I pass by Robert Frosts Farm every time I go to the doctors! It could be those trails in back were the ones less traveled! [although he wrote that while in VT].
Love the new work your doing Gav!
Thanks Jynksie
Hey, just FYI, the ‘next’ link is broken: It does not lead to the next comic.
Cheers
Your site is filled with wisdom, it makes me want to do something more with my life than just a 9 to 5 cubicle job…
the brain works untill we get into the facebook and turn on the tv….
great work GAv, cam on!
It would be amazing if you made a cartoon out of one of Robert Frost’s poems!
Something simple yet profound such as “Nothing Gold Can Stay”
Great poem, hadn’t read it before – cheers
Dude, is that his TONGUE? I’m glad I never worked in an office.
No, it’s drool!
Me? Take offense to this comic because I have a job that has me at a computer in a windowless room for 8 hours, getting yelled at by people over the internet?
Never.
Hi! This is the first time I comment, and it’s not because of the phrase (althought is really good and the drawings too! I love them). It’s because of what you said. I work in an office and I’ve felt the same way. Sometimes I’m afraid to quit, but usually I feel resigned and I can’t see any exit. Your drawings encourage me to keep looking for something better =)
Thanks and regards!
Thanks a lot Assilem – keep looking and good luck!
I absolutely love your work! I recently quit my job and am just finishing up here. I too, felt like it wasn’t pushing me creatively and I saw no motivation to go to work, every day I would question myself if I could take the day off or call in sick. I’m just 24 and its only been a year, but at times I feel like I just wasted my time here and I could do so much more.
Now that I’ve left the future is blank, and I haven’t planned out anything. Lets hope it all works out. I just discovered your blog today and it is really pumping me up. Love you!
Superb – that’s the first thing that’s made me chuckle today – thanks!