Feeling bogged down by the daily grind?
Craving a little laughter amidst the spreadsheets and meetings?
Rick Davis’s Totally Useless Office Skills: 75 Great Ways to Play at Work might just be the antidote you need.
Published in 2015, this humorous guidebook offers a playful escape from the pressures of the professional world.
Let’s dive into whether this quirky collection of office antics is worth your precious time.
A First Glance at Useless Office Skills
Totally Useless Office Skills doesn’t promise career advancement or increased productivity.
Instead, it embraces the absurdity of office life, providing a much-needed dose of levity.
Davis’s goal is simple: to inject fun into the mundane, offering readers a chance to reclaim a sense of playfulness within the confines of their cubicles.
He achieves this through a compilation of 75 “skills,” ranging from the subtly mischievous to the outright ridiculous.
Navigating the Nonsense: Book Structure
The book’s structure is straightforward and easily digestible.
Each “skill” is presented in a concise, bite-sized format, perfect for quick reading during coffee breaks or those moments when you just need a mental vacation.
Davis’s writing style is light and engaging, making even the most outlandish office pranks seem approachable.
The descriptions are vivid, often employing playful language and humorous anecdotes.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to find humor in the everyday, transforming the ordinary office into a playground of possibilities.
Perhaps the only minor drawback is that some of the “skills” might be slightly repetitive, but the sheer volume and variety largely compensate for this.
Delving into the Desk-Side Diversions
Totally Useless Office Skills covers a wide range of workplace shenanigans.
From mastering the art of the perfectly timed coffee refill to orchestrating elaborate desk-decorating competitions, Davis leaves no stone unturned in his quest for office-based amusement.
He explores the subtle art of looking busy while doing absolutely nothing, providing valuable tips for feigning productivity with expert precision.
The book also delves into the realm of interoffice communication, offering creative ways to spice up your emails and leave colleagues scratching their heads in bewildered amusement.
All of this, of course, is presented with a tongue-in-cheek approach, reminding readers not to take things too seriously.
Is Totally Useless Office Skills Worth Your Time?
So, does Totally Useless Office Skills deliver on its promise of workplace entertainment?
For the most part, absolutely.
While the “skills” themselves are, as the title suggests, utterly useless in terms of professional development, their value lies in their ability to brighten your workday and provide a welcome escape from the pressures of office life.
If you’re looking for a practical guide to climbing the corporate ladder, this book isn’t for you.
However, if you’re seeking a lighthearted read that celebrates the absurdity of the modern workplace, then Totally Useless Office Skills is definitely worth checking out.
It’s a perfect gift for colleagues, a fun conversation starter, and a delightful reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to embrace the useless and simply enjoy the ride.
Thinking Beyond Totally Useless Office Skills
Totally Useless Office Skills reminds us that work shouldn’t be all work and no play.
It’s a celebration of the lighter side of office life, acknowledging that sometimes, a little bit of silliness is exactly what we need to navigate the daily grind.
While these “skills” won’t necessarily improve your performance reviews, they might just improve your overall well-being, and perhaps, even bring a smile to the faces of your coworkers.
Who Should Read Totally Useless Office Skills?
This book is perfect for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of office monotony.
It’s ideal for those who appreciate a good laugh, enjoy a touch of the absurd, and understand the importance of finding humor in the everyday.
Whether you’re a seasoned office veteran or a newcomer navigating the corporate landscape, Totally Useless Office Skills offers a refreshing perspective on workplace dynamics.
It’s a lighthearted read for anyone seeking a break from the seriousness of the professional world, a gentle reminder that even in the most mundane environments, there’s always room for a little bit of fun.
If you’re looking for a similar read, check out Scott Adams’ [Dilbert series](https://dilbert.com/).
It also focuses on the humorous aspects of office life.
Final Thoughts on Totally Useless Office Skills
Totally Useless Office Skills: 75 Great Ways to Play at Work is not your typical self-help book.
It’s not about maximizing productivity or climbing the corporate ladder.
It’s about finding the humor in the mundane, embracing the absurd, and injecting a dose of playfulness into the everyday realities of office life.
While these “skills” might be technically useless, they serve a valuable purpose: to remind us that work shouldn’t consume our entire existence.
It’s a lighthearted, entertaining, and occasionally thought-provoking read that’s perfect for anyone who needs a break from the seriousness of the professional world.
So, take a break from those spreadsheets, put that conference call on hold, and dive into the delightfully useless world of Totally Useless Office Skills.
You might just discover that sometimes, the most unproductive activities are the most rewarding.
A Lighter Look at the Office Landscape with Totally Useless Office Skills
In a world obsessed with efficiency and productivity, Totally Useless Office Skills offers a welcome breath of fresh air.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to step back from the relentless pursuit of success and simply embrace the absurdity of it all.
This book is a celebration of the little moments, the inside jokes, and the shared experiences that make office life bearable.
It’s a testament to the power of humor in the face of monotony, a reminder that even in the most mundane environments, there’s always room for a little bit of fun.
So, if you’re ready to trade in your stress for a smile, pick up a copy of Totally Useless Office Skills and rediscover the joy of playing at work.
It might just be the most uselessly useful thing you do all day.
Embracing the Uselessness: Why Totally Useless Office Skills Matters
Totally Useless Office Skills isn’t just a collection of silly office pranks; it’s a commentary on the modern workplace.
It highlights the often-absurd nature of corporate culture, poking fun at the rituals, routines, and unwritten rules that govern our professional lives.
It’s a gentle satire that encourages us to question the status quo, to challenge the notion that work must always be serious and stressful.
By embracing the useless, we create space for creativity, spontaneity, and a sense of playfulness that can often be lost in the daily grind.
So, while these skills may not advance your career, they might just enrich your life in ways that truly matter.
Totally Useless Office Skills: 75 Great Ways to Play at Work is a welcome escape from the pressures of the professional world, offering a much-needed dose of levity and a reminder that sometimes, it’s okay to simply embrace the useless.
