In my experience in IT, if the boss had once done what you do, they were usually a good boss. If they didn’t have that experience they were more likely to be a jerk.
Remember the MBA craze? You didn’t have to know THE business, you just had to know BUSINESS. Could always tell when they hired one, the same failed stabs at change would be dressed up and trotted out again. I could tell you stories, but my wife warns I get too excited.
The 80’s were a great time in my industry. Apple Macintosh computers dominated my workplace. Strategic Defense Initiative was in full swing. Times were good.
I once had a job where I was an unanticipated and unwilling go between. I would daily have to interact with my boss, a VP, and another VP (both were angling to take the top spot when the Prez stepped down). In the back and forth, my boss would say “tell Bob to go to hell.” Bob’s response to my modified and toned down message was “tell Jack to fuck himself.” All I could do was to tell my boss that “Bob’s not happy.”Guess who got fired.
Looking back to 1986 I never would wear a suit and tie to work. I used to tell people that I majored in computer science so I go to work in jeans and t-shirts.
Many artists are having trouble being creative because of the existential uncertainty we are all going through. This may be his way of taking a break without completely abandoning the strip. Don’t be so hard on him.
I either had my boss or my dad as my boss in the 1980s (changed during the early part of the decade). I never wore a tie, rarely a suit jacket. Wore a dress or skirt and blouse except tax season on weekends I wore jeans.
Grumpy Old Guy over 4 years ago
And bosses in the 80’s were also all about either “Management by Intimidation” or " Management by Walking Around"…..
Jesy Bertz Premium Member over 4 years ago
Somewhere, in 1986, Scott Adams saw this “Arlo and Janis” office gag and thought, “Hmmm.”
wjones over 4 years ago
Back in my day you carried a clipboard around to look like you were doing something.
DIF20 over 4 years ago
when are we going to get back to the updated comics rather than foof around with this drivel?
nosirrom over 4 years ago
In my experience in IT, if the boss had once done what you do, they were usually a good boss. If they didn’t have that experience they were more likely to be a jerk.
Dawn Premium Member over 4 years ago
I am LOVIN’ this retrospective, in so many ways! Thanks, Mr. Johnson!! :-)
Da'Dad over 4 years ago
Remember the MBA craze? You didn’t have to know THE business, you just had to know BUSINESS. Could always tell when they hired one, the same failed stabs at change would be dressed up and trotted out again. I could tell you stories, but my wife warns I get too excited.
Tyge over 4 years ago
The 80’s were a great time in my industry. Apple Macintosh computers dominated my workplace. Strategic Defense Initiative was in full swing. Times were good.
William Bednar Premium Member over 4 years ago
Anyone remember “chain letters”? Those seemed to be an 80s fad as well.
DJJG over 4 years ago
And how often a fourth panel wasn’t really needed . .
dshans over 4 years ago
I once had a job where I was an unanticipated and unwilling go between. I would daily have to interact with my boss, a VP, and another VP (both were angling to take the top spot when the Prez stepped down). In the back and forth, my boss would say “tell Bob to go to hell.” Bob’s response to my modified and toned down message was “tell Jack to fuck himself.” All I could do was to tell my boss that “Bob’s not happy.”Guess who got fired.
Weakstream over 4 years ago
Perhaps JJ is tapped out.
SGIBeachbum over 4 years ago
As one of the old farts that’s been reading this strip since is was new, I’m loving this.
agforrester over 4 years ago
How about getting back to present day Arlo & Janis? Not a fan of what you are doing right now.
Sir Isaac over 4 years ago
Hard to believe but that’s the way we were back then.
Flatlander, purveyor of fine covfefe over 4 years ago
Worked as a Field Engineer for major aerospace company. Had to look smarter than the customer. Try crawling in the belly of a 747 with a suit on.
Neal Janzen Premium Member over 4 years ago
Yes!!!!..this is boring..certainly not funny or poignant
DCBakerEsq over 4 years ago
In today’s modern office, we use drones.
joedon2007 over 4 years ago
I thought the memo was going to say – You’re Fired
someotherotherguy over 4 years ago
Boomers were just entering their careers. Little BMWs and women’s hair and shoulder pads were big.
exitseven over 4 years ago
Looking back to 1986 I never would wear a suit and tie to work. I used to tell people that I majored in computer science so I go to work in jeans and t-shirts.
JohnHarry Premium Member over 4 years ago
Jimmy – it may be drivel but it’s your drivel. Be proud brother – PROUD.
ScullyUFO over 4 years ago
Wow. Only in the USA would a look back on a 1980s comic strip lead to a claim that BLM is a group of people throwing firecrackers.
In my view, neuroses in when the cause of one’s personal unhappiness is externalized.
TaraDianeHarless over 4 years ago
Many artists are having trouble being creative because of the existential uncertainty we are all going through. This may be his way of taking a break without completely abandoning the strip. Don’t be so hard on him.
mafastore about 4 years ago
I either had my boss or my dad as my boss in the 1980s (changed during the early part of the decade). I never wore a tie, rarely a suit jacket. Wore a dress or skirt and blouse except tax season on weekends I wore jeans.