Why I (Don’t) Want My Name on the Door!

So much progress is being made in making workplaces more equitable, but school office spaces are still the preserve of those who hold the real power.

The Corner Office

I watched the TV series Suits for 10 (ten!) seasons and couldn’t get enough of it.

Looking back, I now question why. Sure, I loved the childish interplay between the main protagonists, Harvey Specter and Mike Ross. Louis Litt was fun. And I loved to hate Megan. But what else? Did I enjoy watching elite lawyers make lots of money from other elites through cunning, charm, good looks and immaculate suits? Was I secretly wanting to be Harvey? Harvey’s main aim in life is to be the best, to be known as the best, and ultimately, to have everything that comes with being the best. He has earned his corner office, and (at the end of the series) his status is confirmed with his name on the door for all to see. Everyone likes Harvey.

Like Harvey, I have reached the pinnacle of school power: a title and a corner office with my name on the door. My seat of power is situated in a high school office shared with 23 others, the administrative engine room of a busy, thriving school. Other ‘important’ people here have named offices too.