I like to think of myself as an anti-MNC (anti-big corporation) kinda gal. Still, sometimes, I gotta credit where credit is due.

The other day, John and I were cruising around San Mateo in our rented Chevy Malibu (rides like anything BUT paradise) and we passed this awesome office campus. Behold Siebel Systems. I was overcome with Google envy all over again. Just seeing that no-games jungle gym was sign enough: they frickin’ offer onsite childcare (not applicable for me, but still a good indicator). I can only drool: if their workers get onsite childcare, I can only imagine what other extras those lucky bastards get: surely an onsite gym, catered lunches, maybe even onsite massages? Hello? Why can’t employers I work for ever offer those amenities. Frickin’ A. I’m going down the wrong career path, man.

I admit I have a thing for nice office buildings. Always have. Can’t help myself. When John and I lived in Tysons Corner, on our nightly walks by those kickass skyrises, I often fantasized about what it’d be like to NOT work in a shithole office with crap cubicles, no windows, and gray dingy carpeting. I guess somehow I correlate efficiency with a nice workplace. I don’t know what my hangup is: I can settle with a low-key, hodge-podgy apartment, but goddamnit, I want a nice workplace. I don’t understand what the big deal is either. Anyway, I’ve always pined after these places. Unfortunately, as someone who is drawn to nonprofit work, I don’t see that dream coming to fruition any time soon. After all, money ain’t growing on trees for NGOs (unless they are a Bay area SPCA or the Getty Museum).

When I lived in Raleigh, I remember trying to get into IBM’s Center for Environmentally Conscious Products. Not only did their work sound progressive and interesting, their office campus in Research Triangle Park was awesome. That gig never panned out, but when I moved to China and got this educational writer gig with Big Blue, I thought finally I’d fulfill my dream of a supped up office. Fat chance. Instead, I got to experience a white-collar sweatshop. Welcome to China, baby.

Ah well, one day I’ll get my chance…