The Circus We Call Work

In May of 2017 The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus gave its final performance in New York City. For 147 years people were entertained around the world under the big tents until the financial problems increased as did animal rights activism. I started thinking about the Ringling Brothers during the current Federal Gov't shutdown. I've heard some commentators calling the crisis a "circus.”
With no further mention about what is happening or not happening on the Hill, I made a list of phrases we use in our work environment that have a direct link to the past joy, thrill and ever entertaining circus world, 147 years and counting:

​
Whose running this 3-ring circus?
I’m walking a tightrope around here
Our processes are like going through a ring of fire
I work with a bunch of clowns
Too much work. It's a juggling act
​I’m surrounded by lions
This department is a circus
A freak show!
My boss is a ringmaster
Get this monkey off my back
I’m jumping through hoops
Our proposal puts us in the center ring
 A merger! It's like being on a circus train
This job is like trying to ride two horses at one time
​The show must go on 
 
It’s a Barnum and Bailey world,
Just as phony as it can be.
But it wouldn’t be make-believe if
You believed in me

(It’s Only a Paper Moon, 1933)

Image: The Strobridge Litho. Co., Cincinnati & New York.
Library of Congress, Public Domain

Robert Waters
​2018/2025