Many companies are compromising in the office fight. No, not the fight in the office. The fight about the office. Whether you work there five days a week or stay home five days a week.

The most popular compromise seems to be to stay away on Mondays and Fridays. Notice that I said “stay away”, not work from home. That’s because when I first went to work in an office, anyone who was sick on a Monday or on a Friday had to get a doctor to swear on paper that illness indeed caused the absence.

At least the following true story now makes more sense to me. It is about a quick-witted woman who linked Friday to Monday in a motivational sentence.

I chatted casually with a stranger a few years ago as we walked to her place of work. She was friendly and cheerful and seemed happy to be going to work. So I made some silly comment about her mood, to which she replied, “It’s Friday!”

This came as a surprise. She seemed so pleased to be at work. And so I suggested it is not always a good idea to admit to a stranger that you are excited about a day because it is a one step removed from your weekend away from work. She was quiet for a moment and I thought I had offended her. Then she said, “But I like Friday because it puts me closer to Monday.”

Wow! What a clever comeback! Or was she being serious? I think she was. Her attitude made that clear.

Tell me, when was the last time you wanted to be closer to Monday?

Yes, I know. When your boss told you to stay home on Mondays and Fridays.

Welcome to my side of the nonsense divide.