Get One Of Those Multicolored Pens And Blow Everyone’s Mind!

I have started a new engineering job, and I’m stocking up on office supplies from the community supply cabinet. The cabinet is next to the boss’s assistant.

Me: “Are there any red pens?”

Assistant: *Shrill and urgent.* “Are you a manager?!”

Me: “No, I was just hired as an engineer—”

Assistant: “—Only managers get red pens!”

Me: “Oh, I didn’t—”

Assistant: “If I catch you using a red pen, you’ll be in serious trouble!”

I back away and decide not to push it. I’m talking about the experience with a coworker later.

Coworker: “Oh, yes. Those are the rules around here. The managers use red, admins use green, and engineers have to use blue. God forbid you use the wrong color!”

I listened for a trace of mockery or jest, but when it came to this subject, everyone was deadly serious. What kind of workforce have I joined?