'The Office' Season Finale: 6 Things We've Learned From the Show

Thursday nights won’t be the same without our weekly visits to Scranton, Penn., with Jim, Pam, Andy, Erin, Dwight, Angela, Creed, Phyllis, Meredith, Stanley, Toby, Kevin, Oscar, or any of the other Mifflinites. The final episode of the series airs on May 16, with a rumored return of former-manager Michael Scott. Until then, let’s take a look at six lessons we learned over the last nine seasons of The Office.

1. Pranks can help improve the workplace

Whether it’s a stapler in the Jell-O or a cell phone in the ceiling, we’ve seen some good pranks around The Office, especially between long-time rivals Jim and Dwight. Let’s face it; these people sell paper for a living. Things could get pretty mundane around Dunder Mifflin without some good ol’ fashioned fun, and what better way than putting someone’s office supplies in the vending machine?

2. Your work-life can exist outside the office

Have you ever seen coworkers who do more together than our favorite paper crew? Whether it’s dancing down the aisle at Jim and Pam’s wedding, supporting each other through breakups and family struggles, or heading out on a bus for team-building field trip, this group does it all together. In our lifetimes, we’ll spend an average of over 90,000 hours working, so it’s a good thing to like the people you work with.

3. Sometimes it's okay to leave for the Michael Scott Paper Company

Do you remember when Pam left her job as the Dunder Mifflin receptionist to join the Michael Scott Paper Company? She took a leap of faith and it ended up being more rewarding for her than simply having a steady income. Don’t be afraid to risk something for what you want. Some of the scariest things in life often bring you the greatest success.

4. You better recognize

When you work hard and do a good job, it’s nice to get noticed. Your office doesn’t need to host their own Dundies, but don’t forget to tell teammates you appreciate them and their work.

5. Take the time to give back

After a bat bites Meredith and gives her rabies, the Office gang hosts a charity fun run to support the rabid.  So, whether your team helps build a Habitat for Humanity house, hosts a food drive, or adopts a highway, it’s good to give back to the community and those in need around the office.

6. If you ever step on a George Foreman grill, wrap your foot in bubble wrap

Really, this is just useful information for any aspect of life. 

What has The Office taught you and what will you miss most about the show?