What really is Meredith's job in The Office? Breaking down the character's job identity crisis

Meredith Palmer in The Office is an unpredictable character, just like her job. She operates on a different plane of reality. This not only adds humor but also brings a uniqueness to the storyline. From getting a lice infection to getting bitten by a bat, it cannot be denied that she has been through a lot.

If we talk about Meredith's position in the company, there is more than one. The manner in which she handles her work also adds a layer of humor to the storyline.

What is Meredith’s job in The Office?

In the first season of The Office, we see that Meredith is working as an accountant. However, unlike the rest of the accountants at the company who sit together, she sits separately. Her birthday celebration in the fourth episode of the season gave us an in-depth understanding of her character.

Her seat in the first season is near the other accountants, but they cannot be said to be together. In fact, you'll notice that her seat is much closer to the quality assurance representative, Creed Bratton.

However, she does not stay as an accountant for much longer. As the series progresses, we see her in yet another role. In the fifth season of The Office, Meredith’s work profile has changed to a completely different one.

Now she is a supplier relations rep. However, her activities are far from being attuned to the job role of a supplier relations rep. In season 5 episode 3 of the series, Meredith’s confession not only shocks her colleagues but also leaves them completely speechless. As her colleagues discuss some of their unethical conduct during the meeting, Meredith stands up to confess to her own unethical conduct.

She starts by asking others whether they have met Bruce Myers, the Scranton rep for Hammermill. She then adds that for the past six years, she has been sleeping with him in exchange for discounts on our supplies and Outback Steakhouse gift certificate. Her revelation might be in tune with her personality, but it is extremely unprofessional considering her job profile.

It cannot be denied that there are inconsistencies in Meredith’s job profile, as there is only one instance in season 1 when she is referred to as an accountant. In the later seasons, it is revealed that she is indeed a supplier relations rep. She also hardly takes her job seriously.

Her role in the company might be a bit confusing for the viewers, but in no way is her presence confusing. This confusion often creates a job identity crisis for her. From the very first moment she appears on our screens, her chaotic and often over-the-top actions reveal a deeper disconnect with her role in the company.

From drinking at her desk, which often led her to do disastrous activities like setting her own hair on fire, to drinking hand sanitizer. Her questionable actions are often self-destructive in nature.

She is also the victim of many pranks that her colleagues play. However, instead of being passive about it, Meredith fully embraces it.

For Meredith, her job title in the series is less a description of her duties and more a loose suggestion for her general presence in the office. Her job identity crisis is rather a comedic relief and not a source of angst in any way.

She freely redefines her role. She is a reminder that sometimes the most important part of our job is simply to show up and be ourselves. One thing that we can definitely learn from her is to go with the flow.

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