Hiding at work and hiding from work
Stevens realized that his job was meaningless the moment he arrived 30 minutes late and no one seemed to have noticed. All the colleagues were doing their designated tasks, the level of busyness at the office was close to regular, and nothing was burning or falling apart without Stevens.
This was a pivotal moment in his life. From now on he decided to do as little as possible and not stand out whilst enjoying the freedom of spending his time at work however he liked it. He was either going to have to change jobs, or he was going to have the time of his life. It was worth the risk.
Stevens became the ghost of the office staying late arriving early and at all times doing what he thought was the best task for his current interests. He was researching methods to improve his forehand, so that he could beat Johnson at the Saturday's routine tennis game. He was also chatting up girls online and trying his luck with some poker tournaments.
Stevens was wasting time. He was hiding at work to do the things he thought were important. When in fact he was hiding from the true work that his life required. The fulfilling work of advancing in something and creating value for oneself and for others. Months past and ennui instilled Stevens' life. He was hardly motivated to get out of bed and dress, meanings disappeared and his life became an empty shell deprived of joy.
Stevens had time. His time slipped. It was time to endure. And endurance brings you only so far. No strive no ambition. Life changed and the change came by inexplicably.
The end.