Let's mini-rant, shall we?

The BBQ Pit
21

featherlou: Florida chocolate?

I don’t really rant, but I’m getting really burned out on my job lately, even though I just came back from vacation. The other day something silly happened, and I realized that it was a perfect mini-example of why I don’t even want to try anymore: A lady at the hospital we work with faxed something here with the recipient’s name on the coversheet. She then called me and asked me to retrieve the fax from the machine and put it on the recipient’s desk. When I did so, I noted the recipient’s name clearly written on the coversheet. The End.

Yes. That’s all it was. The part that really bothered me is that it was necessary for the lady to follow up on this simple procedure, or that fax might have gotten lost. Every small thing we do here is so difficult. I don’t want to make phone calls because people are never at their desks. I don’t want to send e-mail because I won’t get an answer. I don’t want to place an order because no one’s sure where to pay it from. I don’t want to do anything, because we’re always supposed to do it like “this”. Except for the times we do it like “this”. Or sometimes, it has to be like “this” or everything goes to hell, but no one knows about that except Lisa and she called in sick today.

I don’t think I’m explaining this very well, but my point is, everything seems so disorganized and no one ever knows the answer to a question and you can’t depend on people to do anything right. Is it like this everywhere?

22

Seeing the blood donation thread in IMHO reminds me -

Blood Center Lady, when you call me at work to ask me to schedule a donation appointment, and I tell you I can’t do that right now because I’m scheduled to have a medical procedure shortly, don’t be dense and persist in asking me as if you can’t possibly imagine what that might have to do with my ability to donate blood in the time frame you’re asking about. I’m not about to explain in detail over the phone to you, and within earshot of coworkers, just why it is that I can’t right now. Plus I know that the appointments mean jack shit anyway, because the folks at the donation site I usually go to have told me so.

So when I say that I’ll donate again when I can, say thank you and hang up. Thanks.

23

[QUOTE=Dung Beetle]
featherlou: Florida chocolate?
<snip>
[/quote]

Yeah, baby. Another Doper and I agreed to exchange chocolate; we both mailed our chocolate two and a half weeks ago, and we’re both still waiting. I think the holdup must be Customs - it isn’t the geographical distance, because things going across Canada only take a couple of days.

Nope. In my 11 years working as an administrative professional at many different companies, I see a wide variety of ways to run a business. Some people are getting it right, and some really aren’t. It’s kind of a corporate culture thing - some companies have a culture of doing things right and helping each other, and others have a a culture of “That’s not MY job,” complete with no standard, documented procedures and no accountability.

ETA: It was 22ºC and sunny yesterday (about 72F); last night it snowed. I have to go chip my car out now. Stupid weather.

24

[QUOTE=featherlou]
Yeah, baby. Another Doper and I agreed to exchange chocolate; we both mailed our chocolate two and a half weeks ago, and we’re both still waiting. I think the holdup must be Customs - it isn’t the geographical distance, because things going across Canada only take a couple of days.

[/QUOTE]

Okay then. I was going to offer to send some, but you’re fine on that front. Hope they work it out soon!

Thanks for listening to my whining. I think a large part of the stress I’m feeling is that I can’t get out of my chair. I answer the phones, and the people who back me up are usually elsewhere. If I need to send a fax/make a copy/charge someone’s credit card/pick up a package, etc., I have to save it all until someone else can take the phone for a while, which is “allowable” only once or twice a day. Going to the bathroom is a problem. In the meantime, callers are annoyed because we suck.

25

MotherFUCK my broken thumbnail! Not only did you ruin my nice manicure and make me feel lopsided, but you broke so close to the quick that it fucking hurts! I use that thumb every day, bastard.

26

Can I just Pit myself because I’ve turned into one of those people who is scouring stores for a goddamn TOY? And it’s not even for my child, it’s for my nephew and for my mother to give him for Christmas - so I’ve asked my husband to drive 20 minutes out of his way tonight to go in and get this toy at the ONE Target that has it in stock in our area.

He’s all pissy at me, and rightly so. And if it were for our kid, we’d say screw it. But I know my mom was upset when she couldn’t get it for my nephew’s birthday this past weekend and she had no idea this would turn out to be the ‘hot’ toy of the year.

Ugh. I’m a creep.

27

Why did my aunt have to call me twice during the one hour yesterday that my cell phone was off? As opposed to all the hours that the cell phone was on.

It made me disgusted, because I got all excited that I had two new voicemails-- I hoped at least one would be employment related. But no, they were both my aunt. Who, along with my mother, and their brother, was busy cleaning out the linen closet at my grandmother’s apartment (she passed away a couple months ago). I do NOT need OR want more towels, more sheets, more blankets, a shelf to put spices on, or just about anything else presently located in Gradma’s apartment.

28

I pit the oblivious assholes who abuse the drop-off lane in front of the airport terminal. If you were going to stop, get out, open the back of your vehicle and root through your luggage, hug and kiss your departing friend or family member, engage in a conversation with them, etc. WHY DIDN’T YOU SPEND TWO DOLLARS FOR THE PARKING GARAGE?

Me, I slow to about 5 mph, my kid jumps out and grabs her bag from where it was exactly positoned in the bed of my truck, and she’s on her way. If the Brits had landed this efficiently at Gallipoli the Turks would be eating crumpet instead of baklava today.

29

[QUOTE=Fozzie Bear]
Seeing the blood donation thread in IMHO reminds me -

Blood Center Lady, when you call me at work to ask me to schedule a donation appointment, and I tell you I can’t do that right now because I’m scheduled to have a medical procedure shortly, don’t be dense and persist in asking me as if you can’t possibly imagine what that might have to do with my ability to donate blood in the time frame you’re asking about. I’m not about to explain in detail over the phone to you, and within earshot of coworkers, just why it is that I can’t right now. Plus I know that the appointments mean jack shit anyway, because the folks at the donation site I usually go to have told me so.

So when I say that I’ll donate again when I can, say thank you and hang up. Thanks.
[/QUOTE]

Having just done it recently, I agree. and, I add this:
DON’T FUCKING CALL ME AT WORK TO ASK ME TO DONATE! I don’t call you at work offering to sell my blood, and I’ve given well over 3 gallons since I’ve started. Hell, for the last 3 years I’ve been here, I’ve made it to every freakin blood drive, even when it interfered with classes, and given blood or plasma. The last time I gave plasma, I got no call the next time. Hmmm.. maybe I’ll have to do that. Oh, and while I’m at it, try NOT scheduling all youyr lunch breaks while we donators have ours. 60 people in line to give blood, and you decide that it’s time to go get a snack? Couldn’t it wait another 90-120 minutes until the blood drive is officially done?

30

To certain members of my family: I know you all have strong faith in one or another religion. That’s great and I know you have no idea about what I belive, and are sincerely trying to help. I recently even felt quite bad because I couldn’t connect with you in that way. We all have a common goal, which is seeing my mother’s health improve.

However, it’s been just under a month now that she’s been hospitalized, and every day some of you call and tell me about some prayer that we should all do, or a divine dream you had, or some sort of spell that could be cast that would make things all better if we just have enough faith. I swear to God ( :dubious: ) I’m going to snap if this keeps up. Even if you are right about the big picture, since when have people gotten everything they wanted just by believing hard enough? I’m not going to say that prayers aren’t answered, but sometimes bad things happen whether people pray or not. Plus, she’s been sick for ages. Is that because we don’t pray hard enough? I know this is my fault for not speaking up, and that you all think you’re helping me, but I just want you to back off.

It was nice to finally say that. Too bad there’s not a way to say these things in real life without causing strife.

31

To my stepson:

Goddammit, boy, you’re 12. TWELVE! Not even 12 1/2 yet.

There’s no reason for you to need a size 10 1/2 shoe at your age. Especially since you’ll be wearing a size 11 by your 13th birthday.
Stop growing, or so help me I’ll feed you coffee until your growth is stunted retroactively.

32

First: Comcast. I’ve been having intermittent service losses. As best as I can tell, the problem is on Comcast’s end.

ComcastLady: I’ve scheduled you a service visit, but there may be a charge of $19.95 if the problem is not found to be Comcast’s fault.
Me: I see. Can you elaborate?
CL: well, if the problem was with your computer or anything.
Me: Define “anything”
CL: <pause>
CL: <pause>
CL: <pause>
Me: Hello?
CL: well…if it’s a problem with your computer we’d charge you the fee.
Me: I understand. What are some of the other conditions that would result in a fee?
CL: well, if it’s a problem with your signal or the modem, Comcast wouldn’t charge the fee.
Me: A service guy was just here two weeks ago and determined that my modem and my signal are fine. But, clearly something is wrong.
CL: Yes, well. All I can do is set up a service appointment.
Me: For which I might be charged a fee.
CL: Yes.
Me: Is there a written policy I could get?
CL: <pause>
CL: <pause>
CL: <pause>
Me: Hello?
CL: All our policies are online.
Me: My internet isn’t currently working. I don’t know how long it will be until it starts working again. Could you mail me this policy?
CL: No, I’m afraid it’s only available online.
Me: How do you suggest I get a hold of it?
CL: <pause>

I swear, it was as if I was talking to an automated phone service.

[QUOTE=Anaamika]

I am sooooooo tempted to call up the eye doctor and say “I can’t make it to the next appointment* because I don’t have the money to pay your copay.” I mean, i do, it’s only $25, but this’ll be my seventh visit this year and that’s 7 x 25 = $175 plus the medicine earlier this year for $17 plus the mileage to get there plus this medicine. And this is really really on the cheap side, and it’s for a current issue. I can’t imagine what people do when they need medicine long-term - just sit there and cry?

*I can’t make the next appointment anyway, for a different reason, but I just wanna protest in some small way. GAH! :mad:
[/QUOTE]

Hey…no offense. But you realize your doctor probably won’t notice if you don’t show up right? Don’t shoot yourself in the foot, just to prove a point that no one is going to realize you made. The last time I hung out with an opthomologist, he saw about 60 patients a day. If someone didn’t show, it was a bit of a relief. No show = bathroom break.

I think a big problem in medicine is the fact doctors are largely unaware how much medicine costs. I think it’s a point of pride to provide the best service, regardless of fiances. I had a doctor tell me once that she never, ever brings up money. She doesn’t want to appear as if it affects her decisions. If there’s an issue, it goes to social work and vanishes from the doc’s radar.

This is unfortunate, since this stuff really does affect people. Some people just won’t get medication filled if they can’t afford it - and I don’t think it occurs to docs to look for a compromise unless they are forced to consider it. Try bringing this stuff up. The office might be able to work with you, if they are aware you are having a problem.

33

Fucking trolls. I wish them all permanent loss of internet access, and permanent itchy rashes.

34

[QUOTE=Swampwolf]
To my stepson:

Goddammit, boy, you’re 12. TWELVE! Not even 12 1/2 yet.

There’s no reason for you to need a size 10 1/2 shoe at your age. Especially since you’ll be wearing a size 11 by your 13th birthday.
Stop growing, or so help me I’ll feed you coffee until your growth is stunted retroactively.
[/QUOTE]
He’s 12 and you’re complaining? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. He’s just STARTING to grow.

35

[QUOTE=FatBaldGuy]
He’s 12 and you’re complaining? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. He’s just STARTING to grow.
[/QUOTE]

That’s what I’m complaining about! He’ll be able to get a job as Sideshow Bob at this point. Come to think of it, even his hair would work.

36

I bought two pairs of pants without realizing that they’re 100% wool, which means they have to be dry-cleaned. With my schizo schedule and weirdo lifestyle, I can barely keep up with doing basic human laundry on a timely manner - dry cleaning is not going to ever be feasible or work into my schedule in any meaningful way. Fuuuuuuuuck.

37

To the stupid, lazy cunts with whom I work who agreed to take chats for the extra $1/hour – you fucking agreed to do the chats, fucking do them! Seriously, you accepted the fucking pay raise, why can’t you accept the chats?

When I agreed to do the chats, there was no pay increase offered. I agreed because I have that mild AS going on and get bored shitless very quickly. Of course, I am smarter than you and better at multi-tasking, but come the fuck on! Seriously, when you’re on the phone and pass the chats to me, I can understand that. Actually, I don’t even mind, because I know that you’re all old, lazy and stupid – but when I can hear you gibby-gabbing with another cowoker and know you’re not on the phone don’t fucking pass the chat to me.

When you started doing the chats, you were either too lazy or too stupid to accept them and I mentioned to my supervisor about it and you got your asses chewed. Don’t make me do this again, seriously. They love me here – I do more work in 10 minutes than most people do in a day. Customers adore me. I can do chats in Spanish without using freetranslator dot com (which, by the way sucks and mangles the language!). My average call time (even with all the chats that you pass to me) is about a minute below everyone else’. My sales average is consistently above 30% above web (goal is 20% above web). You will get your ass chewed if I complain again. Don’t make me do it.

Oh, and while we’re on the subject, passing the chat and logging out of chat at 4:55 is the most immature bullshit imaginable. Seriously, if you’re that fucking lazy, you need to quit and go on welfare you putrescent cumgnats.

Arrgh, I feel so much better, thanks!

38

Whatchoutalkinbout, Litoris? What is this “chats”?

39

[QUOTE=Stitchglass Slide]
Hey…no offense. But you realize your doctor probably won’t notice if you don’t show up right? Don’t shoot yourself in the foot, just to prove a point that no one is going to realize you made. The last time I hung out with an opthomologist, he saw about 60 patients a day. If someone didn’t show, it was a bit of a relief. No show = bathroom break.
[/QUOTE]
Don’t do this if your doctor’s office charges a “no-show” fee. Just call and cancel at least 24 hours in advance. I’m assuming you’re going so frequently so the dr can keep prescribing the medicine. Talk to him/her about stretching the visits as far apart as possible to lessen the financial stress.

40

[QUOTE=WOOKINPANUB]
Whatchoutalkinbout, Litoris? What is this “chats”?
[/QUOTE]

I work in a call center. Our call center has a (very well-done, IMO) web page from whence about 40% of our sales originate. We recently implemented an IRC option on the site for customers who are placing their orders via the web but have simple (well, ok, and sometimes complex) questions. It keeps them from clogging our phone lines and annoying us with non-orders.

The chat program is very simple, and works just like any other IM program out there, basically. As a chat operator, we have a bunch of hotkeys (one-click option to send batches of chat – such as our sample policy or minimum order policy), so it’s really easy. Mindless, even…at least, you know, if you have a mind.