Pay Day
Wow, nothing makes you simultaneously love and hate people like pay day.
There’s the people who can’t follow instructions be it things told to them by their direct supervisor or a half dozen large signs with bold print and graphics or a rope directly across their path. They create delays for everyone else or a mess. Or both. And frustration.
There’s angry guy who abuses my staff, then comes back to abuse me, won’t follow instructions, then picks a fight with several people in line. When someone takes the offer he runs away.
Then there’s the person who shows up on the wrong day and wants everything absolutely perfect no matter how many people she inconveniences.
Then there’s the manager who supports that behaviour.
Then there’s the 2 people who no show on their shifts.
Then there’s the Code B (think about it) who doesn’t bring the correct documentation and responds by threatening to sue us and making unreasonable demands while insulting us.
This, at the darkest, lowest, most stressful moment is where hope is born. After wasting what felt like an eternity, although in actuality only 45 minutes, on lawsuit woman with well over a hundred people waiting in line, and about 30 seconds away from calling Security to remove her someone steps forward.
“This man has done nothing but be polite to you and accommodate your unreasonable demands. He’s done more for you than you deserve and put up with far more of your abuse than I would have. All the while you’ve been holding up a lineup of well over a hundred people. Think about that. Think about what you’re doing. If this man walked away from you and returned to the job you’re keeping him from he would still be more professional than you could ever hope to be.”
That took most of the wind out of her sails. It didn’t stop her, she started shouting threats and insults at myself and the lineup. But she left and I resumed work.
Within seconds of her leaving the entire lineup laughed at her and commiserated with me on the most challenging issue I’ve faced all year. From that moment on it seemed as though everyone had both patience and a sense of humour.
Edgar dropped by at the end of the day to say hi and take some pictures.
I hate people and think people are great.
